The Nashville Fire Department requires the use of Knox Boxes, a rapid entry key box system designed to provide fast, safe, and secure entry into commercial buildings, while minimizing damage and maximizing safety. Knox Boxes can securely store keys, access cards, key fobs, elevator keys, electrical shunt trips, or other vital information needed to assist emergency responders. This information is intended to outline the requirements for the proper type and installation of secure key boxes and padlocks.
Where We Require a Knox Box
When access to a building or area is necessary for lifesaving actions, firefighting purposes, or access to fire protection equipment, a Knox Box will be required as designated by the Fire Marshal. At least one Knox Box is required on all commercial buildings and tenant spaces in Davidson County.
The size of the Knox Box shall be determined by the type of occupancy, hazards present, and amount of material required to be stored within the box. To verify the vital information and materials stored within the Knox Box remains current, an annual Knox Box permit from the Fire Marshal’s Office is also required. For more information regarding the Knox Box permit, please visit the Fire Marshal’s Office Operational Permits page.
What Should Be Placed in a Knox Box
The following items should be placed within each Knox Box (unless otherwise directed by the Fire Department):
- Key or Keys that provide access to the building or property and any areas within that are considered pertinent for emergency responders. If multiple keys are required, each key must have its own key tag with a legible description of the door or area to which it provides access.
- Access cards, key fobs, etc. that will allow entry into areas with electronically controlled access.
- Elevator keys (when applicable and as required).
- A spare key for the fire alarm control panel, annunciator panel, and pull station (when applicable and as required).
- The contact information for the primary and secondary contacts on a completed Nashville Fire Department Knox Box Contact Card; This card will be provided after your Knox Box permit application has been accepted.
- The completed contact card must be printed, cut out, and prepared per the directions on the card. The contact card must also have some means of protection (plastic cover, laminated, etc.) against damage or deterioration.
- Any other materials or information as requested by the Fire Department.
Installation Location
Knox Boxes must be installed within 3 feet horizontally of the principal entrance door of the building or within 3 feet horizontally of another entrance to the building which is acceptable to the Fire Department. Knox Boxes need to be installed no lower than 4 feet vertically from the threshold of the door to the bottom of the box, but no higher than 5.5 feet vertically from the top of the box to the threshold of the door. However, the preference of the Fire Department is that Knox Boxes be installed closer to the 5.5-foot level. Key boxes must be installed on the side of the building facing the street of address unless the Fire Department has approved another location. When choosing a Knox Box that will be installed on the exterior of a building, please ensure that the model selected is made for exterior use and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing.
Access Controlled Gates
A Knox Padlock is required on all manually controlled gates (pedestrian and vehicle) when the gates obstruct the fire lane and/or fire department access to a building or property. When choosing a Knox Padlock, please ensure that the model selected is made for exterior use.
For automatic gates that obstruct a fire lane and/or fire department access to a building or property, a Click-to-Enter system will be required in the near future. Additional information regarding this system can be found on the Click-to-Enter website.
Specifications
There are no requirements regarding the selection of the available Knox Box colors or styles (whether recessed or surface mounted). Tamper switches are permitted when desired by the owner but are not required.
For muti-tenant, multi-story, and mid-size to larger commercial buildings, an appropriately sized series will be required. Consideration should be given to the intended use of the building when selecting the size of the key box.
How to Order a Knox Product
Knox Boxes may be ordered directly from Knox at knoxbox.com or from one of their authorized local trusted partners.
When ordering a Knox product, be sure to specify the jurisdiction as “Nashville Fire Department.”
Questions
If you have any questions about installation, keys or contact cards, or permit requirements, please send an email to [email protected].