It’s a cold start to January, but last year our latest product was subjected to 1100°c heat. This was part of an independent BS EN 1363-1:2012 test to check the integrity of a design we’d been developing for the best part of a year. Not only did our communal letterbox meet the strict standards, it outperformed any other product currently on the UK market!
At Letterbox4You, we’re always looking to develop innovative products that fill a gap in the market. In 2023, we became aware that letterboxes are a potential fire hazard. In multi-occupancy apartment blocks and offices, letterboxes aren’t emptied every day. Being filled with flammable mail, newspapers and packages, there is potential for smoke and flames to rapidly spread. This puts people and possessions in danger.
We saw the potential to design fire rated communal letterboxes to mitigate the risk and improve the safety and security of buildings. Using galvanised carbon steel and graphite-based seals, we designed and manufactured a solution that could stand up to the extreme temperatures of an intense fire.
Integrity Under Fire
The result was Defensor FR180. However, to call this a fire rated letterbox, we needed it to be exposed to rigorous, independent testing. Warrington Fire created the conditions required for BS EN 1363-1:2012.
The highest-performance letterboxes on the market had prevented the spread of smoke and flames for 2 hours. However, as the clock approached this point, the structure remained strong, so we agreed to extend the test. We were delighted that, although white with heat, our solution exceeded the 3-hour mark. That makes Defensor FR180 the highest-performance fire rated letterbox currently on the UK market. We are happy to supply developers and building managers with the comprehensive testing report.
When a fire breaks out, every minute counts. Therefore, an extra hour of control greatly enhances building safety. We believe this could save lives.
Safe & Secure Fire Rated Letterboxes
In addition to performance in fire, Defensor FR180 includes several security features. Firstly, a robust lock, which is supplied with two keys. Secondly, the design features an integral baffle plate. This anti theft device allows A4 mail to be posted. However, it restricts the ability to reach into the letter flap with hands or tools to access deliveries.
The product meets BS EN 13724 for safe and secure mail management. It also complies with the Secured By Design Homes 2024 Guidance. This can support planning applications and insurance requirements.
Key Features of Defensor FR180
Our fire rated letterbox is designed for use in communal areas of multiple occupancy residential and commercial buildings.
Defensor FR180 high-performance letterboxes can be installed as a wall mounted, recess mounted or free standing post box solution. They are finished in a range of RAL colours to provide an aesthetic appearance that works with the building’s interior scheme. In addition, we can supply adhesive numbers for each letterbox.
It typically takes 4-6 weeks for us to prepare and dispatch communal letterboxes. To find out more and place your order, visit the Defensor FR180 page of our website or call us on 01296 839401.
We hope that the safety features provide peace of mind, but are never needed.
