Fire Box Installation

Location

• The safest location to install a Firebox in your home is on any wall adjacent to a staircase. For practicality's sake, it is best to install the Firebox on the wall adjacent to the staircase leading down to the basement or from the stairs leading to the top level of your home. The placement of the box is extremely important as it must be in the most convenient place to reach in the case of an emergency. For example, placing the box in the middle of a staircase leaves open the possibility of injury when you reach for the box.

Mounting the Box

• Measure about 2 feet from the top stair toe towards the center of the wall. Continue by measuring 42 to 48 inches up on that same wall from that center point and use a pencil to make a mark on the wall. This is the spot where the Firebox should be mounted. Center the box on the mark and make sure it is level. Mount the Firebox to the wall using at least four No. 10 grade fasteners. Be sure that the fasteners are secured tightly to the wall as they will be supporting large amounts of weight when in use. An electric screwdriver will work best and ensure that the fasteners are secured as tightly as possible.

Drilling the Anchor Bolt

• After the box has been mounted, use a 12mm drill bit and hammer drill to create a hole 4 to 6 inches below the top of the Firebox. Place the anchor bolt, along with its attached flange, into the hole and use a hammer to drive the nail to its outer collar. Anchoring the bolt is the most important step in the process as it must be able to hold a large amount of weight in case of an emergency. The standard Firebox can hold up to 250 pounds of weight at one time. If you suspect that you may need a box that can hold more weight, head to your local hardware store and ask for an upgrade.

Attach the Belay Accessory

• In order to make the Firebox service-ready, you must obtain a belay system and place it in front of you. Find the second D-ring carabiner (it's preattached to the belay rope, anchor point runner and belay device) and unlock it. Once it has been unlocked, attach it through the installed P38 bolt flange. Relock the carabiner by twisting the lock mechanism until it clicks. Fold the belay equipment neatly into the box and close and lock the door. If you fold the belay equipment so that it twists into a knot when released, you will put whoever uses the device in danger of serious injury. It will also increase the odds that the device will malfunction when it is needed most.