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Knox 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 Product Application process has changed! You can now apply for a Knox Product online through our Customer Portal and submit the application fee online. Follow the steps below to complete your application and payment.

Procedure for ordering a Knox product:

1

Review the Knox Box Guidelines.

2

Visit the Customer Portal.

  • Click "Service Requests" to expand the options.
  • Find the "Knox Application" section and click "Apply".
  • Log in to your customer account or click "Register" to create a new account.

3

Once logged in, click "Service Request" from the top toolbar. Then, select "Knox Product Application" from the dropdown menu.

4

Complete the Knox Product Application and submit the application payment using one of the payment options.

5

You will receive an email confirmation with your assigned case number. This email will include instructions on how to submit your Knox 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 Knox order for eApproval on the Knox website.

6

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.

7

After installing your Knox Box or Knox Switch:

  • Log in to your account.
  • Retrieve your request by searching for your case number.
  • Use the Case Action dropdown and select "Request Lockup".
  • A Deputy Fire Marshal will contact you to schedule the lockup.

Alternatively, you may contact the Knox Program Coordinator by sending an email to SDFDKnoxBox@sandiego.gov 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 visit the Knox Company website.

Please direct any questions to the Knox Program Coordinator via email or phone at 858-302-1244.

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