CONNECT with the CityKnox Box Program
The Knox Box Program provides the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department with a quick and easy means to access a secured building or area during an emergency. It also minimizes potential costly repairs caused by forcible entry and allows the building to be re-secured quickly and easily. When access is difficult for emergency responders, the Chief is authorized to require a Knox Box or Key Switch to be installed in an acceptable location. (CFC 2019, Section 506)
Attention! The Knox ordering procedure has changed! Follow the steps below to order a Knox product. The application and fee should be mailed to the address below (Step 3) or dropped off by appointment only.
Procedure for ordering a Knox product:
1
Review the Knox Box Guidelines .
2
Complete the Knox Product Application.
- Complete Section I, "Applicant Information"
- Complete Section II, "Site Information"
- Complete Section III, "Product Information"
3
Mail the completed Knox Product Application and a check or money order for $153.00 made out to "City Treasurer" to:
San Diego Fire-Rescue Department
Attn: Knox Program Coordinator
525 B St., Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92101
Note: There is a one-time City fee per address for Knox product lockups and final inspection.
4
After San Diego Fire-Rescue processes your application and payment, you will receive an email confirmation with your assigned case number. This email will include instructions on how to submit your order through the Knox website.
Note: A case number is required to submit your Knox order. Enter your case number in the permit number field when submitting your order for eApproval on the Knox website.
5
Once San Diego Fire-Rescue approves your order, you will receive an approval email from the Knox Company with a secure cart link to complete your transaction through the Knox website.
6
After installing your Knox Box or Knox Switch, please contact the Knox Program Coordinator to have your building's keys locked up or your switch tested.
Note: If your Knox Box or Knox Switch is the result of a fire inspection, please be aware that your violation will not be cleared until your building's keys are locked up or your switch has been tested.
Knox FDC Locking Caps
Fire Department Connections (FDCs) play a critical role in ensuring the safety of a building by allowing the fire department to provide or supplement water pressure to fire protection systems. FDCs are provided with a cap or plug to protect the threads and maintain the integrity of the fire protection system that it supplies. These protective caps are often missing, which allows for trash and debris to accumulate inside the FDC, making the system unreliable for use. A compromised FDC can cause a loss in water pressure or complete system failure, which puts firefighters and the public at risk.
The Knox Company provides a Knox FDC Locking Cap that is designed to be installed and removed with a specially designed key wrench. Knox FDC Locking Caps can be ordered by anyone, but keys are only obtained by sprinkler contractors and San Diego Fire-Rescue personnel. San Diego Fire-Rescue personnel deem these caps necessary for all new and existing buildings with FDCs.
Procedure for ordering Knox FDC Locking Caps:
Knox FDC Locking Caps are the only Knox product that can be ordered directly through the Knox Company. To order, please contact the Knox Company at 800-552-5669 or www.knoxbox.com/35143.
Please direct any questions to the Knox Program Coordinator via email or phone at 858-302-1244.