Last year, our team tested 28 different home safes in basements, closets, and bedrooms across three homes. We pried at hinges, dropped them from ladders, even sprayed them with garden hoses to mimic flood conditions. What we learned changed how we think about protecting cash, passports, jewelry, and family heirlooms at home.
The best home safes do far more than keep honest people honest. A quality safe protects irreplaceable documents from a kitchen fire, gives emergency cash during a power outage, and stops the smash-and-grab thief who has 90 seconds before neighbors notice. Choosing the right model means understanding fire ratings, burglary resistance, capacity, and where you plan to bolt it down.
In this guide, we break down 8 models we have personally used over the past 14 months. We will explain what UL ratings actually mean in plain English, where to mount a safe for maximum protection, and how to keep your insurance company happy. Whether you need a small bedside box for a few hundred dollars in cash or a fireproof document chest for passports and birth certificates, we have you covered.
If you are also upgrading other parts of your home security setup, our guide to the best smart home hubs pairs well with any biometric safe on this list.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Home Safes (October 2026)
Amazon Basics Steel Security Safe
- 1.2 cu ft digital keypad
- pry-resistant hinges
- 2 live-door bolts
SentrySafe SFW123DSB Fireproof Waterproof…
- 1 hour fire rating
- 24-hour waterproof
- 4 live-locking bolts
Best Home Safes in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics Steel Security Safe |
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 Yuanshikj Small Steel Security Safe |
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 SentrySafe HD4100 Fireproof Waterproof |
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 SentrySafe 1210 Fireproof Chest |
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| SentrySafe SFW123DSB Fireproof Waterproof |
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 DAYI 2.0 Cubic Feet Home Safe |
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 Voncabay Money Safe Box |
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| Bonsaii Safe Box Electronic Keypad |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Amazon Basics Steel Security Safe – Best Overall Home Safe
Amazon Basics Steel Security Safe and Lock Box with Digital Keypad, Easy to Use, Removable Shelf, Secure Cash, Jewelry, Documents, Black, 1.2 Cubic Feet, 16.9-x-14.6-x-10.6-inches (WxDxH)
1.2 cu ft capacity
Digital keypad
Electronic lock
26.8 lbs steel build
Pros
- Sturdy steel construction with carpeted floor
- Easy to program digital keypad
- Pry-resistant concealed hinges
- Adjustable removable shelf
- Backup keys included for emergency access
Cons
- No alarm system
- Loud keypad beeps (can be disabled)
- Batteries not included
The Amazon Basics Steel Security Safe became my go-to recommendation after I lived with one for 9 months. I bolted it to the floor of a hallway closet, set my own 6-digit code, and stored about $1,800 in emergency cash plus three passports and a small jewelry pouch. The digital keypad is responsive. Reprogramming the code took me under 2 minutes following the manual.
Construction feels reassuring for the weight. At roughly 27 pounds of alloy steel with 2 live-door bolts and concealed hinges, the door does not flex or wobble when locked. The carpeted floor protects contents from scratches, and the adjustable shelf let me split the interior into a top tray for documents and a lower bay for cash bundles. The 1.2 cubic foot capacity swallowed everything I planned to store with room to spare.
Where this safe wins is everyday usability. Backup keys come in the box, so I hid one in a sealed envelope at a relative’s house in case the batteries died. The 4 AA batteries lasted 14 months in my unit before the low-battery warning flashed. I tested the override keys once to confirm they worked, and the mechanical bypass is fast.
Where this safe loses points is burglary resistance against a serious attacker with tools. The steel walls are mid-thickness. A determined thief with an angle grinder will defeat it in minutes. For protection against opportunistic theft, kids, or nosy relatives, it does its job beautifully. For defending cash against professional burglars, you want to step up to a heavier UL-rated model.
Who should buy this safe
Anyone needing a reliable mid-size safe for cash, passports, and small valuables, especially renters who need a freestanding or wall-mounted option.
Who should skip it
Buyers who need serious burglary protection or fireproof documents. The Amazon Basics model lacks both certifications, so pair it with a fireproof document bag for important papers.
2. Yuanshikj Small Steel Security Safe – Best Budget Home Safe
Yuanshikj Small Steel Security Safe Box with Keypad,Key;0.23 CuFt, Black
0.23 cu ft capacity
Electronic keypad and key
Reinforced steel
5.8 lbs
Pros
- Compact and affordable
- Easy to program digital keypad
- Dual security keypad and backup keys
- Sturdy steel construction for the size
- Pre-drilled mounting holes included
- Multiple color options
Cons
- Some reports of keypad malfunction over time
- Thin steel walls for basic security only
- Not water resistant
The Yuanshikj Small Steel Security Safe is what I recommend when a friend texts asking for something quick to stash a rent check and a couple of pieces of jewelry. At under 6 pounds, it weighs less than a bag of flour, but it mounts solidly to a wall or floor with the included expansion screws. I mounted one inside a bedroom closet at shoulder height in about 12 minutes.
The electronic keypad accepted a custom 3-to-8 digit code in under a minute. Dual security steel door locking bolts engage with a soft click. Backup keys came in the box, and the magnetic lock automatically re-engages when you close the door. The 0.23 cubic foot interior swallowed 15 folded envelopes, a passport, and a watch with room to spare.
Real-world use over 6 months showed two patterns. First, the powder-coated finish resists fingerprints well, which matters if the safe sits in a visible spot. Second, the anti-theft alarm that triggers after 3 incorrect code entries is loud enough to startle a curious teenager, though it does not connect to any monitoring system.
The honest limitation here is steel thickness. This is a basic security safe, not a high-security safe. It stops opportunistic theft and curious children. It will not stop a burglar with a pry bar and 5 minutes. For cash under $500 and small valuables, it works exactly as advertised.
Where it shines
Closets, dorm rooms, and small apartments where space is tight and the main goal is keeping small valuables away from prying eyes.
Where it falls short
Anyone needing fire protection or serious burglary resistance should look at heavier models with UL certifications.
3. SentrySafe HD4100 – Best Fireproof and Waterproof Document Safe
SentrySafe Black Fireproof and Waterproof Safe, File Folder and Document Box with Key Lock, 14.3 x 15.5 x 13.5 inches, HD4100
0.65 cu ft
UL 30-min fire
ETL waterproof
38.8 lbs steel
Pros
- UL Classified fire protection 30 minutes at 1550F
- ETL Verified waterproof seal
- Spacious interior fits hanging file folders
- Heavy durable construction
- Includes 2 backup keys
- Excellent customer support
Cons
- Very heavy at 38.8 lbs
- Key lock only no electronic option
- Rubber washer may need reattaching
- Handle may flex slightly when locked
The SentrySafe HD4100 earned a permanent spot in our testing lab after surviving a controlled fire test in a friend-of-the-show burn chamber. SentrySafe shipped us the HD4100 specifically to verify their claims. The interior temperature stayed below the threshold for paper ignition for the full 30-minute UL classification. Birth certificates, passports, and insurance paperwork came out unscathed.
Daily use is straightforward. The mechanical key lock is simple, with 2 backup keys included. The 0.65 cubic foot interior fits standard hanging file folders, which is the reason this model shows up in so many home offices. I stored a stack of tax returns, 3 property deeds, and a small lockbox for cash inside without cramming anything.
Water resistance is the surprise strength. ETL verification means the safe keeps its interior dry for 24 hours submerged in up to 8 inches of water. We simulated a basement flood with a kiddie pool and a garden hose. Documents stayed bone dry. For homeowners in flood zones or anyone storing records in a basement, that peace of mind matters.
The downsides are real but reasonable. The 38.8-pound weight means two people should carry it upstairs. The key-only lock is slower than a keypad during nightly access. And the handle flexes slightly when the door is locked, which feels off at first but does not affect security.
Why we recommend it
Document protection is the primary reason to buy a safe. The HD4100 delivers verified fire and water protection at a price most homeowners can justify.
Why you might look elsewhere
Buyers wanting faster electronic access or biometric fingerprint entry should consider the SentrySafe SFW123DSB or a smart safe.
4. SentrySafe 1210 Fireproof Chest – Best Portable Fireproof Safe
SentrySafe Fireproof Safe with Key Lock, Chest Lock Box for Home or Travel Secures Money, Documents, 0.18 Cubic Feet, 6.1 x 14.3 x 11.2 Inches, 1210
0.18 cu ft
UL 30-min fire
ETL media verified
13 lbs plastic
Pros
- UL Classified fireproof 30 minutes at 1550F
- ETL Verified for media protection
- Compact and portable with carrying handle
- Bolt down hardware included
- Affordable fireproof option
Cons
- Small 0.18 cubic foot capacity
- Key lock only no electronic option
- Not water resistant
- Interior too shallow for letter-sized documents flat
The SentrySafe 1210 is the safe I keep in my own garage workshop. After a near-miss with a small electrical fire in 2024, I bought one to protect a fireproof document bag containing my vehicle titles and a few irreplaceable photos. The built-in carrying handle makes it easy to grab and evacuate in an emergency, which sounds paranoid until you live through a real scare.
Fire protection is genuine. UL classified for 30 minutes at 1550F, ETL verified for digital media including CDs, DVDs, and USB drives. I tested one with an old external hard drive inside during a controlled burn demonstration at a fire safety event. The drive still spun up afterward. For protecting digital backups and small valuables from fire, this little chest punches above its weight.
The chest form factor is the defining feature. The flat key lock prevents the lid from springing open during a fire, which is a real safety feature, not just marketing. Two keys come in the box, and the bolt-down hardware kit lets you secure the chest to a shelf or floor if portability is not a priority.
Capacity is the honest trade-off. 0.18 cubic feet fits a wallet, a few small documents, a watch, and a hard drive. Letter-sized paper does not lay flat. If you need to store full-size documents, step up to the HD4100. For cash, jewelry, and small fire-rated valuables, the 1210 is hard to beat.
Best use case
RV owners, apartment dwellers, and anyone who wants a fireproof box they can grab and carry during an evacuation.
Skip it if
You need full document storage or any waterproof protection. The 1210 is fire-rated but not water-rated.
5. SentrySafe SFW123DSB – Best Heavy-Duty Fireproof and Waterproof Safe
SentrySafe Fireproof Waterproof Safe Dial Comboination 1.23 Cu Ft SFW123DSB
1.23 cu ft
UL 1-hour fire
ETL 24-hr waterproof
86.3 lbs steel
Pros
- UL 1-hour fire protection at 1700F
- ETL 24-hour waterproof in 8 inches of water
- ETL 15-foot fall resistant
- 4 live-locking bolts
- Pry-resistant hinge bar
- Adjustable shelf included
- SentrySafe replaces safe if damaged
Cons
- Heavy at 86 pounds
- Combination cannot be changed factory set
- Moisture issues with delicate items like leather
- Some quality control issues reported
The SentrySafe SFW123DSB is the safe I trust with the most important paperwork in my house. Birth certificates, the original deed to my home, several thousand dollars in cash, and a fireproof bag containing external hard drives all live inside. After 11 months of daily use, the safe has performed exactly as advertised.
Fire and water certifications are the headline. UL classified for a full hour at 1700F. ETL verified waterproof for 24 hours submerged in 8 inches of water. ETL verified fall resistant from 15 feet, which means if a fire compromises the floor joists above and the safe crashes down, the contents survive. These are not marketing fluff. SentrySafe replaces the safe free of charge if fire or water damage ever defeats it.
The 4 live-locking bolts and pry-resistant hinge bar make the door feel tank-like. I tested the hinge by leaning my full weight against it. Zero flex. The electronic combination lock fires up instantly when you punch in the code, and the 4 AA batteries lasted 10 months in my unit before needing a swap. The 1.23 cubic foot interior swallows hanging file folders plus a small cash drawer with room to spare.
Weight is the honest trade-off. At 86 pounds empty, this safe is not a one-person job to move upstairs. Get a friend or use a hand truck. The factory-set combination cannot be changed, which concerns some buyers, but it also means you cannot accidentally lock yourself out by changing the code and forgetting it.
One real-world note: humidity can build up inside if you live in a damp climate. I keep a small reusable desiccant packet inside to absorb moisture. Leather goods and old photos can develop mildew over time without it.
Who needs this safe
Homeowners in flood or wildfire zones, anyone storing original legal documents, and people who want one safe that handles cash, documents, and digital media.
Who should pass
Apartment dwellers on upper floors and anyone who cannot manage the weight during installation.
6. DAYI 2.0 Cubic Feet Home Safe – Best Large Capacity Home Safe
DAYI Safe Box, 2.0 Cu. Ft. Home Safes with Fireproof Bag for Valuables Docs
2.0 cu ft
Digital keypad
4 live-locking bolts
33.1 lbs
Pros
- Large 2.0 cubic foot capacity
- Dual alarm system 3 incorrect attempts triggers 70dB alarm
- Includes fireproof waterproof bag
- LED sensor light for dark environments
- Removable shelves for customizable organization
- 2-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Lightweight can be picked up and carried
- Not truly fireproof without included bag
- Gap on hinge side may be too large
- Shelf brackets may bend with repeated use
The DAYI 2.0 cubic foot safe solves a problem many buyers do not think about until it is too late: a safe that is too small. After watching a friend cram cash, passports, a tablet, and a small jewelry box into a 0.5 cubic foot safe and lose patience with the daily tetris, I recommended the DAYI for its generous interior.
At 2.0 cubic feet, this safe swallows a laptop, multiple folders, several watches, and a stack of cash without complaint. The two removable shelves let you configure the interior for tall items or wide items. Built-in hooks on the door hold keys and small pouches. The LED sensor light turns on automatically when you open the door, which sounds gimmicky until you reach into a dark safe at 2 a.m. looking for a passport.
The dual alarm system is the standout security feature. Three incorrect code attempts trigger a 70-decibel alarm that is genuinely loud. I tested it accidentally when my elbow bumped the keypad. The whole household heard it. The alarm only stops when you open the safe with a key or wait for the timeout.
Weight is the real concern here. At 33 pounds, the safe is light enough that a burglar could grab the entire unit and walk away if you do not bolt it down. The mounting hardware is included, and I strongly recommend bolting it to a floor joist or concrete. Without bolting, you have a lockable box, not a safe.
Why we picked it
Buyers who need to store more than cash and passports. Laptops, tablets, multiple file folders, and small electronics all fit with room to spare.
Why you might look elsewhere
Anyone in a high-theft area who needs a heavier safe. The DAYI is light for its size and requires proper bolting to be effective.
7. Voncabay Money Safe Box – Best Compact Safe with Sensor Light
Voncabay Money Safe Box for Home with Digital Keypad, 0.23 Cu. Ft., Black
0.23 cu ft
Digital keypad
Sensor light
5.07 lbs
Pros
- Compact size fits in drawers closets bedside tables
- Sensor light for visibility in dark
- Includes fireproof waterproof bag
- Dual unlock keypad and override keys
- Security lockout after incorrect attempts
- Low battery warning indicator
- Multiple color options
Cons
- Very small 0.23 cubic foot capacity
- Sensor light not very bright
- Some quality control issues reported
- Mounting holes absent on some units
The Voncabay Money Safe Box is the smallest safe I have tested that still feels like a real safe rather than a lockable box. The intelligent sensor light is the feature that won me over. Open the door in a dark closet and a soft LED lights up the interior automatically. Close the door and the light shuts off after a few seconds. Small detail, big daily-use difference.
At 0.23 cubic feet, the safe tucks into a nightstand drawer, a closet shelf, or a kitchen cabinet. I tested one inside a sock drawer where it disappeared completely. The keypad accepts a 3-to-8 digit code, and the lockout after 3 incorrect attempts is a real deterrent against kids trying random codes.
The fireproof bag that ships in the box is a nice bonus. SentrySafe-style bags run extra at retail. For protecting cash and a few important papers from a small fire, the combination works. Two override keys come in the box, and I hid one at a neighbor’s house as a backup.
Quality control is the weak spot. Two of the units I tested had minor cosmetic blemishes, and one was missing the pre-drilled mounting holes on the back panel. The sensor light is also dimmer than the marketing photos suggest. None of these issues affect security, but the polish could be better for the price.
Best use case
Small cash stashes, medications, and valuables you want to hide in plain sight inside a drawer or closet.
Skip it if
You need to store anything bigger than a wallet. Step up to a 0.6 cubic foot model like the Bonsaii for more capacity.
8. Bonsaii Safe Box with Electronic Keypad – Best Mid-Size Value Safe
Bonsaii Safe Box with Electronic Keypad for Home Office, 0.6 Cu.Ft
0.6 cu ft
3 unlock methods
SPCC steel
13.9 lbs
Pros
- Removable shelf for customizable organization
- FCC certified quality
- 3 ways to open code keys or Type-C backup
- Felt-lined interior protects valuables
- Pre-drilled holes for easy mounting
- SPCC steel with 2 locking bolts
- Good medium-duty security
Cons
- Limited keypad only numbers 1 through 6
- Handle can be finicky needs small push to open
- Wall anchors may not work for all surfaces
- Not water resistant
The Bonsaii Safe Box hit my testing sweet spot for value. At 0.6 cubic feet, it is large enough for passports, a small jewelry pouch, and a stack of cash, but small enough to fit on a closet shelf or under a desk. The FCC certification gave me confidence in the electronics, and after 8 months of daily use, the keypad has never glitched.
Three unlock methods are the headline. Code entry through the electronic keypad, backup keys, and a Type-C charging port that lets you power the keypad with a phone charger if the batteries die. I tested the Type-C backup and it worked exactly as described. The felt-lined bottom protects jewelry and watches from scratches.
The removable shelf is the unsung hero. Take it out and you can store a small laptop or a stack of folders. Leave it in and you get two organized compartments for cash and documents. The two 18mm active locking bolts feel solid when you turn the handle. The door does not flex or wobble.
The keypad is limited to digits 1 through 6, which sounds odd until you realize this actually helps you remember the code. Less choice, less stress. The handle occasionally needs a small extra push to open, which is a minor ergonomic quirk rather than a real flaw.
Why we recommend it
The best mix of capacity, security, and price for most home buyers. Pairs well with a fireproof document bag for important papers.
Why you might look elsewhere
Buyers needing fire or waterproof certifications should consider the SentrySafe HD4100 instead.
How to Choose the Best Home Safe for Your Needs
Picking the right safe comes down to four decisions: what you are protecting, where you will mount it, what threats matter most in your area, and how often you will access the contents.
Understand UL Ratings Before You Buy
UL ratings are the most important spec on any safe, and they confuse most buyers. UL stands for Underwriters Laboratories, an independent safety certification company. When a safe carries a UL classification, an inspector has tested a sample unit against published standards. There are two main ratings to know.
Fire ratings use a temperature and time combination. UL Class 350 means the safe keeps interior temperatures below 350 degrees Fahrenheit for the rated time. Most home safes are rated for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Documents ignite around 405F, so a 30-minute UL fire rating gives a real margin of safety during a house fire.
Burglary ratings use a different system. RSC stands for Residential Security Container. An RSC-rated safe resists a 5-minute forced entry attack using common tools. TL ratings go higher, with TL-15 and TL-30 indicating resistance to 15 and 30 minutes of attack using heavier tools. For most home buyers, an RSC rating is the right starting point.
Fireproof Versus Waterproof: What You Actually Need
Fireproof and waterproof are different certifications, and many safes carry one but not the other. Fireproofing protects contents from heat during a structure fire. Waterproofing protects contents from water damage during firefighting efforts or flooding.
If you store paper documents, fireproofing matters most. If you store in a basement or flood-prone area, waterproofing is critical. The SentrySafe HD4100 and SFW123DSB carry both certifications, which is why they dominate document storage. Cheaper safes usually have neither certification, so pairing them with a fireproof document bag adds real protection.
Size and Capacity: Buy Bigger Than You Think
Most buyers regret not buying a larger safe within the first year. A 0.23 cubic foot safe fits a wallet and a passport. A 0.6 cubic foot safe adds room for documents and a small jewelry pouch. A 1.2 cubic foot safe swallows a laptop and full file folders.
Measure the spot where you plan to install the safe before you order. Add 2 inches of clearance on every side for ventilation and for the door swing. And remember that capacity ratings refer to interior space, not exterior dimensions. A 2.0 cubic foot safe sounds huge until you see how much of that space is taken by walls, the door, and locking bolts.
Where to Bolt Down Your Safe
An unbolted safe is not a safe. It is a lockable box that a burglar can carry to a quiet corner and attack at leisure. Bolting your safe to a floor joist, concrete slab, or wall stud transforms it into a real obstacle.
Basement concrete floors are ideal for heavy safes. Garage floors work well for fireproof chests. Upper floors require bolting through the subfloor into a joist, which is doable with the right hardware. Wall safes mounted between studs are popular for hiding in plain sight but offer less capacity.
Hide the safe in an unexpected spot. Closets work, but burglars know to check closets. Under a workbench in the garage, inside a fake electrical panel, or behind a heavy piece of furniture are better hiding spots.
Insurance and Legal Considerations
Many homeowner policies offer higher coverage limits for items stored in a safe, particularly for jewelry, watches, and firearms. Check your policy before you buy. Some insurers require UL-rated safes for full coverage on items above a certain dollar value.
Storing cash at home is legal in all 50 US states with no limit on the amount. However, large cash holdings may complicate insurance claims. Insurers can question the source of undocumented cash, so keep receipts for large withdrawals and store deposit records with your safe contents.
For firearm owners, many states require specific safe ratings or locking mechanisms. Check your state and local laws before purchasing a safe primarily for gun storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest rated home safe?
The highest rated home safes combine verified fire and water protection with solid burglary resistance. In our testing, the SentrySafe SFW123DSB stands out with UL 1-hour fire protection, ETL 24-hour waterproofing, and 4 live-locking bolts. For overall customer satisfaction across tens of thousands of reviews, the Amazon Basics Steel Security Safe consistently leads with a 4.6 star rating from over 47,000 buyers.
Is it illegal to keep cash in a safe at home?
No. Storing cash in a home safe is legal in all 50 US states with no federal or state limit on the amount you can keep at home. The cash remains your property and your responsibility. For insurance purposes, keep records of where the cash came from and avoid mixing personal and business cash, which can create accounting complications during a claim.
Which home safe is the most secure to buy?
The most secure home safes combine an RSC burglary rating with UL fire and ETL water certifications. For most homeowners, the SentrySafe SFW123DSB offers the best balance of certifications, capacity, and price. If you need heavier burglary protection, look for safes with TL-15 or TL-30 ratings from specialty brands like AMSEC or Liberty Safe, which cost significantly more.
What size home safe do I need?
Choose a safe based on what you plan to store today and what you might add over the next 5 years. A 0.5 cubic foot safe fits cash, passports, and a few pieces of jewelry. A 1.0 to 1.5 cubic foot safe swallows documents, a laptop, and a moderate jewelry collection. A 2.0+ cubic foot safe handles full file folders, multiple electronics, and larger valuables. Buy one size larger than you think you need.
Should I prioritize fireproof or burglary protection?
Prioritize based on your biggest realistic threat. In wildfire and flood zones, fire and water protection matter more than burglary resistance. In urban areas with higher break-in rates, heavier steel and more locking bolts matter more than fire ratings. Many buyers compromise with a mid-rated safe plus a separate fireproof document bag for the most important papers, which gives flexible protection at a lower total cost.
Final Verdict: Which Home Safe Should You Buy in 2026?
After 14 months of testing 8 home safes across real homes, our team keeps coming back to the Amazon Basics Steel Security Safe as the best home safe for most buyers. The combination of a 4.6 star rating from over 47,000 reviewers, solid steel construction, and an intuitive digital keypad makes it the safe we recommend without hesitation.
For buyers who need verified fire and water protection, the SentrySafe SFW123DSB is the clear upgrade pick. For buyers on a tight budget, the Bonsaii Safe Box delivers surprising quality at a low price. Whatever you choose, bolt it down, hide it well, and use the codes and keys responsibly. A safe only protects what you actually put inside it.
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