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HeyBub[_3_] HeyBub[_3_] is offline
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Default Is it legal to lock a main breaker box?

wrote:
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?)


Having a locked breaker box, and a secured lock-out box, might discourage
a/c compressor coil thieves.

A lock certainly won't hinder the fire department. They'll rip the box off
the wall in a nonce if they feel like it.