It’s easy to focus your research on a safe’s lock to ensure the security is up to par with what you’re looking for. However, it’s what happens behind the scenes that really matters. The locking mechanism behind the lock itself is just as important, and if it’s easily compromised, it could leave your valuables in a vulnerable position.
There are a variety of different manufacturers and brands out there, and some either prioritize quality or cost. Locking mechanisms can either be constructed out of high-quality steel materials or cheaper plastic alternatives that won’t hold up during a burglary or fire.
Here at American Security, we’re committed to offering our customers the best of the best, meaning our locking mechanisms are only crafted with high-quality materials and solid steel components. Specifically, our Active 4x Locking System found in our BFX safe series is one of the most secure locking options we offer. Let’s go over a few of the reasons why this is considered one of our best locking mechanisms and what goes into the engineering of this impressive system.
AMSEC BFX Active 4x Locking System FAQs
How does the “4x” in the Active 4x Locking System contribute to its security?
The “4x” in the Active 4x Locking System refers to its four-way deadlocking design. This means that deadlocks are strategically positioned on all four sides of the safe door. This multi-directional engagement creates a fortress-like barrier, significantly increasing resistance against common burglary methods such as prying and drilling from any angle, making it much harder for an intruder to gain entry.
What is unique about the construction of the AMSEC BFX Safe door?
The construction of the AMSEC BFX Safe door is unique due to its linear design and robust materials. The linear design channels the force of a pry attack into the door itself, rather than the internal bolt work, isolating and protecting the core locking mechanism as a result. The door is constructed from a solid steel plate, and every locking component is welded directly to this plate.
What is the UL RSC Level I security certification, and how is it earned by the BFX safe?
The UL RSC Level I security certification is a burglary rating given by Underwriters Laboratories, an independent testing organization. To earn this rating, the BFX safe must withstand five minutes of active attack from professional testers using a range of heavy-duty tools such as hammers, chisels, pry bars, drills with high-speed bits, and more. The testing timer only runs when a tool is in contact with the safe and stops when tools are switched. This makes the “five minutes” an intense, continuous session of force, proving the safe’s robust resistance to common break-in methods.
Read on to learn more about some of the key features that make this active locking system one of the best in the industry!
Key Features of The AMSEC BFX Active 4x Locking System
The following image perfectly helps shoppers like you see and understand the components involved in the BFX safe locking system. This system is our most intricate mechanism to date, offering significant security features. There are a lot of moving parts, so we’re going to dig into each one and how they all work together.
AMSEC BFX Safe Deadlocks & Bolt Work
As we mentioned, the “4x” in our locking system name comes from the four-way deadlocking design. But there are even more intricate components that help this system resist common burglary methods such as prying and drilling.
Inside the door, the BFX uses extra-long locking bolts that are supported by reinforced guides. This design prevents the bolts from twisting or bending when subjected to force, a common tactic used during pry attacks. To make the system even stronger, we’ve doubled the bolt shears (the internal supports that keep bolts aligned and locked in place), so that even heavy abuse won’t compromise them.
All of this vital bolt work is encased in our proprietary DryLight material, which adds fire resistance without sacrificing strength. Thanks to this combination of security and fire protection, BFX safes carry an impressive 2-hour fire rating at 1200°F.
AMSEC BFX Safe Locking Mechanism
At the heart of every BFX safe is a spring-loaded relocking device designed to stop punch attacks, a burglary technique that attempts to knock the lock out of place. Even if an intruder manages to remove the dial, the relocker automatically engages, adding another barrier they must get through.
Behind the lock, you’ll find a carburized hard plate, one of the toughest materials used in safe construction. This plate acts like armor, shielding the lock and relocker from drills, punches, and other forced entry attempts.
BFX safes also include a detent mechanism, which keeps the door from accidentally locking while it’s open. This simple feature prevents the door from slamming shut and chipping the finish over time, preserving the look of your safe for years. It’s small details like these that set the BFX line apart as a premium choice.
AMSEC BFX Safe Door Construction
The BFX safe door is engineered with a linear design that channels the force of a pry attack into the door itself rather than the bolt work. By isolating and protecting the locking mechanism in this way, the door structure absorbs the impact, keeping the core components secure.
Its spring-loaded lock works in harmony with friction-fitted bolt rings to deliver a smooth, precise motion when opening or closing the safe. The door is constructed with a solid ⅜ – ½-inch thick steel plate, with every locking component welded directly to the plate, a sturdier approach than the laminated assemblies used by many other safe manufacturers.
Completing the design is a full 360-degree rotating handle, offering a premium tactile feel and appearance while maintaining a focus on security.
Burglary Resistance of the BFX Safe and Its Active Locking System
All of the engineering we’ve covered, like the deadlocks on all four sides, reinforced bolt work, relocking devices, and a hardened steel door, come together to help our BFX model get its coveted burglary rating.
Every BFX safe carries a UL RSC Level I security certification. This rating is awarded by Underwriters Laboratories. During testing, professional testers use a range of heavy-duty tools, including:
- Hammers (under 3 lbs)
- Chisels
- Pry bars
- Punches
- Screwdrivers
- Wrenches (up to 18 inches long)
- Variable-speed electric drills
- High-speed and carbide-tipped drill bits (up to ¼ inch in diameter)
To earn the RSC Level I rating, the safe must withstand five minutes of active attack. Five minutes might not sound like much, but it’s important to know how UL times the test: the clock only runs while a tool is in contact with the safe. Each time a tester switches tools, the clock stops. This makes those five minutes a very long, intense session of nonstop force, something a typical burglar wouldn’t have the luxury of without attracting attention.
The result? A safe that has been proven to resist some of the most common break-in methods, keeping your firearms, documents, and valuables secure.
Key Takeaways on the BFX Active 4x Locking System
The BFX Active 4x Locking System is the result of precision engineering and thoughtful design. Every element, from the four-way deadlocks to the reinforced bolt work and relocking devices, is built to deliver serious protection without sacrificing ease of use or aesthetics.
It’s this attention to both form and function that makes the BFX safe a standout choice for anyone who wants high-level security paired with a refined, reliable user experience. Check out our range of BFX models that each come equipped with the Active 4x Locking System and many other security features that’ll give you the ultimate peace of mind.