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Duracell or Energizer 9-volt alkaline batteries
The keypad will slowly flash with no keypad input if the battery is low
There will be no response to keypad input if the battery is dead
If the ESL takes two batteries, both batteries must be strong in order to power the lock
Mechanical dials can only be changed by a qualified locksmith
Any combination change should be done with the door OPEN.
You can change the combination as many times as you would like. You may choose any 6-digit combination.
Steps to change combination:
Press the “C” key.
Press the “#” Key. You should hear a short warbling tone and see the keypad flash.
Key in the old 6-digit combination.
Press the “#” key. You should hear a short combination tone.
Key in your new 6-digit combination.
Press the “#” key. You should hear a short combination tone.
Re-key in the new 6-digit combination.
Press the “#” key. If the combination input matches the first pass, you should hear a long combination tone indicating your new combination has been recorded.
Test your new combination several times prior to closing and locking the safe.
After 4 incorrect combinations are entered, there will be a 15 minute penalty lockout.
During this lockout the keypad will flash once every 5 seconds.
If you press any key, you will hear 8 rapid chirps to indicate you are locked out.
If you remove the battery during this lockout, the 15 minute lockout will continue once the battery is replaced. The 15 minutes will not be reset by replacing the battery.
When opening or changing the combination on your lock, the ESL will register the first 5 digits of the combination into the buffer that receives input. The 6th digit will be the last numeric key pressed.
If you enter your first 5 digits, you can enter as many numbers as you would like after, as long as you end on your 6thdigit of the combination before pressing “#”.
To input your combination you must first press the “C” button to wake up the electronic lock, followed by your 6 digit combination, and ending with “#” key.
For example, all combinations are factory set to C-1-2-3-4-5-6-#
The second most common opening issue is bolt binding, which is a problem where the safe’s locking mechanism is pressing on the locking bolt of the lock inside the door. The ESL5 relies on a solenoid to actuate this bolt. That solenoid can only overcome so much resistance, and if that resistance is too great, the bolt will not retract.
To resolve this problem, find a handle position that does not push the locking system up against the lock’s bolt.
If your handle turns clockwise to open, turn the handle all the way counterclockwise before attempting to open the lock.
If your handle turns counterclockwise to open, turn the handle all the way clockwise before attempting to open the lock.
If you don’t remember which way your handle turns, find the center of the free-play by moving the handle clockwise and counterclockwise to the stopping points. Then, move the handle to the center of that range before actuating the lock.
If the bolt pressure is causing the problem, this should resolve it. Make it a habit to position the handle correctly when you leave the safe so it is ready for the next time you open it.
Standard beep: a short, distinct beep
Warble: a high-low-high-low beep-chain, sounds like “dee-del-dee-del-deee.”
1 beep: Response to any keystroke during input. Notice when lock exits Penalty Lockout.
4 beeps: Response to a bad/wrong code entry.
8 beeps: Response to any key pressed while lock is in Penalty Lockout
Short Warble – 3 high-low tones: Short “Good Combo Tone” indicated the input is accepted during a combination change.
Long Warble – 11 high-low tones: Long “Good Combo Tone” indicates the input is accepted at completion of a combination change.
Long Ring Tone After Opening: Low battery warning. After the lock has been actuated by a good code, three seconds later the lock stops actuation and the low battery indication is provided.
1 Flash – response to any keystroke during input. Notice when lock exits penalty lockout.
8 Flashes – Response to any key pressed while lock is in penalty lockout.
On Solid (3 Seconds) – While lock is activated or after successful code entry.
Very Rapid Flashing – Low battery warning. After the lock has been actuated by a good code, three seconds later the lock stops actuation and the low battery indication is provided.
This means the code was accepted, but the bolt did not pull open.
This can be due to “bolt binding.” See previous comments on resolving this issue.
This can also be due to a low battery condition. Change the battery and try again.
This is usually caused by a low battery condition. Change the battery and try again.
The cable may be disconnected from the keypad. Remove the keypad as directed (battery change) and check the connection to make sure the cable is securely installed in the socket.
Dead battery condition. Change the battery and try again.
American Security Safes manufacture safes in a variety of classes to meet or exceed standard classification ratings established by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). There is no such thing as a “fireproof safe.” There are only fire resistant safes. AMSEC’s safes are independently tested by Intertek Laboratories and you will find safes with varying fire ratings from 30 minutes up to 120 minutes.
2-hour safe models such as AMSEC BFX, BFII and vault doors use a proprietary fire safe material called DryLight™. Drylight in these safe bodies and doors create a seamless fire barrier providing advanced fire protection over drywall, a material used most commonly in gun safes. American Security still uses drywall in most of its 30, 45, 60 and 90-minute fire rated safes.
UL stands for Underwriters Laboratories, the oldest and best known independent standards testing laboratory in the world. Commonly known by many as gun safes, Residential Security Containers (RSCs) are covered by UL 1037, the Standard for Anti-Theft Alarms and Devices.
You may be dialing the combo with one of the numbers slightly off. Stand directly in front of the dial to make sure that the numbers line up with the index mark. On most combo dial locks, there are two marks on the dial ring. Use the vertical line at the 12 o’clock position. If you continue to experience difficulty, this may be a sign of a slight problem starting to develop. Contact an American Security registered locksmith or dealer for further help.
See Beep/Flash pattern answer.
Confirm the keypads are compatible. The ESL5 3.3v is NOT compatible with the 5.0v
Confirm this is not due to a penalty lock out
There may be a short in the system. Check the battery connection and confirm it is plugged in securely
Check the communication cable to confirm that is also secure
Rotate the ESL 5/10/15/20 keypad counter-clockwise and lift off the base. Unplug and then re-plug the lock cable. If this does not solve the problem, please contact an authorized dealer.
No! Tampering with the cable behind the ESL will not automatically grant someone access to the safe. The safe will stay locked.
No, replacing the batteries for your ESL will not reset the combination. The brain of the device (located behind the door of the safe) will store your combination.
No, the set combination is stored in the brain of the ESL behind the door of the safe. Replacing the ESL with another will not reset the combination. The ESL keypad just communicates what combination the user is inputting.
On average, a typical battery should last one year, but your battery’s lifespan can vary depending on how often you access your safe. American Security recommends changing batteries annually.
No, ESLs are powered by batteries. If your safe has a power outlet, it is completely separate from the ESL.
For security reasons, AMSEC cannot release a combo to an unknown individual. However, you may contact an American Security registered locksmith or dealer to verify ownership.
If your combination has three numbers (N1-N2-N3):
Turn the dial to the LEFT, passing N1 three times, stopping on N1 the fourth time.
Turn the dial to RIGHT passing N2 two times, stopping on N2 the third time.
Turn the dial to the LEFT passing N3 one time, stopping on N3 the second time.
Turn the dial to the RIGHT to unlock, the dial should stop between 88 and 92.
Turn the handle and pull the door open.
Never spin the dial faster than your wrist can turn.