Best TL-15 High Security Safes

Overview

These high security TL-15 safes are the absolute best of the best. There are not very many companies that can make a TL-15 high security safe as it requires advanced engineering knowledge and machinery. American Security is the oldest and most reputable safe company in the United States so it’s no wonder they’ve been able to produce the best TL-15 on the market. For reference, Hollon imports them from a factory in Vietnam and so does American Security on the CEV series. I’ve tested all of the safes and made this list of the Best TL-15 High Security Safes you can trust.

Lock – Best TL-15 High Security Safes

First and always most important for any gun safe is the lock. Both the American Security CE and Hollon TL-15 high security safes feature a high quality UL Rated Type 2 High Security Mechanical Lock. The American Security CEV safes come standard with a UL Rated Type 1 High Security Electronic Lock, the ESL10XL. UL stands for Underwriters Laboratories and they are an independent agency that certifies that the locks are both secure and high quality. I always recommend to purchase a UL rated lock and all three of these options are very high quality. Both the American Security and Hollon models also have the option to upgrade to a UL Rated type 1 High Security Electronic Lock.

American Security CE TL-15 High Security Safes – Big Red Mechanical Lock

American Security High Security Safes come standard with a spy-proof key locking Big Red Mechanical Lock, UL approved Type 2. This is one of the two mechanical locks I recommend with the other being made by S&G. This high quality lock is designed to last forever and uses the traditional 3 number combination with 1 million possible combinations. The numbers are hidden only to be viewed by the user and the key locking dial locks the dial in place only to be able to be spun by whoever has the key.

S&G Mechanical Lock

Included in the price of the Hollon and Inkas high security safes is the S&G UL Type 2 Mechanical Lock. This is one of only two mechanical locks I recommend as it is high quality, reliable and known for longevity. It uses a three number combination that rotates into the lock body on the inside of the safe. This lock is designed to last for decades and features over 1 million possible combinations. You can’t go wrong with this lock, I highly recommend it.

UL Approved High Security Electronic Lock – ESL10XL

Included in the price is the ESL10XL electronic lock. This lock is UL approved type 1 high security and the absolute highest rating you can get. It has additional features from just the standard code like Time Delay that does not allow you to open the safe again for a specified period of time after each opening. This feature is mainly used in business applications and not really relevant for the average home owner.

Additional Lock Options

All three models also have the option to upgrade to a UL approved high security electronic lock made by American Security, S&G or NL. The advantage of an electronic lock is that it has a higher security rating. They can not be manipulated by feel, is easier to access on a daily basis in terms of speed and it is more difficult for others to see you enter the combination.

In addition, the NL redundant lock is also available on the American Security CE series and is my top recommendation. It provides both mechanical and electronic access and is still rated as high security type 1. The electronic portion provides quick access and the mechanical portion acts as a fail-safe in the event of an emergency.

Hard Plate and Re-Locker

All of these locks are also protected by both a hard plate and internal spring-loaded re-locker. The Hard plate is a piece of hardened steel that absolutely destroys drill bits. The internal re-locker fires if the lock is punched through securing the bolts in place. Both of these are essential security features and included on all of these Best TL-15 High Security Safes. American Security and Inkas use a standard re-locker while Hollon uses a tempered glass re-locker.

Security – Best TL-15 High Security Safes

When it comes to security, these TL-15 safes all use the same exact method.

They start with a thick steel plate door, then uses concrete composite insulation material and an additional inner steel liner. While the TL-15 test only attacks the door, the bodies are built to the exact same near construction with two layers of steel and concrete composite in the middle. This concrete material is an absolute nightmare to drill through, saw through and is far too thick to attack with a pick-axe or crowbar. Securing the doors are thick 1-1/2″ solid steel locking bolts that rotate deep into the bodies chambers. For reference, the image below is a cut-away view of a TL-30X6 burglary rated safe.

Passing the UL TL-15 burglary test ensures the safe can withstand an attack on the door with multiple different tools for a minimum of 15 minutes each. Two attackers are used in the test and all three safes passed this test successfully. This also allows it to carry insurance up to $125,000 and ensures it can survive sophisticated burglary attacks.

Fire Rating – Best TL-15 High Security Safes

When it comes to the fire ratings, they are near identical but with a few key differences. All three models carry a 2 hour fire rating at near identical temperatures and achieve the rating from the concrete composite insulation material in the door and body which provides excellent fire resistance. With that said, the American Security CE safes retain the UL fire rating and the American Security CEV safes are ETL approved, while the Hollon PM safes are just factory tested.

UL stands for Underwriters Laboratories and they are an independent laboratory who verifies the claims of safe companies. This is the hardest fire test to pass and includes a 30 foot drop test after the safe burns in the furnace for 2 hours at 1850 degrees. This is an extremely difficult and expensive test to pass. American Security spent the time and money to verify their CE safes do exactly as they claim.

In addition, they all include intumescent door seals along the door frame that expand up to 7 times their size during a fire to keep smoke and heat from entering the safe.

Style and Function – Best TL-15 High Security Safes

Paint

Hollon has only one standard textured gray paint job and the CEV series has a standard textured black paint. American Security has a variety of high quality gloss color options and matching hardware on the smaller models. There is also a variety of textured color options on the larger models. You can customize the safe to your exact style and home decor.

Interior & Accessories

All three models have a no-frills interior with all metal adjustable or removable shelving. There are no additional accessories like light kits, door panel organizers or electrical outlets. These safes are not bought for their interiors but for their security ratings.

Warranty

All three companies include a 1 year parts and labor warranty on their safes. All three companies will pay for a locksmith or safe technician to come out to your residence or business and repair the safe on site at absolutely no cost to you. These are quality and reliable warranties that you can trust. Finally, Hollon includes a lifetime warranty that covers fire.

The Bottom Line

All three of these TL-15 high security safes are easily the Best TL-15 High Security Safes available. While they are all excellent quality products with very high levels of security, the American Security CE safes stand out as the absolute best with the UL 2 Hour fire rating, NL Redundant Lock compatibility, high gloss color options and made in USA quality. Finally, American Security is the oldest and longest standing safe company in the United States and the CE TL-15 is the highest quality TL-15 safe available.