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 these American Security AMSEC Home Safe Reviews, I will explain why they are the absolute best in the industry.
Lock – American Security AMSEC Home Safe Reviews
UL Approved High Security Mechanical Lock
First and always most important for any safe is its lock. The American Security AMSEC Home Safes comes standard with a UL Approved High Security Mechanical Lock. The BFS home Safes come standard with the ESL10XL electronic 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. Finally, 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.
The CSC series is thoroughly protected by both a tempered glass re-locker and an internal hardened steel hard plate. If a burglar decides to drill through the front 12 gauge layer and concrete composite, they would then hit the hard plate which absolutely destroys drill bits. Then, if they get through that, they hit a glass re-locker that locks all of the bolts in place once it shatters. It’s placed in front of the lock so you can not miss it if attempting to drill in.
Security – American Security AMSEC Home Safe Reviews
The American Security Home Safes are UL approved as a Residential Security Container. This means they can withstand adequate burglary attacks for a period of up to 5 minutes with several different tools.
However, these safes are so much stronger than just your average RSC rated home safe. American Security builds these home safe with concrete composite material or fire clay 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 on the BF and BFS feature 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, these home safes are absolute beasts and extremely secure from burglary attacks.
Fire Rating – American Security AMSEC BF Burglary and Fire Safe Reviews
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.
The BFS and CSC series are fire rated for 1 hour and 2 hours at 1700 degrees respectively. Their fire ratings are tested and verified by ETL. American Security is the only safe company to independently verify their fire ratings with ETL. This ensure we can trust their safes will actually survive.
An intumescent door seal is included on all of the series 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. The BFS and CSC are finished in a two-tone and charcoal gray respectively. Inside the BF series you’ll find a fully carpeted interior with adjustable or removable shelves. The BFS and CSC series feature an all metal interior. These safes look great and are 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, all three series 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 an American Security AMSEC Burglary and Fire Home Safe to store my valuables? Yes, I absolutely would. With up to a 1/2″ steel plate door, UL RSC burglary Rating, up to 2 hour high temperature verified fire rating and UL approved high security lock, these are my top picks out of any home safes.
Support an American company making a premium quality Made in USA product by buying the best home safes 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.
