First Alert 2096DF Fireproof Safe Review

First Alert 2096DF Fireproof Safe

The popularity of the First Alert 2096DF has grown over the past year. It has stood out from the crowd by offering some very useful high-end features and benefits at an affordable price.

It seems to be a popular buy with home owners or those with a small office at work.

This home safe has been well designed and will provide years of safe secure protection for your valuables even in the event of a house fire or flooding. It is part of an exclusive line of fireproof and waterproof safes created to offer a complete security solution for the three major hazards: theft, flood and fire.

This is a medium sized fireproof home safe that has exterior measurements of  23.38 x 17.63 x 24.13 inches and an interior capacity of 2.14 cubic feet. It has a big enough interior for storing large and small valuables and so would be ideal for your average homeowner.

Let’s take a closer look at what else this First Alert safe has to offer.

Interior Spacing

This First Alert 2096DF home safe comes with 2 adjustable and removable shelves that can be used to dissect the storage area for better organization.

With both shelves placed into position you can create 3 smaller areas for storage. With 1 of the shelves put into position you will have 2 separate areas of space.

Because the shelves are adjustable you are able to create the storage spacing that suits you best. If you have larger items to be stored away such as jewelry boxes or large upstanding folders then you have the option of removing all shelving.

For additional convenience there is a hanging file rack with lipped edges which will come in very handy for keeping irreplaceable documents tidy such as birth certificates, marriage certificates and other personal files.

The First Alert 2096DF also has a door pouch which is a great feature for anyone who uses certain documents regularly but doesn’t want to be rummaging around in the safe looking for them.

Just slot the papers in the pouch and now they are secure and also very easy to get to.

Locking Mechanism

There are 6 solid steel locking bolts on the door. Three on the opening edge and three on the closing edge. Having locking bolts on either side of the door will keep it firmly in place. This is vital if someone was to try to pry the door open with a crowbar or some other tool.

The bolts are activated with the Electronic Digital Locking system controlled by a small keypad on the front of the safe. The First Alert fire-safe allows you to use your own personal 3 to 8 digit pass code for unlocking and locking.

Now, if your memory isn’t quite what it used to be then there is no need to worry because the 2096DF also includes an override key that will open the safe if the pass-code is forgotten or the batteries go dead.

I just want to also point out that there is no need to be intimidated by the keypad. You don’t have to be a technical genius to work this thing. It is very simple and all is explained very clearly in the user manual.

Secure Construction

Let’s start with the patented concealed anti-theft hinges. Take a look at the image and you will see that there is no way any prying tool can be used to break these things off.

For fire protection this safe has been tested in tough conditions and has been awarded a UL classified 1 hour fire rating.

This verifies that it will withstand an external temperature of 1700 degrees Fahrenheit for the specified amount of time.

The interior will maintain at a temperature of less than 350 degrees and will protect electronic media including memory sticks, CDs, DVDs, hard drives as well as documents and other valuables.

For waterproofing there is a water tight seal that will prevent any water damage that may be caused when hoses are used in fighting a fire. The safe will also remain air tight inside even in the event of a flood.

That’s right, because of the composite construction of the 2096DF this waterproof safe will float to the surface in a flood and will remain dry inside even if fully submerged.

Conclusion

This is a good sized and well constructed fire and waterproof safe. It is very good value especially if bought from Amazon which always has discounted prices.

First Alert seem to have thought of everything regarding securing a person’s belongings and even with a digital locking system they thought to make it easy to understand for all to use.

It is a heavy safe, meaning even two strong burglars would have issues walking away with this. That is a huge positive because these days thieves are becoming accustomed to locating safes in peoples’ homes. If they find a light enough safe they will take it away and open it elsewhere.

For the owner the 2096DF includes a removable extendable handle with two wheels so that it can be easily moved. Just lift the handle up, tilt the safe and wheel it to your desired location.

All First Alert fire safes are covered by a 5 year manufacturer’s warranty and will be replaced free of charge if damaged in a fire.

FEATURES

1. Programmable digital lock with override key for easy owner access.
2. Includes removable hanging file folder rack.
3. 6 locking door bolts for ultra security.
4. Adjustable storage shelf with multiple positions.
5. Protective waterproof seal keeps contents dry.
6. Hanging key rack and passport / document storage.
7. Waterproof even when fully submerged.
8. UL classified media protection device tested to withstand an external temperature up to 1700 degrees for 1 hour.
9. Handy Hauler wheels and lift up handle for owner mobility.
10. Pry-resistant concealed hinges.
11. 5 Year limited warranty.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Exterior Dimensions: 23.38 x 17.63 x 24.13 inches.
• Interior Dimensions: 19.69 x 13.50 x 13.88 inches.
• Capacity: 2.14 cubic feet.
• Weight: 149lbs

PROS AT A GLANCE

• This is a heavy safe (145 lbs). The weight is an advantage because a burglar will think twice before trying to lift this.
• Has an override key if you forget the combination.
• Easy to operate digital entry system.
• The low price.

CONS AT A GLANCE

• Has a plastic cover that you have to lift up every time you enter the combination.
• Read through the user manual as there are certain items that should not be stored such as Pearls, video tape and photo negatives.

How To Use Your First Alert 2096DF Safe

In order for this safe to protect its contents properly from a fire the door must be closed and fully locked. During testing the safe was placed in a fire with a temperature of 1700 degrees Fahrenheit. Its interior temperature remained below 350 degrees Fahrenheit for at least an hour during the exercise.

Although this safe has been tested for fireproofing and waterproofing not all items can be fully protected. Below is a list of important facts for you to take note of if you are to get the best from this fireproof safe.

Maintenance

To make sure that the safe continues to operate and accurately read the pass codes you will need to maintain its performance by following some simple precautions:

• Depending on how often the safe is in use it would be a good idea to replace the batteries at least once a year or even sooner. This will ensure best results and performance from the safe. Always clean the battery contacts on the batteries and in the compartment before installing.
• Do not operate the digital keypad if your hands are excessively dirty.
• Use a mild liquid cleaner to clean the surface of the safe. You can use liquids such as an everyday household window cleaning spray to help prevent any surface scratching. Make sure to wipe the surface dry afterwards.

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First Alert 2096DF Waterproof Fire Safe

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