How can I secure the circuit break to a central a.c. unit?

Question

Apparently my family's home was broken into and the central ac unit was dismantled and the copper was stolen. Before doing that, the thieves turned the circuit breaker off before stealing the copper. How can I secure the box in order to prevent another theft. thank you.

Answer 1

You can't secure a circuit breaker so that it cannot be readily shut off.  Securing it might stop thieves but it was also endanger your family and yourself.  If you have an electrical fire or someone was being electrocuted you would have no way to shut power off quickly

Answer 2

The first answer is right.You should never lockout a breaker unless it is for a safety issue that it is locked out.Find an alternative way to detur the theft.

Answer 3

there are all kinds of circuit breaker boxes, some are made to lock with a padlock and some are not.  I doubt locking a box would deter a determined thief, they would just yank hard on the wiring to break it from the disconnect or the ac unit.

A light on a motion sensor might be a better option.