Knox FDC Lock Operating Instructions Download Page 1

The Knox FDC Lock has been designed for ease-of-use when installing or removing the lock from a fire 

department connection (FDC). Fire personnel properly equipped with a Knox FDC Spanner Wrench or 

Knox Keywrench can quickly remove the lock. In the event of debris or ice buildup on the locking bolt 

head, a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool will quickly remove any foreign matter.

OPE-KBSPEC-0024-C

1601 W. DEER VALLEY RD. PHOENIX, AZ 85027   |   

T.

 800-552-5669   |   

F.

 623-687-2290   |   [email protected]   |   

KNOXBOX.COM

©Knox Company. All rights reserved.

KNOX FDC LOCK

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Threads 

per Inch

Diameter

2.5" Locking Cap

1.5" Locking Cap

Locking 

Bolt Head

Pins

Swivel-Guard™

2.5" Locking Cap

with Swivel-Guard

CAUTION: 

Knox FDC Locks are not designed to function as pressure-seal 

plugs for wet systems. If the check valve upstream is defective 

and leaks water, the water will go through the FDC Lock to show 

leakage. The defective check valve must be repaired.
When back flushing your FDC system for clean out, you 

must remember to remove all of the Knox FDC Locks so that 

contaminated water and debris will not flood the locks and 

cause contamination problems. This is especially important if  

the sprinkler system has developed microbial infestation. 
Knox FDC Locks should be inspected by a qualified inspector 

at least once a year to ensure situations have not occurred that 

would damage the device.

INSTALLATION NOTES: 

 

•   For Swivel-Guard model, line up locks on swivel with cut  

outs in swivel guard ring, then spin swivel to thread the 

Knox FDC Lock into the connection.

•  Knox FDC Lock should easily thread into connection coupling 

(loose fit). If the Knox FDC Lock thread binds, remove and 

check threads for damage or incorrect size.

INSTALLATION

Remove warning tag. 

Remove all debris from 

connection coupling threads 

and from inside the pipe. 

Flush system if necessary. 

Using the key head on the 

Knox FDC Spanner Wrench 

or Knox Keywrench, turn 

the locking bolt counter-

clockwise until it stops to 

ensure it is fully unlocked.

Place the FDC Lock into 

coupling and hand turn 

clockwise until no threads are 

showing. Do not use a spanner 

wrench. Hand tighten ONLY.

Tighten locking bolt head 

clockwise with Knox FDC 

Spanner Wrench or Knox 

Keywrench until firm.

Keywrench

FDC Spanner Wrench

Pin Holes

Pin Holes

Key

Key

KNOX FDC LOCK 

IDENTIFICATION

Each Knox FDC Lock is etched 

with a unique serial number on the 

cap face. The cap thread size and 

diameter is etched on the back of 

the cap. Verify that the connection 

coupling thread is the same size 

before attempting cap installation.

REMOVAL

1. 

Inspect locking bolt head and remove any debris, if necessary.

2. 

Use the key head of the Knox FDC Spanner Wrench or Knox 

Keywrench to turn the locking bolt head counter-clockwise 

until fully unlocked (Keywrench will stop). 

3. 

Use the pin holes on the Knox FDC Spanner Wrench or Knox 

Keywrench to unscrew the Knox FDC Lock from the connection.

4. 

If the locking bolt is completely loosened and the lock will still 

not release, use the spanner end of the Keywrench to engage 

the pins on the face of the Knox FDC Lock and unscrew 

counter-clockwise as shown below. 

1

2

3

4

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