American Security CE5524 High Security Safe Review

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. The American Security CE TL-15 High Security series is undoubtedly the strongest TL-15 available. In this review, I’ll help you understand what makes the American Security CE5524 High Security Safe worth every penny.

Lock – American Security AMSEC CE5524 High Security Safe

UL Approved High Security Mechanical Lock

First and always most important for any safe is its lock and the American Security CE5524 High Security Safe comes 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.

UL Approved High Security Electronic Lock – ESL10XL

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. This feature is mainly used in business applications and not really relevant for the average home owner.

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 vault door at a moments notice, this is the best option.

Security – American Security CE5524 High Security Safe

Now here is what truly makes the American Security CE5524 High Security Safe so special. Most safes are one layer of steel and gypsum fire board on the inside to create the fire rating. Even the highest security gun safes are all built to this style of construction. This safe is UL approved as TL-15 burglary rating which means it can be insured for contents up to $125,000 and can survive sophisticated burglary attacks.

To accomplish this prestigious rating, American Security uses a massive 6″ door, constructed of a 3″ defense barrier of outer and inner steel plates creating a single structure encasing a unique, high density fire and burglary resistant composite material. This defense barrier on the AMSEC CE5524 houses a proprietary amalgamation of nuggets and steel fibers. This makes it able to withstand concentrated attacks with the most sophisticated equipment used by burglars.

When it comes to securing the door, American Security uses ten massive 1-1/2″ thick steel locking bolts that lock deep into the bodies bolt chambers.

Fire Rating – American Security CE5524 High Security Safe

The American Security CE5524 High Security Safe is fire rated for 2 hour at 1850 degrees. This is significantly hotter and longer 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 is one of only three 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.

A genuine Palusol 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 CE5524 High Security Safe is one of the only sizes available in either a textured or high gloss paint. Hardware includes a chrome tri-spoke handle. Once inside, the safe is all metal and only has internal shelves that are adjustable or removable. Overall, this is a no-frills, heavy-duty safe perfect for high end residential or commercial applications. It can also be ordered in right hand or left hand swing.

Warranty

The American Security CE TL-15 high security series comes with 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. 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 CE5524 High Security Safe for my valuables. Yes, 100% I would due to its high quality UL rated lock options, UL TL-15 Burglary Rating, concrete composite insulation, 2 hour fire rating and very affordable price, all made right here in the USA. American Security is a long standing and reputable company making this safe my top pick in the TL-15 size.

Most companies in the safe industry don’t keep American Security high security 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 High Security 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 High Security Safes Here.