Charging Locker Sizes Explained

Choosing the right charging locker size means checking much more than the external cabinet dimensions. The critical measurements are the usable internal width, height and depth of each charging compartment, the dimensions of the device and charger, cable and plug clearance, ventilation space, compartment capacity and the complete installation footprint once open doors and users are taken into account.

This charging locker sizes UK guide explains how to specify charging locker dimensions for laptops, tablets, phones, radios, scanners, power tools and rechargeable batteries. It concentrates specifically on physical size and fit: overall locker dimensions, usable compartment size, device measurement, charger and plug clearance, cable space, ventilation allowance, door opening and room footprint.

If you are still deciding whether powered secure storage is appropriate, start with the Charging Lockers UK guide. If you already know you need powered storage and want to compare available products, browse the charging locker range.

Charging Locker Sizes UK: Quick Navigation

• Is there a standard charging locker size?
• Charging locker sizing by device type
• Overall charging locker dimensions
• Usable compartment width, height and depth
• Laptop charging locker sizes
• Tablet charging locker sizes
• Phone and handheld-device compartments
• Power-tool and battery compartments
• Charger and plug clearance
• Cable space and cable management
• Ventilation allowance
• Compartment count versus usable size
• Charging locker capacity planning
• Room footprint
• Door opening clearance
• How to measure devices before ordering

Is There a Standard Charging Locker Size?

There is no single standard charging locker size that is correct for every laptop, tablet, phone, tool or battery. The correct specification depends on the usable internal compartment dimensions, the equipment stored inside, the charger and cable arrangement, the number of devices and the available room footprint.

For sizing, start with the largest real device that must use the locker, keep its normal protective case fitted, connect the charger and measure the complete stored arrangement. Then compare those measurements with the manufacturer’s usable internal compartment dimensions rather than relying only on the cabinet’s external size or the device’s nominal screen size.

Charging Locker Sizing by Device Type

Equipment	Measure first	Do not forget
Laptops	Complete chassis width, depth and closed thickness	Protective case, charging connector, power brick and cable
Tablets	Tablet dimensions in its normal stored orientation	Rugged case, keyboard case, handle and charging-port position
Phones and radios	Device including case or cradle	Aerials, belt clips, docks, plugs and connectors
Power tools and batteries	The complete item or battery-and-charger combination being stored	Irregular handles, charger size, spare batteries and ventilation
Mixed device fleets	Largest representative item that genuinely needs the same compartment	Future replacements and accessories that may increase the stored size

Charging locker dimensions: what actually needs measuring?

Charging lockers have two sets of dimensions that need to be considered separately:

• Overall locker dimensions – the complete height, width and depth of the charging locker or cabinet.
• Usable compartment dimensions – the clear internal width, height and depth available for each laptop, tablet, phone, tool or battery.

The external cabinet dimensions determine whether the charging locker will physically fit into the room. The internal compartment dimensions determine whether the equipment, charger, plug and cables will actually fit inside.

These measurements should not be treated as interchangeable. A charging locker may have adequate overall depth but still have restricted usable compartment depth because of doors, internal power distribution, cable management or other components.

Charging locker overall dimensions

Start by checking the complete external height, width and depth of the proposed charging locker. These dimensions affect floor or wall space, access routes, positioning and the number of units that can be installed in a particular area.

When comparing two charging lockers, do not assume that the larger cabinet automatically provides larger individual compartments. One model may use its volume for many smaller compartments while another provides fewer, larger spaces.

Measurement	Why it matters
Overall height	Affects positioning, accessibility and whether the unit fits beneath shelves, windows or other building features.
Overall width	Determines how many units can be installed along a wall or within a charging area.
Overall depth	Affects floor projection, aisle space and whether doors can open without obstructing circulation.
Door projection	Adds to the working depth when users are loading or retrieving equipment.
Service or cable space	May be needed around the unit for power leads, sockets or maintenance access.

Where several charging lockers are being installed together, calculate the dimensions of the complete bank rather than considering each cabinet independently.

Charging compartment width, height and depth

The usable internal compartment dimensions are usually more important than the overall cabinet size. A device must fit inside without being forced against the door, power outlet, charger or cabling.

Compartment width

Width needs to accommodate the widest part of the device or equipment being stored. Allow additional space where a protective case, handle, charger or cable exits from the side.

Do not specify a compartment that matches the equipment width exactly. Users need sufficient clearance to place and remove equipment without damaging devices or connectors.

Compartment height

Height becomes particularly important when devices are stored vertically, when equipment has handles or when chargers and adapters sit above the stored item.

For phones and small handheld devices, a comparatively low compartment may be adequate. Tool batteries, larger chargers and equipment with projecting handles can require substantially more vertical clearance.

Compartment depth

Depth is one of the easiest dimensions to underestimate. The device may fit on its own but become too deep once its charging connector, mains adapter or cable bend is included.

Measure the complete charging arrangement, not only the device casing. Rear-facing sockets, bulky plugs and rigid cable connectors may require additional depth.

Charging locker sizes for laptops

Laptop charging lockers are commonly used in offices, schools, colleges, training facilities and other organisations that issue or share portable computers. For workplace use cases, see our laptop charging lockers UK guide. To compare products, browse laptop and tablet charging lockers.

Laptops are often described by screen size, such as 13-inch, 14-inch, 15.6-inch or 16-inch models. That figure is the diagonal screen measurement and does not give the actual width, depth or thickness of the laptop.

Two laptops with the same nominal screen size can have different chassis dimensions, particularly where one has larger bezels, rugged protection or a thicker casing.

When sizing laptop charging compartments, measure:

• laptop width;
• front-to-back depth;
• closed thickness;
• protective case or sleeve, if it remains fitted;
• charging connector;
• power supply or mains adapter;
• plug and cable position.

If several laptop models are used across the organisation, base the compartment requirement on the largest device that genuinely needs to use that charging locker rather than on the average laptop size.

Charging locker sizes for tablets

Tablets usually require less compartment volume than laptops, which can allow more charging positions within the same overall cabinet footprint. However, protective cases can significantly change the required dimensions.

This is particularly relevant in schools and operational environments where tablets may use thick protective cases, carrying handles or integrated keyboards. Schools planning class sets can also use our tablet charging lockers for schools guide.

Measure the tablet in the form in which it will actually be stored. Removing a case purely to make the equipment fit a charging compartment is rarely practical in daily use.

Also check the location of the charging port. A connector on the lower or side edge may increase the usable width, height or depth required once the charging cable is attached.

Phone and handheld-device charging compartments

Phones, radios, scanners, handheld terminals and similar equipment can often use smaller compartments than laptops or tablets. This allows a charging locker to provide a high number of individually controlled storage positions within a relatively compact footprint.

Small equipment still needs to be measured carefully. Consider:

• protective or rugged cases;
• belt clips;
• radio aerials;
• charging cradles;
• docking stations;
• power adapters;
• cable connectors;
• any accessories that must remain with the device.

A compartment designed around the bare dimensions of a phone may be unsuitable if the device normally sits in a protective case or charging cradle. For current small-device products, see our phone charging lockers.

Power-tool and battery charging locker sizes

Power tools and removable batteries create a different sizing problem from laptops and tablets. Tools can have irregular shapes, projecting handles and removable batteries, while chargers may occupy as much space as the item being charged.

Before specifying a tool charging locker, establish exactly what will be stored in each compartment.

• Battery only
• Battery and charger
• Tool and fitted battery
• Tool, spare batteries and charger
• Several batteries belonging to one user or kit

The answer can substantially change the required compartment size.

Tool and battery charging also makes ventilation and electrical suitability particularly important. The charging system should be selected for the actual equipment and charging arrangement rather than treating the locker as a simple storage box with a socket added. See the tool charging lockers UK guide for the application detail, or browse power-tool and battery charging lockers.

Allow space for chargers, plugs and power supplies

A common sizing mistake is to measure the device accurately but forget the equipment needed to charge it.

Depending on the equipment, a charging compartment may also contain:

• a mains plug;
• a USB power adapter;
• a laptop power brick;
• a charging cradle;
• a tool-battery charger;
• a detachable charging lead;
• excess cable length.

These items need usable space and should not be crushed between the equipment and locker door.

Where a charger has a rigid cable exit, allow for the natural cable direction and bend rather than measuring only the dimensions of the charger body. If you need the technical overview of sockets, charging arrangements and powered storage, see how charging lockers work.

Cable space and cable management

Charging cables can reduce usable compartment space and create frustration if there is nowhere for excess cable to sit.

A practical charging locker should allow cables to reach the device without excessive tension and without becoming trapped in the door.

When checking compartment dimensions, consider:

• where the power outlet or USB connection is positioned;
• which edge of the device contains the charging port;
• the length of the connector body;
• the minimum practical bend of the cable;
• where unused cable length will be placed;
• whether several cables could become tangled.

Good cable management also makes it easier for users to connect equipment correctly and reduces unnecessary strain on charging leads and connectors.

Charging locker ventilation allowance

Electrical equipment can generate heat while charging. The amount varies according to the device, charger, number of items being charged and charging system.

For this reason, compartment capacity should not be increased simply by packing equipment tightly into every available space. Ventilation openings and any designed airflow paths must remain unobstructed.

Do not cover vents with bags, paperwork, spare equipment or tightly packed chargers. Where a particular charging locker has specified ventilation or operating requirements, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for that model.

This page only covers the space that ventilation affects. For the dedicated airflow and charging-environment discussion, read do charging lockers need ventilation?

Number of compartments versus usable compartment size

Increasing the number of compartments within a locker normally reduces the amount of space available to each user. This creates an important specification trade-off.

Priority	Likely effect
Maximum number of charging positions	Smaller individual compartments may be required.
Large laptops or equipment	Fewer but larger compartments may be more appropriate.
Mixed device sizes	Different compartment formats or separate charging units may be preferable.
Tools and bulky chargers	Compartment volume may need to take priority over maximum user count.

The goal should not be to obtain the highest possible compartment count. It should be to provide enough compartments that are genuinely usable for the equipment being stored.

Charging locker capacity planning

Once the usable compartment size has been established, calculate how many charging positions are actually required. Capacity should be based on simultaneous secure charging demand, not automatically on the total number of devices owned by the organisation.

• How many devices may need the locker at the same time?
• Are devices returned together at the end of a lesson, shift or working day?
• Are compartments assigned to individuals or used as a shared pool?
• Are spare devices or replacement batteries stored as well?
• Is the equipment fleet likely to grow?

For example, if 80 devices genuinely require simultaneous secure charging and the selected format provides 10 usable compartments, the basic requirement is eight units. If only 40 devices ever need charging at once, planning from the total stock figure alone could substantially overstate the requirement.

This article keeps capacity brief because the detailed user-number, peak-demand and growth calculations belong in our separate charging locker capacity planning guide.

Calculate the charging locker room footprint

The physical footprint of a charging installation is greater than the external dimensions printed on a product specification.

You also need space for people to approach the locker, open doors, remove equipment and move away without obstructing other users.

When planning the room, consider:

• total width of the charging locker bank;
• locker depth;
• open-door projection;
• user standing space;
• circulation space;
• nearby doors and walkways;
• electrical connection position;
• maintenance access;
• other furniture or storage units;
• whether several people may use the lockers simultaneously.

A locker that fits neatly against a wall on a floor plan can still create an obstruction once its doors are open and users are standing in front of it. For the wider siting decision, including practical access to power and user circulation, see where to install charging lockers.

Door opening clearance

Charging locker doors require clear space to open fully enough for equipment to be inserted and removed safely.

Check whether open doors could interfere with:

• opposite lockers;
• room doors;
• corridors;
• desks or benches;
• adjacent charging lockers;
• other users;
• escape and circulation routes.

Door clearance becomes particularly important where several users may collect laptops, tablets or tools at the beginning or end of a shift, lesson or working period.

How to measure devices before ordering a charging locker

Do not rely solely on the manufacturer’s nominal screen size or product category. Measure representative equipment in the form in which it will actually be stored.

Step 1: choose the largest representative device

If users have several models of laptop, tablet or tool, identify the largest item that needs to use the same charging compartment.

Step 2: leave protective equipment fitted

Measure laptops, tablets and handheld equipment with any case, sleeve, bumper, handle or other accessory that normally remains fitted.

Step 3: measure width, height and depth

Record all three dimensions in millimetres. Do not assume the smallest dimension will always be used vertically because the intended storage orientation may differ between charging locker designs.

Step 4: connect the charger

Measure again with the charging connector in place. Include any additional space needed for the connector body and practical cable bend.

Step 5: measure the charger and plug

If the mains adapter, power brick, charging cradle or battery charger sits inside the compartment, include it in the dimensional requirement.

Step 6: allow usable clearance

The equipment should be straightforward to insert and remove. A theoretical fit with only a few millimetres of clearance may be inconvenient in daily operation.

Step 7: confirm the usable compartment dimensions

Compare your measurements with the usable internal compartment dimensions, not only the external dimensions of the charging locker.

Charging locker measurement checklist

Check	Measurement or question
Device width	Maximum width including case or fitted accessories
Device height	Maximum height in the intended storage orientation
Device depth	Maximum front-to-back dimension
Charging connector	Additional projection with cable connected
Power supply	Dimensions of adapter, transformer or charger
Plug	Space required where the plug sits inside the compartment
Cable	Space for routing and spare cable length
Protective case	Included in all device measurements
Compartment	Confirmed usable width, height and depth
Ventilation	Designed ventilation openings remain clear
Door	Equipment can be inserted without fouling the door
Room footprint	Cabinet, open doors and users all fit within the available space

Common charging locker sizing mistakes

• Using screen size as the laptop measurement. A 15.6-inch screen does not tell you the external laptop dimensions.
• Measuring equipment without its protective case. The device then fits on paper but not in normal use.
• Ignoring the charging connector. Connected cables can add substantial practical depth or width.
• Forgetting the charger or power brick. Some charging arrangements require significant additional compartment space.
• Choosing the maximum possible number of compartments. More compartments are not useful if they are too small for the equipment.
• Ignoring ventilation. Charging equipment should not be packed in a way that obstructs designed airflow.
• Measuring the cabinet but not the room. Users and open doors need space as well.
• Planning from current demand only. Equipment fleets can expand during the service life of the locker.

Choosing the right charging locker size

The correct charging locker size is the smallest practical installation that provides enough genuinely usable compartments for the equipment and users without compromising charging space, cable management, ventilation or room circulation.

For laptops and tablets, begin with the largest device including its case and charger. For phones and handheld equipment, include cradles, clips and accessories. For tools and batteries, define whether each compartment will hold the battery, charger, complete tool or an entire working kit.

Only then compare the required internal dimensions with the available charging locker formats and calculate how many compartments and cabinets are needed. You can compare current options in the charging lockers range.

For applications, charging arrangements, access methods and the wider powered-storage specification process, return to the Charging Lockers UK guide for workplaces and schools.

Charging locker size FAQs

Charging locker sizes: summary

Charging locker sizing should begin with the equipment, not the cabinet. Measure the device, case, charger, plug and cable arrangement first. Then check usable compartment width, height and depth, ventilation, door clearance and the number of charging positions required.

Finally, calculate the complete installation footprint including locker depth, open doors, user space and circulation. This produces a charging locker system that fits both the equipment and the room rather than simply fitting the dimensions shown on a floor plan.

Next: use the Charging Lockers UK guide for the wider specification process, or browse charging lockers once your dimensional requirements are established.

If you already know the equipment dimensions, number of charging positions and available installation space, request a commercial locker quote and include those measurements with your enquiry.