I recently learned from a friend about a distressing incident at his home. An intruder tried to cut the power from the electrical control panel located outside. Thankfully, my friend was home and likely deterred the would-be intruder when he emerged to restore the power.
This method is becoming an increasingly popular modus operandi among criminals. The idea is simple: by cutting off the power, they wait to see if anyone comes out to check. If no one does, they assume the house is empty and proceed with their burglary. This tactic is particularly effective against homes without battery-backed security cameras, as there’s no recording of the crime.
To safeguard against such incidents, consider investing in an electrical panel lock. Even basic, cost-effective models can deter casual intruders. For those seeking enhanced security, more robust and durable panel lock options are available to ward off sophisticated threats.
Last update on 2023-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Top 9 Locks For Electrical Panels
In this article, we’re going to go through the most basic electrical panel locks to the most advanced types of electrical panel locks. Some use unique keys to open, while others use codes to open, battery and non-battery options as well.
Stanley Hardware Hardened Steel Padlock
This padlock is super tough with its Shrouded Hardened Steel material. Its shackle is made with cut-resistant Molybdenum steel to protect against sawing and cutting attempts. This lock has an ASTM security grading of 4.
This lock has dual stainless steel ball-bearings to resist pry attacks. It boasts a 6 pin cylinder with anti-pick pins There is a patented keyway cover to protect the lock against drilling.
This is certainly one of the toughest locks on this list, the next lock is even stronger.
The detailed specifications are as follows:
| Material | Molybdenum Shackle, Full Shrouded Steel Body |
| Color | Silver |
| Total Size | 223 x 122 x 86mm / 8.8” x 4.8” x 3.4” (L x Dia x H) |
| Package Contents | 1 x Stanley Lock and 2 x Keys |
Schlage 994831 Rounded Padlock
This is the strongest lock on this entire list of electrical panel locks.
It’s a 63.5-millimeter hardened steel body with 2.5-inch Molybdenum shackle making it super tough!
It has a double deadbolt locking mechanism for even greater strength. A 6 pin brass cylinder makes it harder to “pick”
Each lock comes with two keys. The detailed specifications are as follows:
| Material | Molybdenum Shackle, Solid Steel, Rounded Body |
| Color | Silver |
| Total Size | 198 x 51 x 165mm / 7.8” x 2” x 6.5” (L x Dia x H) |
| Package Contents | 2 x Schlage Lock and 4 x Keys |
Panel Lockout
The Panel Lockout attaches to the panel screws and then blocks anyone from opening the control panel door. This lock is OSHA compliant as per OSHA Standard 1910.147 (Lockout/Tagout).
The Panel Lockout includes a padlock, 3 keys, and a reusable warning tag.
This lockout unit fits panels between 14 and 20 inches wide.
For wider panels or panels which do not have screws, you can order the Panel Lockout Kit with Pouch.
Uxcell Tubular Cam Lock W Key
This is your most basic lock available to secure electrical panel doors, small drawers, and other small things. S
Sometimes you just need to secure the electrical panel or panelboard that the door doesn’t swing open by itself and get exposed to the elements.
These small basic locks are also good for people who want to keep their drawers closed if they are sliding open by themselves due to any reason. (RV Drawers or Drawers that have wheels on)
You get two keys with the lock in the package.
This is not the strongest lock you can get by any means, but at least it will deter the most basic criminals.
The detailed specifications are as follows:
| Material | Metal |
| Color | Silver Tone |
| Total Size | 45 x 26 x 32mm / 1.8” x 1.02” x 1.26” (L x Dia x H) |
| Thread Diameter | 18mm / 0.71” |
| Flat Body Size | 46 x 15 x 2mm / 1.8” x 0.59” x 0.08” (L*W*H) |
| Weight | 74g |
| Package Contents | 1 x Cam Lock1 and 2 x Keys |
Defender Security U 9945
This is one of the most popular choices in cabinet locks. It’s simple, affordable and is a complete lock and key with everything you need to install it as well.
It’s perfect for electrical control panels because it’s constructed out of strong steels and finished off in stainless steel to assist with longevity.
Slightly stronger than our previously listed lock and good to keep doors and drawers in the closed position.
It’s very easy to install and has everything you need in the box.
The detailed specifications are as follows:
| Material | Diecast with Stainless Steel Finish |
| Color | Silver Tone |
| Total Size | ¾” outside cylinder diameter with 1-1/8” length that will accommodate up to 13/16” thick panels |
| Thread Diameter | 18mm / 0.71” |
| Flat Body Size | 46 x 15 x 2mm / 1.8” x 0.59” x 0.08” (L*W*H) |
| Weight | 0.48 ounces / 14g |
| Package Contents | 3 cams, a trim collar, 2 reversible rotation washers, 2 keys, and fasteners. Keyed Different, Yale Y-11 keyway |
Uxcell 2 Set Tool Box and Cabinet Locking
This is a nice little 2 piece lock set for locking cabinets like electrical panels.
This set comes with two keys for each lock and every lock has unique keys to open them.
So that’s two locks and four keys in total when you buy this option.
The locks have 18.5mm Dia Thread Cylinders.
This is a good option if you just need basic locking power for your electrical control panel or toolbox.
The detailed specifications are as follows:
| Material | Metal |
| Color | Silver Tone |
| Total Size | 47 x 30 x 23mm / 1.9” x 1.2” x 0.9” |
| Thread Diameter | 18mm / 0.71” |
| Flat Body Size | 46 x 15 x 2mm / 1.8” x 0.59” x 0.08” (L*W*H) |
| Weight | 107g |
| Package Contents | 2 x Cam Lock and 4 x Keys |
Uxcell Rotary Handle
These rotary handle locks by Uxcell are comfortable to use and more durable than the small locks above.
These types of locks are mostly used for electrical control panels, filing cabinets, and network server enclosures and are therefore built with a bit more durability and usability compared to previous cheaper options.
These types of locks are definitely my preference on a budget because they’re more solid and long-lasting than small lock and key units without the lever.
Two keys that are unique to this one lock are provided.
The detailed specifications are as follows:
| Material | Metal |
| Color | Silver Tone |
| Total Size | 11.5 x 3.3 x 6.9cm / 4.5” x 1.3” x 2.7” (L*W*H) |
| Round Thread Body Size | 21 x 12mm / ⅚” x 0.47” (D*L) |
| Weight | 145g |
| Package Contents | 1 x Rotary Handle Lock, 2 x Keys and 1 x Fixed Panel |
Combi-Cam 7850
This is one of my preferred choices for an electrical panel lock.
The reason I say this is because it doesn’t need keys or a battery. Just remember the pin code and unlock it at any time. If someone else needs to gain access to the electrical control panel you can just give them the pin code and they can gain access over the phone.
This is also a strong and sturdy control panel lock as long as you install it properly as with any panel lock.
The fact that this lock is weatherproof also makes it ideal for exterior electrical control panels.
This is the right size to retrofit any standard cam lock so it’s really easy to install.
The detailed specifications are as follows:
| Material | Durable solid metal |
| Cylinder length | 1-1/8″ – accommodates material thickness up to 7/8″ |
| Passcode Combinations | 1,000 possible combos |
| Weight | 4.8 ounces |
| Package Contents | Comes with 3/4″ prong washer, 1-1/2″ offset cam, 3/4″ straight cam, 1-1/2″ straight cam, and a 90 degree stop |
See the current price of this product on Amazon
Combi-Cam E, Electrical Cabinet Lock
From basic options to the advanced Combi-Cam E, this is an electrical lock controlled with passcodes to open. The obvious advantages of this type of lock are that you can’t lose or forget your keys when needing to open the lock.
The battery inside the unit lasts up to 10 years so you don’t need to replace it too often. If the red, low battery light switches on, the battery needs replacing and you will need to do so as soon as possible.
A nice, compact design helps to use this electrical lock for many different applications like electrical panels, breaker panels, lockers, medical carts, data racks and more.
If you use the lock in “locker mode” you can set up to three passcodes, user, service and master code levels. So the user of the lock has access but there is a master passcode that will open the lock if the user isn’t around.
This Combi-Cam E retrofits and standard ¾” cam hole.
The detailed specifications are as follows:
| Lock height | 3.34” |
| Lock width | 1.33” |
| Lock depth | 1.06” |
| Cylinder length | 0.94” |
| Cylinder diameter | 5/8” wide |
| Package Contents | 0.91” straight cam, 1.57” straight cam, 3.0V Lithium CR2450 battery Adaptor, cylinder nut, stop cam and mounting screw |
Conclusion: Best Locks For Electrical Panel
If you looking for an electrical control panel lock to prevent thieves from cutting off your power, you will at least need something which has unique keys or passcode access to start off with.
My favorite options are the Schlage 994831 Rounded Padlock, Combi-Cam 7850, and the Combi-Cam Electrical Cabinet Lock.
The reason I like the Uxcell Rotary Handle is that it has unique keys and is a solid, durable design at a decent price. It’s a long-lasting unit.
What makes the Combi-Cam 7850 stand out is the fact that it is passcode protected so you don’t need keys and because it’s manually operated, it doesn’t need batteries either. It’s a strong lock that will give you decent protection from basic intruders. This option is weatherproof making it ideal for exterior control panels.
The Combi-Cam Electrical Lock is a nice premium choice if your electrical control panel isn’t exposed to the elements. This is a nice lock to have if the control panel is in your garage or somehow protected from rain and shine.
Best Weatherproof Padlock Review
