Knox Safeguards FDCs

In the event of a fire, minimizing damage and injuries starts with a building's fire sprinkler system. Knox locking FDC caps protect Fire Department Connections from getting clogged, damaged or vandalized, ensuring your team can quickly access and supplement fire sprinklers.

BROCHURE FOR

FIRE DEPARTMENTS

Brochure to educate and train your team on the importance of protecting fire protection systems

BROCHURE FOR

PROPERTY OWNERS

BROCHURE FOR

PROPERTY OWNERS

Uncapped FDC Connections

Protect What Matters, When It Matters

© 2020 Knox Company. All rights reserved

Advantages to Businesses

1

FDC lines are clear, allowing the fire department to supplement additional water or pressure to the system.

Unprotected FDCs are vulnerable to vandalism and debris that can prevent the flow of water.

Knox FDC / Storz / Standpipe Locks protect connections and keep pipes clean ensuring the maximum flow of water to fire sprinklers or fire protection systems.

KNOX FDC LOCK

OPERATIONAL GUIDE

Guide on how to lock & unlock Knox FDC Locks

KNOX STORZ LOCK

OPERATIONAL GUIDE

Guide on how to lock & unlock Knox Storz Locks

KNOX STANDPIPE LOCK

OPERATIONAL GUIDE

Brochure for property owners to educate them on the importance of protecting their fire sprinkler system, standpipe systems, etc

Brochure with FAQ's for property owners

Brochures & Guides

Guide on how to lock & unlock Knox Standpipe Locks

FDC PROTECTION PROGRAM

ONBOARDING TOOLKIT

This toolkit provides your department with the tools to further educate & train your team, including resources to help implement the new program and educate property owners and managers in your community.

A Growing Problem

• A lack of inspections and reductions in prevention personnel play a significant role in increased deficiencies

• Open FDCs are often listed as "non-critical deficiencies" which results in no action by the AHJ

• Use of cheap “tear away” caps result in caps not being replaced, falling off, being tampered with, etc.

Debris

Criminal Activity

Theft

Terrorism

The number of uncapped FDC connections is increasing:

National fire codes have recognized and incorporated the need for FDCs to be capped, but many jurisdictions have not adopted the code, leaving unlocked connections vulnerable to:

Damage and vandalism to fire department connections (FDCs) is a frequent occurrence. Passersby shove trash in the FDC opening, building owners block them or thieves steal parts for the metal. All these things can cause significant damage or make the connection inoperable.

This issue may be more prevalent during protests. While most protesters are not out to cause property damage, some are. It is important to be vigilant and inspect FDCs more often if there are protests in your jurisdiction.

U.S. Fire Administration July 30, 2020

The Solution:

Install Locking FDC Caps

An issue increasing in concern throughout the nation, are the dangers associated with uncapped Fire Department Connections (FDCs), which can compromise the effectiveness of the sprinkler system and pose risks to firefighters. Without water, their lives, the lives of occupants, and continuity of the impacted businesses, is put at risk.

Locking FDC caps ensure fire sprinkler systems are protected and they reduce potential firefighter injuries. Clogged FDC lines need to be backflushed, which can exceed $2,000 per instance depending on the size of the building and fire sprinkler system.  Additionally, damage to the threading, burglary of brass piping, etc. can lead to additional costs for the building owner.

After investing in a structure’s sprinkler system, it's remiss to leave the system unsecured and vulnerable to inoperability. Locking FDC caps ensure debris will not enter the system, while reducing the potential need for future restoration, repairs, and rebuilding expenses.

• Reduces property damage and the potential long-term disruption to residential and commercial occupants

• Helps protect occupants, properties, infrastructure and business operations as smoke and heat damage increases with nonexistent or low water pressure 

• Less property damage results in less disruption to residential and commercial tenants

ABOUT KNOX

Since 1975, the Knox Company has successfully developed innovative rapid access solutions for first responders with products that provide fast, safe, and secure entry into commercial, industrial, and residential properties, while minimizing damage and maximizing safety.

The Solution:

Install Locking FDC Caps

After investing in a structure’s sprinkler system, it's remiss to leave the system unsecured and vulnerable to inoperability. Locking FDC caps ensure debris will not enter the system, while reducing the potential need for future restoration, repairs, and rebuilding expenses.

Knox.com

The Knox Company needs the contact information you provide to us to contact you about our products and services. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For information on how to unsubscribe, as well as our privacy practices and commitment to protecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy.