TL-15 and TL-30 are burglary-resistance ratings from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an independent testing and certification organisation. TL denotes tool resistance: these safes are tested against tool attacks under UL 687, the Standard for Burglary-Resistant Safes. TL-15 requires 15 minutes of net working attack time; TL-30 requires 30 minutes and allows a broader set of tools.

Our recommendation is to choose TL-30 if you can comfortably afford it, especially for jewellery, precious metals and other valuable collections. The price difference can be much smaller than you expect. A TL-15 is still a serious option when it suits your contents, budget and insurance requirements.

We carry both ratings in our TL-rated safe collection, including models from American Security, commonly known as AMSEC, and Hollon. Both manufacturers offer safes I would consider for high-value storage, but the right model depends on more than the brand.

What Is the Difference Between TL-15 and TL-30?

TL-30 requires a longer attack test with a broader permitted tool set than TL-15. Both are UL burglary classifications based on independent testing under UL 687, rather than a manufacturer’s general claim that a safe is secure.

TL-30 doubles the tested attack time, but that does not mean a safe is exactly twice as secure in every burglary.

UL measures net working time during a controlled attack, rather than the total time a burglar might spend at your property. Pauses in active work do not count towards that total. A TL-15 therefore does not mean a burglar can open the safe in 16 minutes, and TL-30 does not promise a particular outcome after half an hour.

Is a TL-30 Safe Worth the Extra Money?

A TL-30 safe is worth the extra money when the increase is manageable and you are protecting belongings that would be expensive or difficult to replace.

I would look particularly closely at TL-30 for a growing gold collection, valuable watches, inherited jewellery or business inventory. You may keep the same safe for years while the value inside it increases.

The upgrade does not automatically double your cost. Here are four models I would compare:

Prices are in US dollars and subject to change. Hollon prices shown are for electronic-lock versions; combination dial locks are also available. Delivery upgrades and installation may cost extra. Approximate volumes are calculated from the internal dimensions; shelves, organisers and door clearance affect what you can fit.

Why I Would Spend Another $421 on the Hollon MJ-1014

The Hollon MJ-1014 costs $421 more than the PM-1014, an increase of about 24%. If your belongings fit and both models suit the installation, I would usually choose the MJ.

For that additional cost, you move from UL TL-15 to UL TL-30 burglary protection. For someone buying a safe primarily to protect jewellery or precious metals, I consider that a worthwhile use of the budget.

The MJ-1014 is the compact example here. Our value recommendation extends to the Hollon MJ series, with the model size chosen around your collection.

I would choose the PM instead when $1,720 is already near the spending limit and TL-15 meets the buyer’s requirements. There is still a delivery and installation decision to make, so I would not spend the entire budget on the safe and leave no allowance for putting it in place properly.

When I Would Pay More for the AMSEC CF1814

The AMSEC CF1814 costs $1,758.75 more than the CEV1814, about 67% more. That is a more substantial decision than the compact Hollon upgrade.

I would choose the CF1814 when I wanted AMSEC’s TL-30 construction and its interior suited the collection. Its 14-inch internal width may matter for trays and boxes that will not fit across the CEV1814’s 12.375-inch width.

The CF1814 also combines UL TL-30 burglary protection with independently tested two-hour fire protection. It is manufactured in the United States. The CEV1814 is part of AMSEC’s imported CEV range and also has independently tested two-hour fire protection. Moving from the CEV1814 to the CF1814 therefore brings a higher burglary rating and US manufacture, alongside differences in construction, interior shape and lock configuration.

I would not recommend the CF1814 simply because it is the most expensive model in this comparison. I would recommend it when those features justify the additional cost for what you are storing.

Why Does the AMSEC CF Cost More Than the Hollon MJ?

The AMSEC CF series is manufactured in the United States, whereas the Hollon PM and MJ ranges are manufactured overseas. US manufacture, differences in construction and independently tested fire protection help explain the CF’s higher price. The Hollon models have factory-tested fire ratings.

Both the CF and MJ carry UL TL-30 burglary ratings, so the AMSEC premium does not buy a higher burglary classification. I would pay more for the CF when its US manufacture, independently tested fire protection and interior suit what I need. For buyers prioritising TL-30 burglary protection at a lower price, the Hollon MJ remains our value recommendation.

Can a TL-30 Safe Cost Less Than a TL-15?

A TL-30 can cost less than a TL-15 when you compare different brands and sizes. The Hollon MJ-1014 is $480.25 less than the AMSEC CEV1814 at the prices above.

That is why I recommend choosing your required protection level first, then comparing suitable models within it. Do not assume TL-30 is outside your budget because one particular TL-15 is already expensive.

The Hollon and AMSEC are not interchangeable, though. The CEV1814 provides considerably more internal volume, and its independently tested fire rating differs from the Hollon’s factory fire rating.

My decision would be:

• Choose the Hollon MJ-1014 when the collection fits and TL-30 burglary protection is the priority.
• Consider the AMSEC CEV1814 when its additional space and independently tested fire protection matter, provided TL-15 is appropriate.
• Compare larger Hollon MJ models or the AMSEC CF range when you need more room without dropping below TL-30.

A lower price does not automatically mean weaker burglary protection, just as a higher price does not automatically buy a higher rating.

When Is a TL-15 Safe a Good Choice?

A TL-15 safe is a good choice when it meets your storage and insurance requirements and keeps the complete purchase within a sensible budget.

I would consider TL-15 when you want tested burglary resistance for a smaller collection, suitable TL-30 alternatives exceed your budget, or you need more space than an affordable TL-30 provides.

There is no reason to dismiss TL-15 simply because TL-30 exists. The Hollon PM range and AMSEC CEV range both deserve consideration. My advice is to price the TL-30 alternative before settling on TL-15, rather than assuming the upgrade will be unaffordable.

Ask your insurer to approve the proposed model and installation for the belongings you intend to store. A retailer’s suggested contents value is not a guaranteed insurance limit.

Which Rating Do We Recommend for Jewellery and Precious Metals?

For valuable jewellery and precious metals, I generally favour TL-30 when the budget allows. These collections can concentrate considerable value in a small space, so I would prioritise burglary resistance before decorative finishes.

Jewellery and Watches

For jewellery, choose the protection level first, then work out how to organise the collection. Measure watch boxes, necklace trays and any drawers you want to use.

When browsing our jewellery safes, check the exact model’s burglary rating as well as its interior. A fitted jewellery drawer can make everyday use easier, but it does not establish how well the safe resists an attack.

For a substantial collection, I would compare TL-30 models before compromising on the rating to get a particular finish.

Gold, Silver and Collectible Coins

For precious metals, the Hollon MJ series is our pick for the best-value UL TL-30 range we sell. Choose the size around your collection, including coin boxes, tubes and any additions you expect to make.

The MJ-1014 is the compact starting point. If you need more room, I would compare the larger MJ models before moving down to TL-15 to stay within budget. Our recommendation is for the range, rather than one size that will suit everyone.

The AMSEC CF series is worth comparing when its construction and independently tested fire protection justify the additional cost.

Our guide to the best safes for gold and silver compares specific models. For decisions about combining home storage with other arrangements, see our gold and silver storage guide.

How Do You Check Whether Your Collection Will Fit?

Check the dimensions of your largest boxes and organisers against the safe’s internal width, depth, shelf spacing and door opening. Cubic capacity alone will not tell you whether a particular item fits.

For example, the CF1814 has an interior measuring 18 inches high, 14 inches wide and 12 inches deep. A tray that measures exactly 14 inches across leaves no spare width for handling. I would allow clearance rather than buying around an exact fit.

Before choosing a model:

1. Measure coin boxes, watch cases and jewellery trays with their lids closed.
2. Sketch how you will arrange them across each shelf.
3. Allow room to lift items out without unpacking the entire safe.
4. Check the door opening and any space taken up by fittings.
5. Leave capacity for additions to the collection.

For silver, also consider the weight of the contents and confirm the shelf load limits. A box fitting physically does not establish that a shelf can support it.

Our safe size guide explains how to plan the interior and installation space.

How Much Should You Budget for Delivery and Installation?

On eligible models, including selected Hollon safes, we can offer garage delivery from $99. If you need inside delivery or a different arrangement, we can contact safe-moving companies in your area on your behalf.

As a general budgeting guide, I would allow around $300–$700 for many safe-moving jobs, but the actual quote depends on the weight, location and access. Difficult jobs can cost more.

The mover will need to know:

• The safe model and weight.
• Where the safe will be collected or received.
• Where you want it positioned.
• Whether the route includes stairs, tight turns or uneven ground.
• Whether the destination is an occupied property or a construction site.
• Whether you need anchoring, and what surface the safe will sit on.

Garage delivery should not be treated as an inside-placement or anchoring service. Confirm exactly what is included before booking.

The four models above range from 450 lb for the Hollon PM-1014 to 854 lb for the AMSEC CEV1814. That is another reason to compare the complete installed cost rather than assuming a higher burglary rating always means a heavier or more expensive move.

Does TL-30 Mean Better Fire Protection?

A UL TL-30 burglary rating does not establish a safe’s fire resistance. Burglary and fire ratings measure different things and require separate testing.

The Hollon PM-1014 and MJ-1014 have factory-tested two-hour fire ratings. The AMSEC CEV1814 and CF1814 have independently tested two-hour fire ratings at 1,850°F.

I would compare who performed the fire test and its stated conditions, rather than treating every “two-hour” claim as equivalent. If you are choosing between two safes with the same burglary rating, fire testing may be one of the reasons to spend more.

Should You Consider TL-30X6 Instead?

Consider TL-30X6 when you need the named burglary resistance on all six sides, particularly for higher-value storage or where your insurer requires it. Standard TL-15 and TL-30 should not be confused with six-sided attack ratings.

For an exceptionally valuable collection, I would discuss the installation and threat level with you before recommending standard TL-30 as the final answer.

Our TL-Rated Safe Recommendations

The Hollon MJ series is our recommendation for the best-value TL-30 range we sell. Start with the size your collection needs, then compare the complete cost, including delivery and installation.

For a compact collection that fits, I would usually spend the additional $421 on the MJ-1014 rather than choose the PM-1014. If you need more room, compare the larger MJ models. The AMSEC CF range is worth considering when its construction and independently tested fire protection justify the additional cost.

If TL-30 pushes the complete purchase beyond your budget, a suitable TL-15 remains a worthwhile choice. Buy the right size, confirm any insurance requirements and arrange proper installation.

Browse our TL-30 safes alongside our TL-15 options, or get in touch with us for help choosing a safe and arranging delivery.