Knox FDC Protection Program
The Knox FDC Protection Program is a complete system that provides protection for both the intake and discharge sides of water-based fire protection systems. This secure, high-quality system provides fire department control over FDC equipment at no cost to your department. When you adopt the FDC Protection Program, Knox Keywrenches are provided to your department at no charge. Building owners in your jurisdiction will be able to purchase Knox FDC Locks™ along with Knox Standpipe Lock™ and Knox Storz Lock™ products. The first shipment of FDC products will be sent after an authorized fire department member has received the Knox Keywrenches.
Secure Fire Protection Systems
Unlike other non-secure FDC caps, Knox locking FDC products protect FDCs from getting clogged or vandalized, ensuring quick access to supplement fire sprinklers in an emergency. Knox FDC Lock removal is quickly and easily accomplished with a Knox Keywrench. The universal Keywrench allows for rapid access to FDCs, while lowering maintenance costs to owners due to unnecessary back flushing from clogged pipes.
Reduce Theft of Brass Connections
In recent years, communities have seen an increase in stolen copper and brass including siamese brass FDC swivel connections. A stolen FDC connection places a building, its occupants and responders at risk. To combat the theft of FDC swivel connections, Knox has developed the Knox FDC Lock with Swivel-Guard™ that covers the entire swivel connection and minimizes the potential of the connection being stolen. With Swivel-Guard™, the set screw is inaccessible making it difficult to remove the brass connection.
Protect Sprinkler System Performance
A fire sprinkler system is subject to malfunction and malicious attack when foreign matter, such as debris, trash or animal nests, enters the system through an unprotected FDC connection. Knox FDC, Storz and Standpipe Locks deliver clean FDC lines and undamaged connection threads.
Protect Water Source Against Theft
Water is a precious commodity. The Knox Standpipe Lock and Knox Storz Lock devices lock the connection to non-approved users providing protection against water theft and the potential introduction of harmful substances into the water system. Since both products hold water pressure, they can safely be installed on hydrants.
Knox FDC Protection Program
For more information, please fill out our form below.
Enforce FDC Protection
Language in the International Fire Code (IFC), International Building Code (IBC) and NFPA 1 Fire Code all authorize the installation of locking FDC caps in your jurisdiction.
The codes read as follows:
2018 NFPA 1, Fire Code | Chapter 13.1.131
“The AHJ shall have the authority to require locking fire department connection (FDC) plugs or caps on all water-based fire protection systems.”
2018 IFC | Chapter 912.4.12
2018 IBC | Chapter 912.4.13
“Locking Fire Department Connection Caps: The fire code official is authorized to require locking caps on fire department connections for water-based fire protection systems where the responding fire department carries appropriate keywrenches for removal.”
2018 IFC | Chapter 905.11
2018 IBC | Chapter 905.11
“The fire code official is authorized to require locking caps on the outlets on dry standpipe connections standpipes where the responding fire department carries key wrenches for the removal that are compatible
with locking FDC connection caps.”
Knox FDC Protection Products
Sizes & Threads
In addition to National Hose Thread (NH), the Knox Company manufactures additional thread types as requested by fire departments. If your jurisdiction does not use NH (formerly referred to as NST) and you would like to confirm that Knox has your thread pattern in stock, just give your Knox representative a call. For Knox Storz Lock and Knox Standpipe Lock, if additional sizes are required, contact your Knox representative for availability.
Knox Keywrenches
Once your department has decided on the types of FDC protection products and thread patterns, Knox will deliver Keywrenches to your department. The Keywrenches are provided free of charge. All registered FDC departments are encouraged to request additional Keywrenches for their mutual aid departments. A special contractor registration form is also available if your department wishes to authorize local contractors to obtain Knox Keywrenches.
Trust Knox Locking FDC Caps to protect what matters when it matters.
The Knox FDC Protection Program
- Authorized by International Fire and Building Codes
- Authorized by NFPA 1
- Supplies long-term FDC protection against vandalism
- Prevents foreign matter from entering sprinkler systems
- Provides secure protection at no cost to your department
Depend on Knox Quality
Knox FDC, Storz and Standpipe Locks are part of the Knox Rapid Access System manufactured by the Knox Company. The highest quality materials and workmanship are used in the manufacturing process. For over forty years, Knox has consistently proven that our products are built to last.
Get Started
- Establish your local policy, decide on FDC implementation plan and roll out date
- Determine FDC protection products and thread patterns
- Call Knox to get free Keywrenches for vehicles, personnel, mutual aid departments
- Publish your FDC policy and requirements on your website
- Set up training for your personnel on the use of the Knox Keywrench
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Available OpportunitiesOur Locations
Arkansas
| Jonesboro | 870-203-9880 |
| Little Rock | 501-843-9392 |
| NorthWest | 479-986-9090 |
| Texarkana | 870-772-0863 |
Georgia
| Atlanta | 872-234-2824 |
Mississippi
| Jackson | 601-981-1741 |
Tennessee
| Memphis | 901-446-4479 |
Virginia
| Richmond | 804-459-2200 |
| Roanoke | 540-765-1300 |
| Springfield | 703-584-2200 |
| Virginia Beach | 757-213-3660 |