Today’s guide presents top EV charger lock boxes that shield your charger from theft, security breaches, and environmental hazards. According to The Fortune, over 20% of U.S. charging stations face theft, driven by high prices of home-installed Level 2 chargers ranging from $350 to $1,000, and up to $5,000 for commercial models. EV charging cables, containing valuable copper wires ($3 to $5 per kilogram), further escalate theft risks.
Beyond theft, EV charger lock boxes safeguard against environmental elements like dust, water, and corrosive materials. Choosing a NEMA-rated lock box is crucial; ratings like NEMA 3 and 3R offer basic weather protection, while NEMA 4X and NEMA 7 provide enhanced safeguards for challenging environments.
Opting for a NEMA-rated EV Charger Lock Box ensures durability and longevity for your EV charger installations, whether at home or in commercial settings.
Table of Contents
Summary of the Best EV Charger Lock Box
Best EV Charger Lock Boxes
Best Waterproof EV Charger Lock Box
QILIPSU Metal EV Charger Station Electrical Enclosure Box
QILIPSU EV charger station box is an advanced EV charger lockbox compared to any other EV charger lock box we have laid our hands on, it is highly designed to fit and secure EV chargers in both outdoor and outdoor installations and has advanced features, including the combination lock and toughened glass window.
The QILIPSU EV charger station box is made of alloy steel and features a toughened glass window that provides clear visibility of the LED indicator or display screen, essential for monitoring your EV charging performance directly on the wall unit.
For robust outdoor EV charger installations, the QILIPSU EV charger station box boasts an IP65 rating, ensuring exceptional protection against water, rain, dust, snow, oil, UV rays, and various environmental elements.
Installation of an EV charger inside the QILIPSU EV charger station box is pretty easy, the enclosure features ample space to install an EV charger wall unit, and its EV charging cable thanks to its designated areas for accessories organization.
The metal enclosure is also property earthed with factory installed grounding screw, that connects the cover and the metal box parts with a green earth wire. (NEC 250.110)
Best NEMA 4X Steel EV Charger Lock Box
VEVOR NEMA Steel Enclosure
The VEVOR NEMA steel enclosure is our best NEMA 4X lockable EV charger box with a quality safety lock with two keys included. An excellent option for EV charger installations that need an ultimate level of protection at a lower price point than the QILIPSU EV charger station box
The enclosure, constructed from alloy steel and coated with Epoxy polyester powder, is suitable for both outdoor and indoor EV charger installations (NEC 314.28). Specifically designed for outdoor use, it includes a waterproof seal strip to prevent water ingress.
Installation of an EV charger inside the VEVOR NEMA Steel Enclosure is pretty simple, the enclose includes a mounting plate that you can mount your EV charger wall box, and let the charging cable out of the box through its bottom outlet for external mounting, if you prefer also storing the cable and its connector, you can opt for a bigger VEVOR NEMA Steel Enclosure that can enclosure both the EV charger and its cable.
The VEVOR NEMA Steel Enclosure is highly recommended due to its integrated factory earthing screw, facilitating proper grounding of your EV charger installation. This metal enclosure ensures robust grounding, with both the cover and box interconnected via a dedicated grounding screw and cable. This configuration establishes a reliable pathway for fault currents to return to the grounding system, effectively mitigating electrical hazards and ensuring safety during operation.
Best Tesla EV Charger Lock Box
Jawjut Wall Charger Station Box
If you are looking for a Tesla Gen 3 wall connector lock box, we recommend the Jawjut Wall Charger Station Box, the lock box is made of 1.0 mm cold-rolled steel and features a toughened glass front for clear visibility of the charging indicator.
The station box is fully sealed to provide waterproof and dust-proof protection, accommodating messy cables, especially in multi-user applications. Installation is straightforward with included accessories and mounting holes for flexible placement in areas like garages or parking lots.
Additionally, a high-strength hinged cover and password mechanical lock enhance security, preventing loss or damage to the charger.
ChargeWrap EV Charger Lock Box
If you care about the aesthetics of your indoor and outdoor Tesla EV charger installations, the ChargeWrap EV charger lockbox is the perfect Tesla EV charger security box with a high-quality lock (key and code options).
We chose the sleek Tesla Universal Wall Connector (White) for our Tesla Cybertruck EV charger installation, and used the ChargeWrap lockbox which has a pristine white finish creating a seamless and visually striking installation. This combination not only enhances your outdoor or indoor EV charger installation but also reflects a commitment to contemporary living.
The ChargeWrap lockbox is more than just a protective solution; it embodies the perfect fusion of technology, sustainability, and sophisticated design. It’s a bold statement about your values and vision for a greener future.
We recommend the ChargeWrap EV Charger Lock Box not only for its stunning aesthetic appeal but also for its exceptional security and organizational features. This premium Tesla EV charger enclosure boasts a robust locking mechanism, with both key and code options for added peace of mind. Additionally, its innovative cable containment reel ensures neat and efficient cable management, keeping your charging cable elevated and tidy, free from the ground.
While we tested the ChargeWrap EV Charger Lock Box with a Tesla Universal Wall Connector, it is also compatible with other Tesla chargers and aftermarket NACS chargers measuring less than 17″ tall, 11″ wide, and 5.75″ deep.
A Built-in lock or Padlock?
When choosing an EV charger lock box, there are two options to choose from “A Built-in lock or Padlock?” as you can see from our list of the best EV charger lock boxes, all out lock boxes feature a built-in locking mechanism instead of a padlock.
We prefer the built-in lock option for its inherent security and convenience. Built-in locks are integrated directly into the enclosure door, providing robust protection without the need for additional purchases. While they may be initially more expensive and potentially harder to repair, their reliability and resistance to tampering make them our preferred choice for ensuring the security of the EV Charger Lock Box.
Other Factors for Choosing an EV Charger Lock Box
When selecting the ideal EV Charger Lock Box, the locking mechanism is just one consideration among several crucial factors. Here are some other key features to take into account:
- NEMA Rating: Ensure your enclosure meets the appropriate NEMA rating for your environment. For example, outdoor-rated NEMA 4 enclosures offer robust protection against water and dust, whereas indoor-rated NEMA 12 enclosures provide varying levels of safeguarding.
- Enclosure Material: Choose from materials such as stainless steel, polycarbonate, or ABS plastic, each with distinct advantages. Stainless steel offers heavy-duty durability, while polycarbonate and ABS provide resistance to electromagnetic interference.
- EV Charger Lock Box Grounding: Metal For metal enclosures, ensure they include provisions for grounding. Proper grounding ensures safety by preventing electrical hazards and ensuring compliance with electrical codes.
- Mounting Features: Consider how the enclosure will be installed — whether as a wall mount or with a pole mount kit for freestanding utility poles. Assess if the enclosure supports internal mounting hardware like DIN rails for electrical components.
- Cooling and Ventilation: Many enclosures require adequate cooling and ventilation mechanisms to regulate internal temperatures and prevent moisture buildup. Explore available enclosure accessories designed for each model and ensure they align with your application requirements.
Conclusion
Selecting the right EV charger lockbox depends on several key factors such as locking mechanism, enclosure material, mounting features, cooling and ventilation, and compatibility with your specific EV charger model.
After reviewing various options, it’s clear that the QILIPSU Metal EV Charger Box stands out as a robust choice for its sturdy construction and weatherproof design, making it ideal for outdoor installations.
For those requiring a NEMA 4X steel enclosure, the VEVOR NEMA Steel Enclosure offers superior protection against harsh environmental conditions. Tesla owners may find the Jawjut Wall Charger Station Box particularly appealing due to its tailored fit for Tesla chargers.
When deciding between a built-in lock or using a padlock, consider factors like ease of access versus security requirements. Ultimately, the best EV charger lock box is one that meets your specific needs for budget, security, weather protection, and ease of use, ensuring your EV charging setup remains safe and reliable for years to come.
About the Author: James Ndungu
James Ndungu, founder and editor-in-chief of Electric Vehicle Geek, brings over five years of hands-on experience in Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) selection, permitting, and installation. He specializes in assisting businesses and homeowners in the United States with a seamless transition to electric vehicles.
As a certified EV charger installer and holder of advanced certifications, including the EVITP (Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program), Diploma in Electric Vehicle Technology, and Diploma in Engineering Fundamentals of Electric Vehicles, I provide expert guidance and in-depth reviews on the latest EV charging equipment.
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
