Tamper-Proof Curb Box Offers Ground-Level Operation

KURB T.O.P. curb box from E-Z Innovations
Tamper-Proof Curb Box Offers Ground-Level Operation

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The KURB T.O.P. curb box from E-Z Innovations allows ground-level operation without removing the top cap or plug. A quarter-turn of the pentagon key turns the valve on or off.

Dennis White, co-inventor and company co-owner, says the idea came out of frustration while covering for an operator on vacation. “I had the bad luck of being there on shut-off day,” he says. “The city clerk handed me 30-some turnoffs, and by the end of the day I had only gotten eight of them done because of having to fight with the curb boxes.”

White says typical boxes can include tops or plugs that are difficult to remove or full of dirt or debris from pipe erosion or from workers removing the top and tampering with the valve. With the new design, operators simply put the pentagon wrench on the pentagon key and give it a quarter-turn right or left.

The 3-pound cast-iron top (three times heavier than conventional tops) is painted utility blue for easy identification. It has a tracer wire terminal for line locating. The Minneapolis pattern box accepts 3/4-, 1- and 1 1/4-inch curb stop valves. An increaser for 1 1/2- and 2-inch valves is available along with an Arch pattern adapter.

Other features include an easy-to-install, tamper-proof stainless steel cap that snaps into place over the pentagon key. “Once you have that cap in place, the only way to remove it is to destroy it,” White says. If the cap is gone, someone likely has tampered with the valve. The curb box is available in three telescoping models, allowing users to keep fewer sizes in inventory. Model 3 adjusts from 3 to 5 1/2 feet, Model 4 from 4 to 7 1/2 feet, Model 5 from 5 to 9 1/2 feet.

“Most curb boxes only adjust up and down one foot,” White says. “With ours you don’t have to carry parts or have them sitting by the ditch wondering which size to use.” The adjustable box also has a red line indicating the suggested length of extension. “We give a 6-inch safety zone so you don’t overextend it,” White says.

The curb box has a Schedule 40 PVC outer barrel to resist corrosive soils. The PVC pipe also makes the curb box lighter (Model 4 weighs 18 pounds). The box has a telescoping stainless steel inner rod system connected to a stainless steel valve receiver that connects to the curb stop valve. The top section of the box easily separates from the bottom section if accidently hooked by a backhoe bucket, reducing damage to the water line or valve. 319/859-0761; www.e-zinnovations.com.



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