Landlords Socket Lock

[Johnmelad]

Need a way to stop tenants using a double socket in hallway used by cleaning company. One tenant caught running an extension lead from it to flat to run a heater.

Have seen a device that slides behind faceplate and cover then locks, but this looks flimsy and has a plastic key that looks easy to replicate.

Any suggestions?

 

[stardanny]

Maybe this will help?

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/electrical-sockets/0456781/

Or move socket to cleaner cupboard if possible?

Daniel.

 

[deadshort]

If the socket is on a dedicated circuit you could fit a switch at the DB which i assume is in a lockable cupboard ?

Regards,

DS

 

[bernardgreen]

Re-wire the socket so it is fed from the offending tenants meter. Then he will be paying for the electricity for the cleaning. That way you can recoup some of the costs for the misuse of your electricity.

 

[Jackrae]

I like Bernard's idea but I think you'd be on marshy ground on that one.

From a legal point of view I imagine you need to advise/remind all your tenants that use of the equipment for personal purposes is a breach of their tenancy and subject to cancellation/eviction on the basis of theft.

You then need to gather evidence (date photographs - the old newspaper heading trick - witnesses etc of such breaches)

 

[deadshort]

If the socket is on its own circuit drop the beaker to 6a ?

DS

 

[ericmark]

Maybe this will help?

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/electrical-sockets/0456781/

Or move socket to cleaner cupboard if possible?

Daniel.

I like that idea but there are cheaper options on the same line.
I was looking for something else when I came across socket and lock using the grid switch system I am sure part of the "LAP" series often used with TV stuff but can't now find it.

The

Walsall or other non standard socket may be enough.

 

[JohnW2]

If the socket is on its own circuit drop the beaker to 6a ?

That might not theoretically be big enough for the cleaning company's cleaner. Also, that would still allow tenants to steal ~1500W indefinitely, and higher loads for shorter periods (e.g. ~2kW for about an hour).

There are sockets/plugs available with non-standard pin arrangements. Changing to one of them (and providing the cleaning company with an 'adapter lead) might at least frustrate the tenant's theft of electricity. Edit: typed too slowly again!

Kind Regards, John

 

[ban-all-sheds]

 

[securespark]

http://www.sparksdirect.co.uk/mk-ma...ed-ip66-grey-socket-mk-k56487gry#.VE5pT7VyYdc

 

[ericmark]

LAP 2-Gang Front Plate with 4 Module Aperture White £1.29 Product Code: 90455
LAP 13A 1-Gang Unswitched Grid Module White £1.69 Product Code: 21218
LAP Blanking Module White £0.52 Product Code: 94852
LAP 2-Way 16AX Key Switch White £2.29 Product Code: 57913
Not the best of key switches but this builds into a socket and key switch for far less money. I am sure I saw somewhere a proper key switch but can't find it. Numbers all screwfix.

 

[flameport]

The key operated type is the most realistic option. You can get the MK ones in non-masterseal versions, although still expensive.

The problem with 'non standard' sockets is that the plugs are readily available, the result being the tenant buys one and fits it on the end of a short extension lead so they can plug in anything they want.

Alternative option is a timer for the circuit, so the socket in question is only powered at certain times (those being when cleaning is required).

Or disconnect the socket completely, fit another one in a locked cupboard and give the cleaning company a long extension lead.

 

[JohnW2]

The problem with 'non standard' sockets is that the plugs are readily available, the result being the tenant buys one and fits it on the end of a short extension lead so they can plug in anything they want.

Indeed, that's why I only said "...might at least frustrate the tenant's theft of electricity". Mind you, I reckon that it would probably be enough to stop many a tenant, who might well not even realise that the non-standard plugs were fairly easily available. Locking the socket away, in some sense, would seem to be the best option - even a fairly flimsy socket cover might well be adequate, given that the tenant presumably wouldn't want to be seen to have broken it.

Kind Regards, John

 

[phatboy]

I'd evict the thieving b****** right now!

 

[Lectrician]

I'd evict the thieving b****** right now!

Unfortunately thieving scum have to live somewhere, if not in your flats, then someone else's.

Sockets locked in cleaners cupboard are common on smaller sites. On larger sites with multiple levels, sockets on each landing with a switch in the cleaning cupboard.