Need Help with your Knox™ Box?

For New Construction, remodels, tenant finishes, or any other project requiring plan review and permits, contact the Construction Services Office at 719-385-5982.

For Existing Buildings where no construction is involved, contact the Division of the Fire Marshal at 719-385-5978.

Rapid Entry Equipment Installations

Order a Knox™ Box

When Required

Approved rapid entry equipment shall be installed in an accessible area for any of the following situations:

  1. Any building equipped with a monitored fire protection (suppression and/or detection) system.
  2. When access to or within a structure or area is unduly difficult because of secured openings.
  3. Where immediate access is necessary for life-saving or firefighting (i.e., locked apartment buildings)

Approved Types

Key lock boxes and similar products manufactured by the Knox™ Company are the only type approved by CSFD. All Knox™ products shall be ordered directly through the Division of the Fire Marshal.

The only products authorized by CSFD include:

  • Surface mounted key box hinged (model #3262)
  • Recessed key box hinged (model #3271)
  • Padlock for manual gates (model #3770)
  • Key switches for electronic gates (model #3501 and #3502)

NOTE: Knox™ residential-type boxes are not allowed on commercial properties.

Required Keys

Two (2) sets of labeled keys shall be provided for installation within the Knox™ Box. Each set shall be on key rings to keep them together. Due to limited space and possible impact to the box’s operation, keys shall be limited to six (6) to ten (10) depending on their size (master keying is highly recommended). The keys shall include:

  • Any that will provide Fire Department emergency responders access to all areas of the building.
  • Rooms with fire protection equipment.
  • Those required to operate the fire protection equipment.
  • In structures equipped with elevators, one for each elevator car.
  • When electronic locks are employed in any portion of a building, two copies of the appropriate codes and/or electronic key-cards.

Placement of the Key Box

All Knox boxes shall be mounted at a location approved by the CSFD (normally adjacent to the main entrance) such that they are clearly visible and unobstructed, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. All models shall be installed between three (3) to six (6) feet above grade. For buildings with a sprinkler monitoring fire alarm only (ex: strip malls) the Knox box shall be located adjacent to the fire sprinkler room.

Marking the Building

The Division of the Fire Marshal requires a window decal on each exterior access door to alert firefighters that a key box is provided. One is included when the Knox™ Box is shipped, therefore, additional decals, based on the total number of exterior doors, shall be included on the order.

Override Switches

A Knox™ Key Switch is required on all electronic gates within the city limits which restrict access to a site and/or restrict access to a fire apparatus access road. It is the only Knox equipment allowed on electronic gates. They operate similar to any other type of electronic switch. An advantage to this device is that it allows CSFD to keep the gate in the open position for other responding emergency vehicles accessing the site and thus reducing response times.

Padlocks

In many situations, it is critical to restrict access across a driveway or roadway; however, these areas must also remain accessible to the Fire Department in case of an emergency. A Knox Padlock is required where a chain or manual gate is being utilized in this manner.

  • Shackle size – please verify the shackle size and that the links on the chain are large enough to allow the padlock shackle to pass through.
  • Utilizing two padlocks – A standard lock and one manufactured by the Knox™ Company can be hooked together as indicated on the diagram below. This will allow access to both the owner and the Fire Department personnel.

Ordering Knox™ Equipment

Orders for Knox equipment shall be placed through the Knox Company’s website at www.knoxbox.com. Orders will be reviewed for approval by the Division of the Fire Marshal. Please select the CSFD work group appropriate to the building status:

  • New Construction/Remodel Projects: Colorado Springs Fire Department – NC
  • Existing Buildings: Colorado Springs Fire Department – EC

For orders consisting of Knox key switches and/or padlocks for existing facilities, the gate systems must be reviewed and approved prior to ordering the equipment. Site plans showing the locations of the gates and clear width openings of the gates may be emailed to csfd-technicalservices.smb@coloradosprings.gov.

Equipment is delivered directly to the indicated delivery address.

Locking Knox™ Equipment

Lockup of Knox™ equipment is coordinated and completed by Fire Department personnel. Contact the Division of the Fire Marshal or Construction Services to coordinate.

PDF Resources

Rapid Entry System Equipment (KNOX Equipment)