Everything You Need to Know Before Purchasing a Union Safe Company Safe

If you’re in the market for a new electronic safe, you’ve likely come across Union Safe Company as one of the top brands. As someone who just went through the process of selecting, purchasing and installing my own Union safe, I wanted to share a detailed buying guide for anyone considering one of these high-security safes.

Setting up your new Union safe is actually quite straightforward. The safe will come with complete instructions for installing batteries, programming a code and properly mounting it. The key things you’ll need to do are:

• Install 4 AA batteries in the battery compartment. High quality alkaline or lithium batteries are recommended for longest life.
• Program your unique 4- to 8-digit security code. This is done using the red reset button and number pad on the front of the safe.
• Bolt down the safe if desired using pre-drilled holes in the back and floor. Be sure it is anchored to a sturdy, non-removable surface.
• Mount the included external digital keypad if you opted for that upgrade. This allows keyless entry.

Once setup is complete, you’ll want to test opening, closing and locking the safe with both the keys and your custom code several times. Get familiar with operating the safe before relying on it for important possessions.

Features to look for in a Union Safe electronic safe include solid steel construction, adjustable shelves and interior lighting. The safes are available in a range of sizes, with the most popular being able to hold between 24 to 84 cubic feet of belongings. For valuables like jewelry, important documents and collectors’ items, an anti-theft safe is a smart idea.

Popular advanced features of Union electronic safes include:

• Digital keypad for code entry instead of turning a dial
• Motorized deadbolt locking for added security
• 1-4 hour fire protection at temperatures up to 1850°F
• Built-in interior light that illuminates when you open the door
• Back-up key entry in case the electronic lock fails
• Anti-theft design such as hidden code input or relocker mechanism

When purchasing your Union safe, think through what features you may want or need based on what you intend to store inside. This will help you select the right model.

A common question new owners ask is “how do I reset the code on my Union safe?” Resetting your personal security code is easy and simple to do yourself anytime. Here is the process:

1. Open the safe using either your existing code or backup key.
2. Locate the red reset button on the interior panel of the door.
3. Press the red button and hold for 5-10 seconds until you hear an audible beep.
4. Enter your new 4- to 8- digit code on the front keypad. Confirm by entering the code again.
5. Test your new code several times to ensure it works properly before closing the safe door.

Important: Don’t forget your new code! The reset process would need to be repeated if the code is forgotten in the future.

One frustration some users occasionally run into is “my Union Safe won’t open.” If your code and keys are not working, don’t panic. Here are some simple steps to try:

• Check that fresh alkaline batteries are correctly installed. Replace batteries if needed.
• Verify you are entering the correct code sequence slowly and clearly.
• Check for any external keypad damage or malfunction.
• Attempt to turn the physical key slowly and completely. Lubricate if needed.
• Make certain the safe is not in re-lock mode if equipped with that feature.
• Review manual and reset code or attempt factory code override method.
• As a last resort, contact Union Safe customer support for further troubleshooting.
• If all else fails, a professional locksmith can safely bypass the lock mechanism without harming the safe.

Routine battery replacement is part of normal safe maintenance. For longest battery life, I recommend using premium lithium batteries, though regular alkaline will also suffice. Here are some tips for hassle-free battery changes:

• Set a calendar reminder to replace batteries every 1-2 years.
• Always replace all batteries at the same time even if only one is drained.
• Carefully follow the battery installation instructions in your safe manual.
• Keep spare batteries on hand to swap in when needed.
• After installing new batteries, test opening the safe several times.
• Properly dispose of old batteries since they contain toxic materials.

While Union Safe Company utilizes the highest quality components and locks in their safes, potential issues can still occur on occasion. Some possibilities to be aware of include:

• Battery failure, especially if using cheaper batteries
• Keypad malfunction or glitch
• Mechanical issues such as bolt retraction failure
• User code forgotten or scrambled sequences entered
• Relocker feature activation after repeated failed code attempts
• Internal hardware problems or defects

Thankfully, most common problems can be fixed yourself by carefully following troubleshooting steps or replaced under warranty by contacting Union Safe support. More serious issues may require a service visit.

How secure are electronic safes from Union Safe Company? Union is known for making extremely secure consumer and commercial safes. Design features that allow their safes to withstand break-in attempts include:

• Solid steel walls, floors and doors up to 1/2″ thick
• Concealed hinges to stop removal of door
• Hardened steel locking bolts 1-2″ in length
• Pry-resistant doors with overlapping edges
• High strength mechanical or electronic locks
• Relocker technology to protect after failed entries
• Optional anti-drill barrier plating

Union safes are rigorously tested against hand tools, power drills, cutting torches, impacts, drops and more to simulate real world burglary attacks. While no safe is impenetrable, Union models provide certified and proven protection for your valuables.

Where to buy an authentic Union Safe branded electronic safe? I recommend purchasing directly from Union or through an authorized dealer. Beware of counterfeit safes and inferior quality locks sold on some discount websites. For best pricing and warranty protection, buy from:

• Union Safe Company’s website
• Certified safe retailers like SafeCo, SafeMart, etc.
• Reputable home improvement stores such as Lowes or Home Depot.

Always verify model numbers when shopping online or in-store. Counterfeits may have altered or missing serial numbers. Union is also sold under license through various private brands or partnerships.

If you ever have difficulty operating your Union safe after following the troubleshooting guide and manual instructions, I recommend contacting Union Safe customer support. They are very responsive and will walk you through solutions over the phone or set up a service visit if needed. Ways to reach their support team include:

• Call the toll-free support line: 1-800-555-SAFE
• Email support: [email protected]
• Start a support chat session on their website
• Schedule a video call with a Union Safe technician

Union stands behind all their safe products with excellent warranty coverage, replacement parts availability, and expert technical guidance for the life of the safe. You can count on their superb customer service.

Union Safe electronic safes range widely in price based on size, features, fire protection rating, lock type and security upgrades. As a guideline, you can expect to invest:

• $200 to $500 for basic small safes or with mechanical dial locks
• $500 to $1500 for mid-size digital keypad safes with 0.5 – 1 hour fire ratings
• $1500 to $4000 for large UL classified 1-4 hour fire safes with premium features

Safes with added burglary resistance, thicker steel, proprietary locks or biometric fingerprint access run higher in cost. While more affordable second-hand Union safes can sometimes be found, I recommend buying new given the importance of reliable locks and fire shielding.

A question new safe owners commonly ask – “how long should the batteries last?” For normal household use, you can expect 2-3 years or more from high quality alkaline or lithium batteries in Union Safe keypad models. Factors such as temperature, usage frequency and battery brand can affect overall lifespan. I suggest proactively swapping batteries annually.

Installing a Union Safe wall or floor safe is best left to professionals, but can be DIYed by skilled homeowners. Key steps include:

• Choose suitable concealed location with electrical access
• Carefully cut opening in drywall, concrete or other surfaces
• Bolt heavy safe in place within opening using provided hardware
• Run wiring if adding lighting or digital lock components
• Patch and refinish opening around safe to hide

An electrician may be needed for adding lighting and outlets. Consider weight, security and aesthetics when planning safe placement. Always follow local building codes.

Union Safe Company utilizes the highest quality materials and construction in their American-made electronic safes. Features include:

• Solid carbon or stainless steel walls and doors
• Industrial grade mechanical or electronic locks
• Concealed hinges with anti-pry brackets
• Proprietary anti-drill barrier plating
• UL-classified fireboard insulation layers
• Reinforced internal hinge panels
• Continuous welded seams and joints
• Pre-drilled mounting points for securing

Reputable third-party testing labs affirm the structural integrity, fire resistance and security of Union Safe products. The precision machined doors, frames and locking bolts make these one of the sturdiest consumer safes on the market.

I hope this comprehensive buying guide for Union Safe electronic safes gives you confidence in selecting the right model for your needs and home. Please let me know if you have any other specific questions as you shop for your ideal secure safe. I’m happy to provide additional details or recommendations. Stay tuned for a future post on hidden home safe installation tips once I finish installing my new Union floor safe. Thanks for reading!