Find answers to frequently asked questions, easy-to-use guides to troubleshoot
and perform basic functions like changing the combination or changing the battery, and more.
This manual applies to the FS Series safes from American Security. It covers operation guidelines, instructions for using the ESL5-LP electronic lock, and troubleshooting tips.
Operation Instructions for FS Series Safes
Don’t slam the door. Extreme shock can damage the lock or jam the boltwork.
Don’t shut the door with the boltwork in the locked position. Damage to the boltwork and marring the safe’s finish may result.
Don’t stack contents of the safe so that the door must be forced shut. Jamming of the boltwork may result.
Don’t store the combination card inside the safe.
Don’t use oil, grease, or any other lubricant on the digital lock.
Keep all moving parts clean and free from obstruction, water, and grease.
American Security recommends bolting your safe to the floor with 3/8” anchors for maximum safety and security.
If you experience operational inconsistencies, DO NOT LOCK THE SAFE. Contact the store where it was purchased, or reach out to the American Security service department at 951-685-9680, Ext. 1036.
Operating Instructions for the ESL5-LP Electronic Safe Lock
Your American Security ESL5-LP Electronic Safe Lock has a factory combination of C-1-2-3-4-5-6-#.
To open the lock: Press “C” to clear and wake up the electronics. Enter the combination one key at a time, ending with “#.”
If entered correctly: The lock will cycle open for three (3) seconds. Turn the handle or knob to the unlocked position and pull the door open.
Note: After installation, change the combination to a unique sequence for security.
Here Are a Few Things to Remember:
With each keystroke, the keypad lights will flash off and a chirp will be heard, unless Stealth Mode is on; in that case, no sounds are emitted during lock opening.
If 4 (four) incorrect combinations are entered, the lock will go into a “Penalty Lockout” for 15 minutes to prevent trial-and-error manipulation attempts at opening the lock. The keypad will flash once every 5 seconds during the penalty period. If you press any key during the lockout period, the keypad will flash with a chirp 8 times rapidly to indicate the lockout condition.
Before keying the combination, be sure that the handle of the safe is in the fully locked position to allow the lock to open freely.
If the lock fails to open or acts strangely, replace the battery with a good quality fresh 9-volt alkaline battery. See the diagrams on page 2 for instructions on how to change the battery on your ESL5 or ESL5LP lock. You should replace your battery once a year to prevent corrosion damage from leakage.
During the input sequence, if you make a mistake, you can press “C” to clear the previous input and start over again.
The ESL5-LP uses a fixed length 6 (six) digit combination.
Use only your fingers to key the combination. Sharp objects will result in damage which is not covered by warranty.
If at any time during opening or combination changing, the unit is left without input for 10 (ten) seconds, it returns to a resting condition. If this occurs during a combination change, the old combination is retained.
At any time during opening or combination changing, the unit 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. For example, if you press C-1-2-3-4-5-7-4-5-2-7-6-#, the program recognizes only the C-1-2-3-4-5-6-# input. The last numeric key pressed continues to replace the one prior until the “#” key is pressed to indicate completion. This is a security feature that allows you to baffle an on-looker that may be trying to memorize your combination.
Quiet Mode – Silent Operation
The ESL5-LP Lock provides a Stealth Mode you can program so the beeper remains silent during normal lock opening operation.
To activate Stealth Mode (silent): Press C-# (short warble tone), then 8-0-# (short warble), then 1-# (long warble).
To deactivate Stealth Mode (beeping): Press C-# (short warble tone), then 8-0-# (short warble), then 0-# (long warble).
Combination Changing Instructions for the ESL5-LP Electronic Safe Lock
— CAUTION —
Combination changes should always be done with the door locked OPEN.
To change the combination, do the following:
Press the keys “C” and then “#”. The unit responds with a short warbling tone (called the “good combo tone”) and the keypad lamps strobe with the tone.
Now key in the old 6-digit combination. The “C” key may be used to clear an error in keying at any time. Finish the input with a “#” key.
If the old combination keyed matches the existing combination in permanent memory, another short good combo tone is sounded. Proceed to step “c.”
If the combination keyed is incorrect, the unit responds with 4 short beeps (called the bad combo tone) and returns to rest. The combination change routine is aborted, and the old combination is retained. This also counts toward Penalty Lockout.
c. Now key the first pass with the new 6-digit combination followed by a “#” key. Again, the “C” key may be used to clear an error in keying at any time.
If the combination input is 6 digits in length, another short good combo tone is sounded. Proceed to step “d.”
If the combination keyed is not 6 digits long, the unit responds with 4 short beeps (bad combo tone) and returns to rest. The combination change routine is aborted, and the old combination is retained.
Now key the second (verify) pass with the new 6-digit combination followed by a “#” key. As before, the “C” key may be used to clear an error in keying at any time.
If the combination input matches the first pass, a long good combo tone is sounded. The new combination replaces the old combination in permanent memory, and the unit returns to a resting condition. Proceed to step “e.”
If the combination keyed does not match the first pass, the unit responds with the bad combo tone and returns to rest. The combination change routine is aborted, and the old combination is retained.
Test your new combination several times prior to closing and locking the safe.