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The El Dorado Hills Fire Department has adopted the Knox-Box® Rapid Entry System for access to secured buildings, or in areas where immediate access is necessary for firefighting or life-saving purposes, as specified in Chapter 5, Section 506 of the California Fire Code:
CHAPTER 5 - SECTION 506
KEY BOXES
506.1 Where required. Where access to or within a structure or an area is restricted because of secured openings or where immediate access is necessary for life-saving or fire-fighting purposes, the fire code official is authorized to require a key box to be installed in an approved location. The key box shall be an approved type and shall contain keys to gain necessary access as required by the fire code official.
506.1.1 Locks. An approved lock shall be installed on gates or similar barriers when
required by the fire code official.
506.2 Key box maintenance. The operator of the building shall immediately notify the fire code official and provide the new key when a lock is changed or rekeyed. The key to such lock shall be secured in the key box.
The Knox-Box® Rapid Entry System is a secure emergency access program developed for property owners and fire departments. When a fire breaks out or there is a medical emergency, Knox products allow immediate entry into buildings and property without forced entry damage or delay. Property owners store entrance keys, access cards and floor plans in high-security Knox-Boxes mounted near building entrances. Each Knox-Box® purchased by a property owner is keyed to a single master key controlled by the fire department.
A majority of applications used in the El Dorado Hills area are listed below:
HIGH SECURITY
Knox-Box® 3200 Series
3200 Series - Hinged Door
3200 Series - Lift Off Door
Knox-Vault® 4100 Series (Heavy Duty)
High security box and vault access are restricted to the fire department. The Knox high security system is comprised of a tamper proof box made of heavy steel. It can be bolted to or built into the building near the main entrance and/or the fire riser room door. Building keys for each occupancy are provided by the owner or occupant. They are identified and placed into the box which is locked by fire personnel. The single high security key, carried by fire personnel are locked in each engine by a special Knox security system.
*RESIDENTAL-HIGH SECURITY (*NOT REQUIRED BY FIRE DEPARTMENT)
*Knox-Box® Residential 1650 Series
The Residential Knox-Box® is available in a permanent, surface-mounted version with a lift-off door (Model #1650) or a hinged door (Model #1658). There is also a temporary door-hanging version with a lift-off door (Model #1651) or with a hinged door (Model #1659) used for emergency medical access during temporary illness.
Residential Knox-Box® key boxes protect your family and your property during emergencies. Protect residential property from forced entry damage during fire and medical emergencies. Safely secure your entrance key in a Residential Knox-Box®.
When you are injured or become critically ill, paramedics can respond quickly, without forcing entry, when a Knox-Box® is installed by your front door. They simply remove the entrance key stored inside, provide medical assistance and re lock the door when they leave.
**Please contact Fire Marshal, Brad Ballenger at (916) 933-6623 for additional information on the Residential Knox applications**
LOW SECURITY
Knox® Key Switches
Knox® Padlocks (Gates)
Low security access is restricted to fire department and law enforcement personnel.
Key Switches:
Fire department and law enforcement personnel can enter onto private property through electric gates by way of the Knox key switch system which is wired into the electric gate.
Padlocks:
Tamper proof padlocks make up the majority of low security systems and are used on non-electric gates.
The low security Knox system is different from the high security system in that it provides access through gates of fenced areas. The low security key cannot open the high security Knox boxes. Again the low security system does not provide access inside buildings.
Knox-Box® products can be purchased with an “AUTHORIZATION ORDER FORM” which is available at the El Dorado Hills Fire Department, Administration Office located at 1050 Wilson Blvd., El Dorado Hills. Orders cannot be processed without this form which contains an authorized signature.
The cost of the Knox-box is generally negotiated between the building owner and the occupant. The business requiring the Knox-Box® will be held accountable for the inspection process.
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