--- title: What is a KnoxBox Used For? description: To reduce delays entering buildings during fire emergencies, firefighters adopted a unique key lockbox system which they call the KnoxBox. image: https://blog.koorsen.com/hubfs/KnoxBoxatEntrance.jpg --- [![Koorsen Fire & Security](https://blog.koorsen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/KoorsenFireSecurity_April2017/Images/koorsen-logo.png?width=209&height=50&name=koorsen-logo.png "Koorsen Fire & Security")](https://www.koorsen.com/) [CONTACT US](https://www.koorsen.com/contact-us/) [BILL PAY](https://www.koorsen.com/koorsen-payments/) [1.866.311.7753](tel:8663117753) - [About Us](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/) - [History](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/history/) - [Case Studies](https://blog.koorsen.com/case-studies) - [Koorsen Companies](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/companies/) - [Koorsen Training Center](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/training-center/) - [Kasey Program](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/kasey-program/) - [Pay Bill](https://www.koorsen.com/koorsen-payments/) - [Products + Services](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/) - [Fire Protection](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/) - [Security](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/security/) - [Communications](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/communications/) - [Mobile Equipment Solutions](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/mobile-equipment-solutions/) - [Additional Products + Services](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/#additional) - [Industries](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/) - [Healthcare](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/healthcare/) - [Industrial](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/industrial/) - [Education](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/education/) - [Restaurants](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/restaurants/) - [Property Management](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/property-management/) - [Hospitality](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/hospitality/) - [Retail](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/retail/) - [Construction](https://www.koorsen.com/industries/construction/) - [Locations](https://www.koorsen.com/locations/) - [News](https://blog.koorsen.com) - [Koorsen Blog](https://blog.koorsen.com) - [Koorsen In The News](https://www.koorsen.com/in-the-news/) - [Kasey the Dog Blog](https://blog.koorsen.com/kaseys-adventures) - [Careers](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/careers/) # What is a KnoxBox Used For? Posted September 24, 2021 by [Koorsen Fire & Security](https://blog.koorsen.com/author/koorsen-fire-security) ![KnoxBoxatEntrance](https://blog.koorsen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/KnoxBoxatEntrance.jpg?width=850&name=KnoxBoxatEntrance.jpg) When there is a fire, every second counts for the safety of lives and property. In many cases, firefighters need to find their way around blocked entrance or gates. This usually involves breaking down the said doors so that people can be retrieved and the fire can be fought. Unfortunately, this can cost a lot of time that should be used for fighting the fire and rescue. To reduce this delay during fire emergencies, firefighters adopted a unique key lockbox system which they call the [KnoxBox](https://www.knoxbox.com/). What is the KnoxBox, and how is it used? As you read further, you will learn more about KnoxBoxes.   ## What Is A KnoxBox? A [KnoxBox](https://info.koorsen.com/knoxbox) refers to a small box safe usually mounted on the wall where a business keeps the keys to their building. The business does this so emergency services like firefighters, emergency health care services, and sometimes the police can have free access during emergencies. For security reasons, KnoxBoxes are always locked. However, the fire service department in the local area usually has a master key that opens all KnoxBoxes in their jurisdiction. That way, they do not have to waste time forcing their way into buildings or looking for individual keys when responding to a fire. ## Where Should a KnoxBox be Located? Ideally, you should mount your KnoxBox by the main entry door of your building. Firefighters also recommend that the box be placed at the right side of the door at a maximum height of 5 feet from the ground. However, in some cases, this might not be possible due to the building structure. For such cases, the fire department advises that you seek their advice on where to mount your KnoxBox. Also, you will find that buildings with dedicated riser rooms, where the main sprinkler valves are located, have a KnoxBox mounted at or near the doors to the [riser room](https://blog.koorsen.com/what-is-a-sprinkler-riser-room). That way, firefighters can quickly gain access to essential [fire sprinkler](https://blog.koorsen.com/how-do-fire-sprinklers-work) controls. ## Are KnoxBoxes Required? By law, the following is a list of buildings that should have a KnoxBox: - Buildings with hazardous materials in them that require the filing of tier II report - Commercial buildings with at least two stories - Residential buildings with at least eight rental units - Buildings with an automatic fire suppression system, remotely monitored automatic fire alarm system, or an elevator.     ## What are the Benefits of a KnoxBox? With a KnoxBox mounted on your property, fire departments will need less time to gain access to your premises during emergencies. The faster access will mean early control of the emergency. In terms of a fire, it will lead to less fire damage and less water damage from the sprinkler system. Another big advantage of the KnoxBox is that it lets firefighters into your premises without damaging the building. Without a KnoxBox, a firefighter might need to enter your building by force and thus cause damage to the doors and/or windows. After the emergency, you will be faced with repairs and replacement of damaged property. Interestingly, the cost of repairing doors and windows in just one fire incident will likely pay for the permanent [installation of the KnoxBox](https://info.koorsen.com/knoxbox). ## Questions? Contact the Fire & Security Professionals at Koorsen Since 1946, Koorsen Fire & Security has been protecting and securing businesses throughout the Midwest and South. Whether your business is a small retail shop or a multi-story mixed-use building, we have the knowledge and experience to handle all of your business’s [fire and security](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/) needs. [Contact your local branch](https://www.koorsen.com/locations/) today to learn more about how Koorsen Fire & Security can help protect life and property. [![Questions! Contact Us Now!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1973249/27550866-4d2c-46fb-8ec4-ef118de52673.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1973249/27550866-4d2c-46fb-8ec4-ef118de52673)   - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Topics: [Fire Protection](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-protection), [Fire Safety](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-safety), [Fire Safety & Security](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-safety-security), [KnoxBox](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/knoxbox) ## Contact Us Now! *Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only. It is believed to be reliable, but Koorsen Fire & Security assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this article. It does not constitute professional advice. The user of this article or the product(s) is responsible for verifying the information's accuracy from all available sources, including the product manufacturer. The authority having jurisdiction should be contacted for code interpretations.*  ### Related posts [Overview and FAQs of NFPA 101](https://blog.koorsen.com/overview-and-faqs-of-nfpa-101) [Overview of NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities Code](https://blog.koorsen.com/overview-of-nfpa-99-health-care-facilities-code) [Code Requirements for Commercial Fire Protection](https://blog.koorsen.com/code-requirements-for-commercial-fire-protection) [Design Considerations for Commercial Fire Protection](https://blog.koorsen.com/design-considerations-for-commercial-fire-protection) [Advances In Commercial Fire Protection Technology](https://blog.koorsen.com/advances-in-commercial-fire-protection-technology) [![Questions! Contact Us Now!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1973249/27550866-4d2c-46fb-8ec4-ef118de52673.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1973249/27550866-4d2c-46fb-8ec4-ef118de52673) ### SEARCH OUR BLOG This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. ### Subscribe to Our Blog ### Recent Posts ### CATEGORIES - [Commercial Security (111)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/commercial-security) - [Fire Protection (109)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-protection) - [Fire Extinguisher (77)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-extinguisher) - [Fire Alarm Systems (75)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-alarm-systems) - [Fire Safety & Security (73)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-safety-security) - [Koorsen News (73)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/koorsen-news) - [Fire Sprinkler Systems (67)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-sprinkler-systems) - [Fire Safety (61)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-safety) - [Access Control Systems (45)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/access-control-systems) - [Fire Suppression (43)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-suppression) - [Inspection/Testing (43)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/inspectiontesting) - [Small Business Security (39)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/small-business-security) - [Kitchen Fire Suppression (37)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/kitchen-fire-suppression) - [Video Surveillance (30)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/video-surveillance) - [Fire Training (24)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-training) - [Restaurant Industry (24)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/restaurant-industry) - [Emergency/Exit Lighting (22)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/emergency-exit-lighting) - [Monitoring (20)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/monitoring) - [NFPA (19)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/nfpa) - [Education Industry (18)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/education-industry) - [Commercial Kitchen (17)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/commercial-kitchen) - [Training & Education (15)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/training-education) - [Fire Pumps (12)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/fire-pumps) - [Healthcare Industry (12)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/healthcare-industry) - [Property Management Industry (10)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/property-management-industry) - [Bi-Directional Amplifier (9)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/bi-directional-amplifier) - [Emergency Notification (9)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/emergency-notification) - [General (9)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/general) - [Nurse Call System (9)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/nurse-call-system) - [Kasey Program (8)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/kasey-program) - [Restaurant (8)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/restaurant) - [Education (7)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/education) - [Property Management (7)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/property-management) - [Construction Industry (6)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/construction-industry) - [Koorsen Family Foundation (6)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/koorsen-family-foundation) - [Press (6)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/press) - [Retail Industry (6)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/retail-industry) - [Mobile Equipment (4)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/mobile-equipment) - [Vehicle Fire Suppression (4)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/vehicle-fire-suppression) - [Awards (3)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/awards) - [Dry Chem Suppression (3)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/dry-chem-suppression) - [Engineering (3)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/engineering) - [Hospitality Industry (3)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/hospitality-industry) - [Long Term Care (3)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/long-term-care) - [Podcast (3)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/podcast) - [Industrial (2)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/industrial) - [Infographics (2)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/infographics) - [KnoxBox (2)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/knoxbox) - [Backflow Preventer (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/backflow-preventer) - [Construction (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/construction) - [Distributed Antenna Systems (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/distributed-antenna-systems) - [Flame Detection (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/flame-detection) - [Government (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/government) - [Home Security (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/home-security) - [The Joint Commission (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/the-joint-commission) - [Underground Services (1)](https://blog.koorsen.com/topic/underground-services) see all ### ALL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES - [Fire Extinguishers](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-extinguishers/) - [General Fire Products](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/general-fire-products/) - [Emergency/Exit Lighting](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/emergency-exit-lighting/) - [Fire Alarm Systems](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-alarm-systems/) - [Fire Sprinkler Systems](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-sprinkler-systems/) - [Kitchen Fire Suppression](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/kitchen-hood-fire-suppression/) - [Fire Suppression Systems](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/fire-protection/fire-suppression-systems/) - [Commercial Security](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/security/commercial-security/) - [Emergency Notification](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/communications/emergency-notification/) - [Communications](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/communications/) - [Home Security](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/security/home-security/) - [Nurse Call Systems](https://www.koorsen.com/products-services/communications/nurse-call-systems/) ### OTHER COMPANIES - [KOORSEN ENVIRONMENTAL](https://koorsenes.com/) - [KOORSEN FACILITIES MANAGEMENT](https://www.koorsenfm.com/) ### CONTACT KOORSEN [866-311-7753](tel:8663117753) [info@koorsen.com](mailto:info@koorsen.com) - [FAQS](https://www.koorsen.com/faq/) - [KOORSEN CAREERS](https://www.koorsen.com/about-us/careers/) - [MEDIA RELATIONS](https://www.koorsen.com/media-relations/) - [TRANSPARENCY IN COVERAGE](https://www.koorsen.com/transparency-in-coverage/) © 2026 Koorsen Fire & Security | [PRIVACY POLICY](https://www.koorsen.com/privacy-policy/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Koorsen Fire & Security", "url" : "https://blog.koorsen.com/author/koorsen-fire-security" }, "dateModified" : "2021-12-15T16:21:41.279Z", "datePublished" : "2021-09-24T13:36:02.000Z", "headline" : "What is a KnoxBox Used For?", "image" : [ "https://blog.koorsen.com/hubfs/KnoxBoxatEntrance.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.koorsen.com/what-is-a-knoxbox-used-for", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.koorsen.com/hubfs/KoorsenFireSecurity_April2017/Images/koorsen-logo.png" }, "name" : "Koorsen Fire & Security - - -" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "", "addressLocality" : "Indianapolis", "addressRegion" : "IN", "postalCode" : "46218", "streetAddress" : "2719 N Arlington Ave " }, "alternateName" : "Koorsen", "description" : "Since 1946, people have trusted Koorsen to protect and secure their businesses and homes.", "email" : "https://www.koorsen.com/", "image" : "https://blog.koorsen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/KoorsenFireSecurity_April2017/Images/koorsen-logo.png?width=209&name=koorsen-logo.png", "logo" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/1973249/KoorsenFireSecurity_April2017/Images/koorsen-logo.png", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.koorsen.com/what-is-a-knoxbox-used-for", "@type" : "WebPage", "description" : "To reduce delays entering buildings during fire emergencies, firefighters adopted a unique key lockbox system which they call the KnoxBox." }, "naics" : "238220", "name" : "Koorsen Fire & Security Headquarters", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/pages/Koorsen-Fire-Security/173081436052031", "https://twitter.com/koorsenfire", "http://www.linkedin.com/company/koorsen-fire-and-security", "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU0ncdcrEYAjDHIcGGgJ3KQ", "https://www.instagram.com/koorsenfire/?hl=en" ], "telephone" : "", "url" : "https://www.koorsen.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Koorsen Fire & Security" }, "dateModified" : "December 15, 2021, 4:21:41 PM", "datePublished" : "2021-09-24 13:36:02", "description" : "To reduce delays entering buildings during fire emergencies, firefighters adopted a unique key lockbox system which they call the KnoxBox.", "headline" : "What is a KnoxBox Used For?", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://f.hubspotusercontent40.net/hubfs/1973249/KnoxBoxatEntrance.jpg" }, "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.koorsen.com/what-is-a-knoxbox-used-for", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/1973249/KoorsenFireSecurity_April2017/Images/koorsen-logo.png" }, "name" : "Koorsen Fire & Security Headquarters" } } ```