Filing cupboards/ Cabinets / Drawers are ideal for the office as they are used to store paper documents for business records. There are two types of filing system vertical and Lateral, vertical filing systems store documentation in a vertical position as the lateral filing system store the documents in a portrait position. There are many colours that the filing systems come in the two most commonly used are Ivory/Karoo and Hammertone Grey. These type of cabinets fire rate can hold up to 120 minutes – Tested and certified by SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden as per NT 017 – 120P.

Compact fire-resistant drawer. Secure document storage with durable build and sleek design.

Two-drawer fire-resistant cabinet. Ideal for safeguarding important files while maximising space.

Triple-drawer fire-resistant storage. Perfect for heavy-duty protection of important documents.

Four-drawer fire-resistant cabinet. Consists of a robust design with maximum storage and security.



A fire can destroy far more than paper. It can wipe out contracts, HR files, compliance records, and the documentation that keeps your business operating. Fire-resistant storage is not a luxury; it is a continuity decision. Zippel Afrika’s fire-resistant drawer cabinets are designed for organisations that want a practical, secure way to protect high-value documents, reduce risk, and improve resilience.
If you have ever searched “can fireproof file cabinets protect documents from fire”, the short answer is yes, as long as you choose a cabinet that has been properly tested and is used correctly.
Fire resistance is created through a combination of robust steel construction, insulation, precise sealing, and door and drawer engineering that slows heat transfer. The goal is to protect the contents long enough to prevent irreversible damage and give your response plan time to take effect.
Drawer-based fire-resistant cabinets are popular in offices because they enable faster filing and retrieval and reduce handling. Documents are stored in a consistent orientation, making indexing easier. Drawers also help limit airflow around stored material, which can help protect it during a fire.
These cabinets are ideal for:
People often ask, “How can I tell if a file cabinet is truly fireproof?” Start with three practical checks:
Fire-resistant storage is most effective when paired with good practices. Keep the cabinet in a suitable location, avoid blocking drawers, and maintain the locking and closing mechanisms. If a cabinet is moved, it should be handled correctly to avoid warping or seal damage.
Zippel Afrika offers multiple drawer configurations so you can match capacity to department needs. A compact one-drawer unit suits small teams or records that require critical access. Multi-drawer units suit high-volume filing environments. If you store a large number of sensitive files, a higher-capacity cabinet can centralise protection and reduce the number of risk points across the office.
Alongside drawer units, fire-resistant cupboards offer shelf-based storage for teams who prefer door access, or who store binders and boxed records.
How long do fire-resistant cabinets protect documents?
It depends on the cabinet’s tested rating and correct use. Choose a rating aligned to the risk level of your environment.
Are fire-resistant cabinets also secure?
Yes. Locking options help protect sensitive documentation from unauthorised access.
Can I get help choosing the right model?
Yes. Tell us what you store and roughly how many files you need to protect, and we will recommend a suitable configuration.