Electrical Enclosure Latches

Each electrical enclosure latches are designed to fulfill your needs.

The choice is yours! Whatever you choose, KDM guarantees the most efficient item received.

KDM Electrical Enclosure Latches confirmed certified in ASTM, RoHS, CCC, NEMA, and IP requirements.

In short, these products are the best among the rest.

Not easily damaged caused by hazardous environmental conditions.

Whether you are a distributor, supplier or retailer, here at KDM you will receive 100% engineered Electrical Enclosure Latches.

Your customer will certainly delight and grateful because you select the best provider.

KDM assured you that!

Even for the large orders, we are capable of manufacturing thousands of stocks, yet not compromise the quality.

In China, KDM is one of the well-known manufacturers of electrical enclosure latches.

Besides, we have acquired international certifications such as CE, SGS, ISO 9001, and much more.

So, no need to worry.

From component choice, customization, metal fabrication to implementation, we ensure electrical enclosures perform the highest quality standard.

Always count for KDM, then you got the most authentic partnership.

Aside from electrical enclosure latches, KDM is a specialist in manufacturing double-roller catch, electronic deadbolt lock, rotary latches, generator enclosure locks, etc.

KDM is your one-stop-shop for electrical enclosure components.

For more details, get in touch now with our friendly and cooperative staff.

We provide 24/7 online assistance.

Just send your inquiries for KDM electrical enclosure latches projects now!

Then you will receive an instant quote from us.

Electrical Enclosure Latches: Ultimate FAQ Guide

What is Electrical Enclosure Latches?

Electrical enclosure latches are mechanisms that close electrical cabinets’ doors. By slightly pushing the door, electrical enclosure latches will hold the door in place (closed), thou, they do not lock it.

Electrical enclosure latches come in many designs – from spring-loaded, one piece to complex options.

Figure 1 Freestanding electrical enclosure with a door latch

Latch

Compression Latch and Quarter Turn Latch; How do they Compare?

Most electrical enclosure latches are quarter turn.

They offer simple locking mechanism, tamper-resistant and a certain degree of compression.

You’ll simply turn it once to lock the electrical enclosure.

Compression is an additional feature which some electrical enclosures come with to meet certain industry standards such as IP 65.

That’s why you will come across quarter-turn compression latches.

Compression latches are common in electrical cabinets that require tight pressure sealing such as outdoor electrical enclosures or weatherproof electrical enclosures.

With compression latches, rotating the insert or handle will move the cam to a locking position. Depending on the design of the compression latch:

i. You can continue to rotate the handle or insert to achieve compression (it is more of a screw mechanism)

ii. Press to achieve compression

iii. Turn once to achieve compression

Whichever the case, the action will pull the electrical enclosure door to about 6mm, thereby compressing the gasket. They are common in IP 65 Enclosures.

Between 3 Point Turn Latch System and Quarter Turn Latch, Which One is Safe for Electrical Cabinet?

3 point turn latch system is safer and more secure than quarter-turn latch systems.

However, a 3 point turn latch system, also called multipoint lock, is more expensive than a quarter-turn latch.

Moreover, the 3 point turn latch systems are suitable for outdoor electrical enclosures such as those in street light or telecommunication cables.

Such systems are installed in remote or isolated areas, thus requires a safe locking mechanism that can prevent intrusion.

Outdoor electrical enclosure

Should you Choose Keyed Alike or Master Keyed Electrical Panel Locks?

Keyed alike is a situation where you will open all electrical panel locks using one key.

You can use this for electrical enclosures within the same section to avoid having many different keys.

However, in situations where a more secure system is a priority, go for keyed different electrical panel locks.

When it comes to master keyed electrical panel locks, you will have one key that can open all electrical enclosures.

However, each electrical enclosure will have its unique key for the locks.

Electrical panel lock system

Is There a Difference Between Electrical Enclosure Latches and Locks?

Latches provide a mechanism for closing or fastening electrical enclosures, without necessarily locking it.

On the other hand, electrical enclosure locks prevent anyone who does not have the key from opening the door.

For a more secure system, you should go for electrical enclosures with both latching and door lock systems.

How Does Electrical Enclosure Latches Work?

Electrical enclosure latches are activated by closing panel doors.

Once they are activated, they will hold the electrical enclosure door in a closed position.

The closing mechanism will depend on the design of the electrical enclosure latch.

For instance, some will require that you manually turn the knob or handle to keep it closed.

Whereas the spring-loaded enclosure door latches will automatically close.

They depend on the spring compression force.

Are there Additional Features for Electrical Enclosure Locking Systems?

Yes, a good electrical enclosure locking system should guarantee the safety of all electrical equipment and related accessories.

Depending on the level of security and safety you desire, an electrical enclosure locking system may have these additional features:

• Biometrics door access system with a fingerprint scanner or eye scanners
• Both latching and locking mechanisms combined
• Same or different keys for the electrical enclosure locking system
• Tamperproof mechanism
• Alarm system
• Integrated cameras
• Remote locking and unlocking mechanism

 Enclosure with biometrics system

Note: All the additional features on the electrical enclosure locking systems provide additional safety and security, thou at an extra cost.

What Types of Electrical Enclosure Latches Does KDM Offer?

KDM lockable electrical enclosures feature standard and customized electrical enclosure latches.

Available options include:

• Spring-loaded electrical enclosure latches
• Quarter turn electrical enclosure latches
• Compression latching system for electrical enclosures
• Quarter turn latches for electrical cabinet
• IP and NEMA rated electrical enclosure latches
• Electrical enclosure latches with locking mechanism and handle
• Quick-release electrical enclosure latches

Lockable electrical enclosure

What is IP 65 Rated Electrical Enclosure Door Lock?

It is a door lock that will protect an enclosure from powerful or high-speed water jets, dust, and oil.

Such enclosures are suitable for outdoor environments.

You will find IP 65 door locks on NEMA 4 Enclosures and NEMA 4X Enclosures.

NEMA Enclosures

A good example of IP 65 rated door lock is the compression latch and lock system.

They tightly lock and seal the door, by compressing the gasket, thereby providing the best protection.

What Does IP 55 Rating Mean for Electrical Enclosure Latches?

IP 55 rated electrical enclosure latches guarantee limited protection from oil, dust, low-pressure water jet, dirt and non-corrosive material.

Remember, when it comes to IP enclosure ratings, you need to focus on every aspect that cannot compromise the set standards.

This includes electrical enclosure hinges, latches, ventilation systems, etc.

You will find electrical enclosure latches that meet the IP 55 rating in NEMA 3 enclosures:

• NEMA 3X enclosure
• NEMA 3S enclosure
• NEMA 3SX enclosure

NEMA 3 Enclosure

Do NEMA Rating Cover Electrical Enclosure Locks and Latches?

Yes.

When it comes to NEMA enclosure rating, classification takes into account every aspect of the electrical enclosure; from hinges, handles, electrical enclosure locks and latches, amongst others.

For example, NEMA 4 Enclosure and NEMA 4X must protect its contents from high-speed water jets (even from nozzles) and dust.

In such cases, you need a compression latch.

Also, NEMA 3 Enclosure and NEMA 3X Enclosures require electrical enclosure locks and latches that can protect it from limited dust and low-pressure water.

NEMA Rated Enclosure

Which Material is Best for Electrical Enclosure Locks and Latches?

The type of electrical enclosure locks and latches material will depend on the design of electrical cabinet material.

Besides, the locks and latches have different parts that are made from a range of materials.

Some of the most common materials include:

• Carbon steel
• Stainless steel
• Aluminium
• Brass
• Thermosetting plastic or any other durable plastic such as polycarbonate
• Galvanized steel, etc.

Are There Design Options for Enclosure Handles?

Yes.

First, you should consider the type of material where you can choose from either plastic or metallic enclosure handles.

Door handles

Then you can go ahead to choose different designs of enclosure handles such as:

• T-door handle with a lock
• Non-locking or key-locking handle
• Lever handle
• Knob handle
• Two-piece vs. one piece
• Pulled handled, etc.

The choice of the enclosure handle will depend on your unique designs.

What is the Right Position for Electrical Enclosure Door Handle?

The electrical enclosure door handle should be on the opposite side from hinges.

Electrical enclosure door handle

Then, it should be centrally positioned like this:

Centrally positioning of lock and handle

This way, it is easier to open, close and lock the electrical enclosure.

Depending on the design of the electrical enclosure and function of the handle (remember some come with slots for keys), you can have them in:

i. Vertical position

ii. Horizontal position

iii. Slanting position

Are There Tamper Resistant Enclosure Latches?

Yes.

In fact, tamper-resistant electrical enclosures are the best for most outdoor applications such as fiber optic enclosure.

Normally, tamper-resistant enclosure latches may have unique features such as screws, dual brackets, or other additional locking mechanisms.

Tamperproof enclosure – Photo courtesy: Altelix

Apart from Electrical Enclosure Latches; What else Guarantees Electrical Cabinet Safety?

i. An electrical enclosure should have a high quality, unique and reliable locking mechanism. If possible, incorporating additional technologies such as alarms and biometrics will help.

ii. Electrical enclosure hinges should be inside the enclosure. It is a sure way of protecting hinges from possible tampering.

iii. Avoid protruding electrical locking and latching mechanism. You should go for recessed electrical enclosures.

iv. Adopt combination locks for the enclosure.

v. Avoid standard keys or Keyed alike for sensitive electronic enclosures that require privacy and more security.

Does KDM Offer Keyless Electrical Enclosure Door Lock?

Currently, most of our electrical enclosure locks come with keys.

However, upon request, KDM can provide keyless electrical enclosure door locks.

Remember, our custom electrical enclosure feature a range of latching and locking designs.

Can KDM Offer Electrical Panel Latch Replacement?

Yes, KDM offers electrical panel latch replacement.

All our electrical enclosures come with a warranty, and we will offer electrical panel latch replacement in case of damage is due to our fault.

KDM has strict quality control and inspection to ensure the electrical enclosures conform to appropriate safety and quality standards.

Even if you bought KDM electrical enclosures years ago and you need electrical panel latch replacement, you will get new ones.

Does KDM Follow any Standard for Designing Electrical Enclosure Latches?

Yes.

KDM follows strict quality control and inspection to ensure all electrical enclosure latches conform to the CE, ASTM, ISO, RoHS, CCC, NEMA and IP requirements.

From material selection, R&D, custom metal fabrication to packaging, KDM ensures electrical enclosures meet the highest quality standard.