Abstract

The invention is a compact locking device for locking one or more standard male electrical plugs therein in order to prevent their removal and unwanted use. Each plug includes prongs with openings thereon. The device comprises one or more prong-receiving grooves and an elongated channel extending longitudinally through at least a portion of the receptacle, the elongated channel positioned transverse to the longitudinal direction of the grooves. After inserting the prongs of the plugs into the groves of the receptacle, a locking mechanism having an elongated prong-securing member coupled thereto is inserted into the channel and the elongated member, which is sized to fit through the prong openings, pierces travels through the channel and pierces each of the prong openings thereby securing the plugs within the receptacle. The locking mechanism is a common cylindrical lock that includes a locking flange on its exterior surface. After inserting the cylindrical lock in the channel, a key is turned or a combination lock is activated and the flange engages a receiving notch within the interior of the receptacle. The lock therefore remains in the channel and the elongated member prevents the electrical plugs from being withdrawn. In an additional embodiment, a receptacle contains grooves that receive the prongs of one or more plugs. A channel, transverse to the length of the grooves, extends the substantial length of the receptacle and receives a cylindrical lock and an elongated member attached thereto. The elongated member pierces the openings in the prongs thereby securing the prongs within the receptacle.