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(I apologize if this seems like a shopping question - but I am out of ideas right now)

The black plastic, flat handle of the door to my domestic electrical box snapped off and I stupidly threw it away instead of keeping it and trying to glue it back together.

Based on the make and model of the panel I have been searching on the internet and the only matching latches I can find are large brass, keyed locks suitable for a more commercial setting. I asked my electrician and he couldn't come up with one either (including from stuff he had lying around).

What can I do to to provide a latch for this electrical box, that would satisfy electrical code?

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  • I'm not sure there's any Code requirement to have that door latch shut. However it also looks like there's a knockout to fit a proper latch mechanism that is lockable. What do you think ThreePhaseEel? – Harper - Reinstate Monica Apr 6 '19 at 0:00
  • @Harper I believe that knockout is for use by the large, brass locks I have found online. However I am trying to stay the original subtle in my domestic situation. The sort of lock I have seen would stick out like a sore thumb. And as for no lock, while not an issue for me I am concerned what the people might think – Peter M Apr 6 '19 at 0:10
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    Have you checked the Siemens parts catalog at w3.usa.siemens.com/powerdistribution/us/en/… ? They have a part named ECSIELATCH that might be the right one. – whiskeychief Apr 6 '19 at 2:32
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    That Siemens part number is the right one. They haven't changed the design of the old ITE load centers in 30+ years, other than having the Siemens name cast into the plastic. But there is no requirement to have a latch, or even a door, so it's OK to make something on your own, like a little cabinet pull or something. – JRaef Apr 6 '19 at 2:45
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    @Harper -- indeed, the latch is not a Code requirement (nor is the door, even). ECSIELATCH should be the right part. – ThreePhaseEel Apr 6 '19 at 4:49
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My solution was a small piece of stick on velcro that secured the door when it was closed, and then released the door with a small tug. As it was placed on the inside of the door it was not noticeable when the door was closed, and it was also thin enough that the door looked properly closed.

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Get an ECSIELATCH

While the NEC does not even require a door to begin with on a NEMA 1 (indoor) loadcenter/panelboard (some small loadcenters do not have one to begin with!), never mind a functioning latch or lock on said door, this is pretty easy to fix if you so desire. The I-T-E line of residential electrical equipment was acquired by Siemens (and hasn't changed all that much since then), so I would try fitting a Siemens ECSIELATCH there (it's the replacement latch specified for current Siemens panels by their repair parts guide and also for the G4040B1200 by their cross-reference guide (warning: Excel spreadsheet)).

If you can't find one, a supply house that carries Siemens products should darn well either have it or be able to order it in; barring that, Allied Electronics, of all folks, has them in stock at the time of this writing.

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  • The minimum order quantity is 25 pieces (I used to work for Siemens), so you need to just buy it from someone who has them in stock. – JRaef Apr 6 '19 at 21:33
  • I went and ordered one from Allied. $1.36 for the part and $6 for the cheapest shipping! – Peter M Apr 7 '19 at 12:28
  • I received the ECSIELATCH yesterday and and in no way is it a replacement part for my panel - even if I popped out the breakout section of the door :-( – Peter M Apr 11 '19 at 22:25
  • @PeterM -- that's odd! wonders when the design got changed... – ThreePhaseEel Apr 11 '19 at 23:33

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