American Security AMSEC BF1716 Burglary and Fire Safe
Pros
- Multiple UL Approved High Quality Lock Options
- UL RSC Burglary Rating - 1/2" Steel Plate Door, Concrete Composite In-Between Two Steel Plates
- 1 Hour UL Class 350 Fire Rating at 1700 Degrees
- Variety of Attractive High Gloss and Textured Finishes
- Reliable and Helpful Company for Service & Warranty, Made in USA
Cons
- None, This is a Top of the Line Home Safe Worth Every Penny
American Security is the oldest, most reputable and highest quality safe company in the world. They’ve been around since 1946 and have always headquartered in California, USA. They make real safes, not the illusion of security but real, actual , high quality, secure, insurable safes. In this review, I will explain why the American Security AMSEC BF1716 Burglary and Fire Safe is the absolute best home safe in the industry.
Lock – American Security AMSEC BF1716 Burglary and Fire Safe
UL Approved High Security Mechanical Lock
First and always most important for any safe is its lock. The American Security BF1716 Burglary and Fire Safe comes standard with a UL Approved High Security Mechanical Lock. 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.
UL Approved High Security Electronic Lock
There is also a second lock option that 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.
UL Approved High Security Redundant Lock
Finally, you can add a Redundant Lock which features both electronic and mechanical access. It still retains the UL Approved Type 1 High Security rating and includes the mechanical fail-safe in the event the electronics malfunction or the batteries die. This occurrence is very rare with UL rated locks but if you need to be able to get into the safe at a moments notice, this is the best option.
Internal Re-Locker and Hard Plate
Regardless of the lock you chose, it is thoroughly protected by both an internal spring loaded re-locker and an internal hardened steel hard plate. If a burglar decides to drill through the front 1/2″ steel plate and concrete composite, they would then hit the hard plate which absolutely destroys drill bits. Then, if they get through that and attempt to punch out the lock, the internal re-locker breaks causing the spring loaded pin to drop down and stop the bolt-work from opening. It’s one more layer of defense and security for your protection.
Security – American Security AMSEC BF1716 Burglary and Fire Safe
The American Security AMSEC BF1716 Burglary and Fire Safe is UL approved as a Residential Security Container. This means it can withstand adequate burglary attacks for a period of up to 5 minutes with several different tools.
However, this safe is so much stronger than just your average RSC rated home safe. American Security builds this home safe with concrete composite material in-between two layers of steel. The construction is very similar to their BFX gun safes which are my top recommendation in the gun safe category. The door features a 1/2″ steel plate followed by the concrete composite mixture and a final layer of 1/8″ steel. The total door thickness is 3-1/2″ and extremely thick. Also included are three 1″ solid steel active locking bolts. The hinge side features a full length steel dead-bar that locks behind the external hinges. The body is 2-1/2″ thick with two layers of 1/8″ steel plate with the concrete composite mixture in-between. All things considered, this home safe is an absolute beast and extremely secure from burglary attacks.
Fire Rating – American Security AMSEC BF1716 Burglary and Fire Safe
The AMSEC BF home safes are fire rated for 1 hour at 1700 degrees. This is significantly hotter than nearly every competitor. This fire rating is the UL fire rating which is 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. American Security one of only two companies to build a safe that passes this test. All the other companies only perform factory tests where we have to trust them and take their word for it.
An intumescent door seal is included that expands up to 7 times its size during a fire to seal out smoke and heat from entering the safe.
Style and Function
The American Security BF series are available in a variety of textured and high gloss finishes. Hardware includes a drop down handle with matching keypad in chrome, brass or black nickel. Inside you’ll find a fully carpeted interior with one adjustable or removable shelf. This safe looks great and is strong, durable and excellent for burglary and fire protection. Finally, there is one counter-sunk bolt down hole and mounting hardware is included.
Warranty
The American Security BF series comes with a lifetime warranty on fires where they will replace the safe at no cost to you. In addition, they include a 1 year parts and labor warranty. American Security is a very easy company to work with. They are trustworthy when it comes to providing service on their products. Finally, they are the oldest safe company in the United States with a premier reputation for quality. All in all, this is a warranty you can trust.
The Bottom Line
Would I buy the American Security BF1716 Burglary and Fire Safe to store my valuables? Yes, I absolutely would. With a 1/2″ steel plate door, UL RSC burglary Rating, 1 hour high temperature UL verified fire rating and UL approved high security lock, this is my top pick out of any home safe.
Support an American company making a premium quality Made in USA product by buying the best home safe in the industry.
Most companies in the safe industry don’t keep American Security home safes in stock. They end up having to order them from American Security, have them shipped to their warehouse, then shipped out to you. This adds a significant amount of time from when you order the product to when you actually receive it. That’s why I’ve partnered with Dean Safe company. They have the largest supply of in-stock American Security Home Safes in the industry. All of their product pages will tell you which models are available as In-Stock and able to ship same business day. You can see all of the available In-Stock American Security Home Safes Here.
