wrote in message
...
I have a friend who runs a business. Their main breaker is on the
outside of the building right along a busy back alley. Inside the
building directly behind that main breaker is the panel with all the
individual breakers. The box looks similar to this:
http://www.solarpanelstore.com/assets/ch_dpb222r.jpg

If you look on the bottom, there is the tab that sticks out with the
hole, which is meant for a small padlock. The problem is that the box,
had a plastic tab. Why the manufacturer used a plastic tab (the rest of
the box is metal), is beyond me. It had a lock on it, but the plastic
tab broke off, and ever since people keep shutting off the power at
least once a month. That affects all kinds of electronic equipment
inside, and disrupts business. The business owner is a woman who dont
understand all the technical issues, she just wants the box to be tamper
proof. I told her I'd see what can be done, and will install something
if possible.

I suggested drilling a few holes and putting a hasp on the box, with pop
rivets and padlocking it, but I tend to wonder if there is any sort of
legal requirements. I suppose in the event of a fire, the Fire Dept
might want to shut off the power. This makes me question what to do.
I'm also not sure who to ask locally about this? Maybe the power
company?????

Anyone know anything about this?

One other thought was to drill a hole right below that slot and just use
a cable tie through the slot and the hole. Anyone can cut it off, but
it might be enough to discourage them. Right now all they need to do is
lift the cover and shut off the breaker. At least a cable tie would
require more effort by tamperers, and still be easily cut in an
emergency.

Is this covered in the USA electrical codes? I dont have the book.
(Are the codes available online?)

Gene

The only code that matters is the one that has been adopted for your area.
Enforcement of that code is up to the local electrical inspector. So, call
the city or county office in your area and talk to the electrical inspector
(no charge) and ask what you should do. If you can get something printed or
written from the inspector's office on the subject, that's even better. It
would be worth your while to go to the office and talk personally if that's
possible.

Once you know what to do and complete the work, you may have to have it
inspected and there could be a charge for that -- or you may even need a
permit (not very likely) and there is sure to be a charge for that.

Anyway, work with the inspector who has probably encountered the situation
before.

Tomsic