Consultation
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As part of our ongoing commitment to R&D and market reassurance, we have further tested and assessed our Fire Rated mailboxes.

FR1, FR2 & FR3, three fire rated mailbox models had already been tested by Warrington Fire to the previous BS 476 Part 22: 1987 standard, which meant that they had all achieved a 60-minute fire rating.

However, we wanted to push our fire rated post boxes even further. Over time, demand for fire rated mailboxes has grown, especially for use inside fire escape areas such as apartment lobbies and reception areas. We wanted to extend the test to 2 hours to ensure that the area commonly used as an evacuation point was capable of holding back a fire or containing a fire for at least that time, giving everyone confidence in the products abilities.

To achieve this, we sent our fire rated post boxes, which already had a 60-minute fire rating, to Warrington Fire for a 120-minute integrity only test. In October 2019 and October 2020 we tested these mailboxes at Warrington Fire as singles and as banks in order to see exactly how they would perform in a fire situation. On both occasions they passed the 2 hour test with no failures.

The Safety Letterbox Company Research and Development team worked with Warrington Fire to become the first company to achieve full Fire Rating (two hour integrity) to BS EN 1363-1:2012, on this specifically created group of products.

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Comprehensive Fire Rated Testing

The fire rated test involved removing the backs of the mailboxes to simulate a fire inside and to the rear and to do so they were placed in a furnace which was turned up to 1030 degrees C. The test was concluded at 136 minutes, and our mailboxes showed no signs of weakness or deterioration. They passed the test and are now fire rated for two hours, complying to the new BS EN 1363-1:2012 standard. The tests resulted in assessments produced for freestanding, on or in a masonry wall and on or in a plasterboard wall.

We are so proud of this achievement, as offering safe mail solutions has always been a top priority for us as a business. As a reliable British and trusted manufacturer we always offer additional safety advice and guidelines when using fire rated mailboxes within a fire wall.

Full advice and guidance is offered by our team to ensure full consideration is given to the handling of these products on site.

BS476 Fire Rated Letter Box from The Safety Letterbox Company

BS 476 – Part 22

This superior group of Fire Rated products contain a series of features and benefits that result in a ‘two hour integrity’ rating. As a result of many complex features, this product range is the more costly option, and satisfies the demands of the fire officer if a higher specification is required.

Class 0 Rating: BS 476 Part 6 & 7

The Class 0 rating can be achieved by formally testing materials to BS476: Part 7 and Part 6. This group will satisfy the demands of fire protection in most cases, and provide an affordable alternative if Class 0 is required. The Safety Letterbox Company have Part 6 & 7 tested products carried out by EXOVA Warrington fire that have complied with the requirements for Class 0 surface spread of a material or composite product, as defined in para A13b of Approved Document B, ‘Fire Safety’ to the Building Regulations 2000.

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Research and Development

At The Safety Letterbox Company, our Research and Development team worked with Exova Warrington to become the first company to achieve full Fire Rating (two hour integrity only) to BS 476 Part 22, on this specifically created group of products. We continue to push the boundaries and be at the forefront of Fire Rated product advances, we are currently investing in further testing and R&D to enable us to expand the range in this area.

fire rated letterbox
FIRE RATED MAILBOXES

Fire Rated 1 Mailbox

The Fire Rated 1 Mailbox is an in front / out front vertical product that is suitable for wall mounting, wall recessing or freestanding. The relatively minimal depth of the mailbox is ideal for recessing into walls that feature a restricted depth, maximising the amount of available space in the installation location.

The Fire Rated 1 mailbox has been developed to restrict the spread of fire for up to two hours only and if recessed into a fire rated wall, will maintain the integrity of the fire rated wall for up to two hours only.

fire rated post box
FIRE RATED MAILBOXES

Fire Rated 2 Mailbox

The Fire Rated 2 Mailbox is an in front / out front horizontal product that is suitable for wall mounting, wall recessing or freestanding. The relatively minimal height of the mailbox is ideal for maximising the quantity of mailboxes that can be used in a restricted area.

The Fire Rated 2 mailbox has been developed to restrict the spread of fire for up to two hours only and if recessed into a fire rated wall, will maintain the integrity of the fire rated wall for up to one hour.

Fire Rated Mailboxes by the safety letterbox company
FIRE RATED MAILBOXES

Fire Rated 3 Mailbox

The Fire Rated 3 Mailbox is an in front / out back product that is suitable for through the wall processing of mail that can be installed both internally or externally to suit. The Fire Rated 3 mailbox is designed in a panel which can be created to meet the requirements of each individual project.

The Fire Rated 3 Mailbox flap uses an inward sprung hinge to stop the flap from falling out of the box when exposed to fire. The mailbox features an aperture that uses an intumescent seal which expands when exposed to a large increase in temperature; closing the space available and restricting the flow of oxygen into the mailbox.

Fire Rated Mailbox Projects

Frequently Asked Questions

Two Fire Rated ranges are available to use, the first option is to meet the BS 476 Part 22 which features products with specific features and benefits that result in a ‘one hour integrity’ rating. The second option is to meet the BS 476 Part 6 & 7 which will satisfy the demands of fire protection in most cases, and provide an affordable alternative if non-flammable materials are acceptable. All products achieving these standards are polyester powder coated to London Underground Eningeering Standard 2-01001-002 for surface spread of flame.

Mailboxes featured in the Fire Rated BS 476 Part 22 range have been tested for up to ‘two hour integrity’ only. This standard typically tests the material that the product is made of to see if it will ‘fuel a fire’.

All mailboxes can be fitted with a FireTrace™ which is a single use automatic fire extinguisher. The FireTrace is fitted internally in a mailbox and in the event of a fire being started in a mailbox, the heat generated softens the tube which punctures the item at the hottest point (approximately 80º). The gas contained in the tub is released into the seat of the fire extinguishing the fire at the source.

No. The Fire Rated range has been tested at the specified dimensions and any adjustment in sizing will result in the mailbox not meeting the Fire Rating standards. We have three different types of mailboxes that meet these fire standards, The FR1 Vertical Mailbox, FR2 Horizontal product and the through the wall FR3 mailbox.

Fire Rated Mailboxes are fitted with an additional security bridge feature so that they comply with the Secured by Design Homes 2023 guidelines. Combining a security bridge with a mailbox from the Fire Rated range means it will comply with both Fire Rating and Secured by Design Homes 2023 guidelines.

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No-obligation consultation

We welcome the chance to discuss your project and we can share all that is current in terms of standards and product options totally free of charge.

Simply complete and submit the form and we will get back in touch to talk through your requirements.

We also provide Autocad drawings as required – it’s all part of the service!

safety letterbox mailbox Grid Icon

No-obligation consultation

We welcome the chance to discuss your project and we can share all that is current in terms of standards and product options totally free of charge.

Simply complete and submit the form and we will get back in touch to talk through your requirements.

We also provide Autocad drawings as required – it’s all part of the service!