The West Suburban Fire District has established requirements for the installation and maintenance of Knox Boxes to help firefighters and emergency personnel quickly access buildings and critical fire protection equipment during an emergency.
When Is a Knox Box Required?
A Knox Box is required for buildings that contain certain fire protection or building-access features, including:
- Fire alarm systems
- Fire sprinkler systems
- Roof access
- Boiler rooms
- Elevator equipment rooms
When firefighters must travel through a building to reach these features, a master entry key must also be provided. If the equipment can be accessed without entering or traveling through the building, such as an exterior sprinkler room, a master key is not required.
The approved key box manufacturer is The KNOX Company, using the West Suburban Fire District system.
Knox Box Location
The appropriate mounting location depends on the type and configuration of the building. For apartment buildings, the Knox Box should be located in the vestibule between the exterior and interior entry doors when possible, or outside a dedicated sprinkler room.
For other buildings, the Knox Box should generally be mounted above the Fire Department Connection and no higher than six feet above ground level, or outside a dedicated sprinkler room. Large buildings may require Knox Boxes at multiple Fire Department Connections or at the main entrance. The Fire Code Official will determine appropriate locations when necessary.
Required Keys
Knox Boxes should contain the keys necessary for emergency personnel to access important areas of the building. Depending on the building, these may include keys for:
- Main entrance
- Lobby or vestibule
- Locked doors leading to fire alarm panels and sprinkler equipment
- Fire alarm and sprinkler system locks or padlocks
- Attic or roof access
- Boiler, furnace, laundry, and storage rooms
Changes to Locks or Keys
The Department of Fire Prevention must be notified immediately whenever a lock or key associated with the Knox Box is changed.
Questions or Requests for Variances
Questions, appeals, or requests to amend the requirements may be directed to the West Suburban Fire District Fire Code Official. The Fire Code Official or Fire Chief may approve variances or amendments to the policy.
For additional information, contact the Fire Code Official at 763-479-3036.