Colorado Advanced Thermal Supply

TEST INFORMATION

This section gives you more of the finer details about construction and testing that we performed on our products. A great deal of time and effort has gone into producing a product that will ultimately keep your valuables safe in the event there is a fire.

C.A.T.S. offer several external finishes, all of which meet or exceed commercial standards for "flame spread and smoke produced" as defined by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) and the American Standard Testing Method (ASTM).

The test boxes were subject to a direct propane heat source positioned 15 inches from the flame's origin. The temperature was maintained between 1800 degrees F. and 2000 degrees F. and monitored continuously for the test's duration. The test oven started at ambient temperature, reached 1000 degrees F. within ten minutes of the start of the test and sustained temperatures between 1050 degrees F. and 1200 degrees F. for the duration of the test.
The 'one hour rated' test units reached average internal temperatures of 194 degrees F. after the hour of exposure. The units with a 'two hour rating' reached average internal temperatures of 204 degrees F. at the completion of the two hour test. A third style of unit with a '1-1/2 hour rating' was additionally tested to compare and confirm the data of the other models.

Heat Source Temp Graph
Average Temp Graph
* Heat source temperatures were maintained between 1800 degrees F. and 2000 degrees F. for the duration of the test. The test oven sustained temperatures between 1050 degrees F and 1180 degrees F. The above graphs represent average test results.

MATERIAL DATA

Colorado Advanced Thermal Supply fireproof trunks and boxes are constructed from one of two densities of a Xonotlite form of calcium silicate, a proven fire protection material. Super Firetemp™ has an extremely low water content, an important factor when storing and protecting collectors' items, documents, computer hard drives and other types of storage media and many items of value.

Super Firetemp™ board has the following characteristics:



Moisture Content: 4% (Percentage of Dry Weight) This is very important. When the temperature of the container starts to rise, any moisture in the substance can and will turn to steam. You do not want to cook your contents.



This material is also available for purchase as building material through our building materials site. They may be purchased as a consumer or as a professional contractor.


Boxes are constructed with proven traditional methods including ship-lap joints which are screwed together and glued with a high temperature adhesive.


Super Calstik™ adhesive has the following characteristics:


Intumescent caulk

- "Triggers" at approximately 200 degrees F., expanding to fill voids and prevent the transmission of fire, heat and smoke. In our design, it acts as a 'backup' measure to seal lids or doors.


Refractory-grade braided fiberglass fabric

- Used on two surfaces, positioned on either side of the intumescent seal providing "triple-sealed" protection for the lid or door.


Fasteners

-Vary depending on the container's size and design.