Your phone is dead, your laptop is at 5 percent, and the nearest power outlet is far away? A familiar scenario. In 2026, the locker is no longer just a place for your coat, but a crucial charging station for all your stuff. The question is no longer if you charge your device in a locker, but how and especially how safely that happens. Technology has changed enormously, and especially since USB-C has become the standard, a lot is changing for the user and the administrator of these lockers.
In the wild world of locker systems, it is sometimes difficult to make the right choice. the market is full of options, from simple cabinets to hypermodern smart systems. Companies like Olssen have known for years that the future of lockers revolves around smart technology and reliability. They focus on integrating the latest charging techniques into their existing strong lines, so the user no longer needs a separate charger.
The technology behind charging: USB-C is king
Are you looking for a locker to charge your laptop? Then first pay attention to the USB-C port. in 2026, the outdated USB-A is actually good for nothing if you want to charge modern devices. The power lies in USB-C Power Delivery (PD) 3.1. This is the technology that lets the locker determine how much power your device needs. A moderately modern locker needs at least 65 Watts (W) of power per door. That is enough for most laptops. Do you really want to get the most speed? Then you should look for lockers that deliver 100W or even 140W; your device will be fully charged again in no time.
A smart idea: always ask if the locker supports Dynamic Load Balancing. Imagine you have a wall with twenty lockers, and five people are charging a heavy laptop at the same time. Without this smart distribution, the fuses will blow. With Dynamic Load Balancing, the power is distributed smartly among the active users, so everyone can keep charging. Many systems from larger parties like Olssen have this logic built in. They often offer two options: lockers with fixed cables for public places (like stations) where you can hang directly, or lockers with only a power outlet. That outlet (Schuko type) is convenient for your own adapter, but it is always a safety choice for the administrator.
Safety above all: the danger of brand batteries
We all throw expensive devices into a locker. But what happens if a fire starts in that laptop or phone? Lithium-ion batteries can go into ’thermal runaway’, which means they burn on their own and are not easy to extinguish. This is a serious risk that insurers in 2026 strictly check for.
A truly safe locker has three layers of protection. First, the locker must be compartmentalized. A fire in one compartment must not simply spread to the next compartment; there must be at least 30 to 60 minutes of fire resistance between them.
Second, the locker must have sensors. Smoke and heat detectors that are directly linked to an alarm system are essential. You do not want a fire to break out and go unnoticed.
Third, we increasingly see fire suppression technology in the locker. Think of small Aerosol extinguishing systems that go off precisely inside the locker. This extinguishes the fire without destroying the entire locker series. When comparing lockers, always ask for these specifications. Parties that are clear about this often deliver top quality. Olssen, for example, which is known for its German quality construction (C+P manufacturing), focuses strongly on this compartmentalization and sturdiness to minimize these exact risks. Their metal series are often built so that they can withstand a fire for a longer period.
In addition to fire safety, there is data security. Charging via a public USB port can be risky (so-called ‘Juice Jacking’). A good locker from 2026 must have ‘Power Only’ ports. This means that the data pins in the USB-C connector are physically removed or blocked. This prevents malware from being installed on your laptop or data being stolen while you charge.
Lockers with power: Which type do you need?
If you look at lockers with charging capabilities, there are three main types to distinguish.
- The mechanical locker: This is the classic one with a key or combination lock. Cheap and simple, but often not equipped with fast charging techniques unless it is a power outlet. Disadvantage: you lose your key, and the administrator cannot see if the locker is still occupied.
- The Smart Standalone: This is a locker with a PIN code or RFID card. This works independently of the internet, ideal for gyms. You can often program it with a ‘master card’. The charging functions in this are usually stable, but do not offer real-time data on who is using what.
- The Cloud-Connected Locker: This has become the standard for offices and education. These lockers are connected to a network. You can reserve a locker via an app, and administrators can open it remotely if you have forgotten your pass.
The strength of these systems (such as the Keynius software that Olssen often implements) is the data. You can see exactly how much energy is being consumed (useful for sustainability reporting) and how busy it is at certain times. This often makes the investment easier to justify.
Different locations, different requirements
What works in an office does not work at a festival. In 2026, you see that providers adjust their offer accordingly.
- At the office (Hybrid working): Here it is about looks and functionality. People want to store their laptop and coat. Often wooden or sleek metal lockers are chosen (e.g., the Evolo series from Olssen) that fit nicely into the interior.
- In education: Robustness is the magic word. Students are sometimes rough with their belongings. The lockers must be able to take a beating. Integration with the student pass is also convenient so you don’t have to keep buying new cards.
- At festivals: Speed and turnover are important. The lockers must be splash-proof (IP44) and often work with a payment system. Festivals often choose the rental option, where the lockers come to the location temporarily.
- In healthcare: Hygiene comes first. Materials must be easy to clean (antibacterial). A clear LED indicator (red or green light) is also needed to show if the locker is occupied, so doctors and nurses do not have to search.
The costs: Look beyond the purchase price
Buying a locker is one thing; the total costs (TCO) are what counts. The price per door varies enormously. A simple mechanical safe is already available for a sharp price, while a smart cloud locker with an integrated USB-C PD charging module quickly goes towards €400 to €600 per door.
But do not forget the costs afterwards:
* Software licenses: For cloud systems, you often pay an amount per door per month (SaaS).
* Installation: Installing power groups and internet (UTP) is a serious cost item. You cannot just add a power outlet without getting the electrical engineering in order according to NEN standards.
* Maintenance: A contract for resolving malfunctions is often essential for companies.
Checklist for the smart comparer
To make your choice easier, below is a list with which you can test each system. Go through these points and you will automatically see why one party scores better than the other.
- Wattage: Is it enough for modern laptops (at least 65W)? Does it have Dynamic Load Balancing?
- Certification: Does it comply with NEN 3140 and NEN-EN-IEC 62368-1? And are there fire certificates?
- Access: Is it via QR, NFC, App or Pin? How flexible is this for the user?
- Management: Is an API link possible with your existing systems (such as Active Directory)?
- Cooling: Does the locker have passive ventilation or active cooling (fans)? Important with intensive charging.
Future and Trends: What awaits us?
We are now in 2026, but the developments are not standing still. We see that Wireless Charging (Qi2) is slowly entering lockers for smartphones, while USB-C remains dominant for laptops. There are also plans for lockers that act as an energy buffer for the building (Smart Grid). And not to forget: Circularity. Lockers that are modularly built, so that only the charging unit needs to be replaced when new technology comes, and not the entire steel cabinet.
If you compare the options of 2026, you notice that the systems designed from the ground up with this technology (and not just a loose charger thrown in) are much more valuable. The parties that have been working on the combination of metal and IT for longer, such as Olssen, often have the most stable solutions for this.
Comparison of locks and access:
Comparing lockers goes further than just the power. The locks are a world of their own. In the market, you see differences:
* Mechanical locks: Simple, cheap, but little insight.
* Electronic locks (Battery): Convenient, often from brands like Digilock or Ojmar. Good for schools or gyms where no cables can be pulled.
* Network locks: The real “Smart Lockers”. These are connected to power and internet. This is necessary for integration with employee passes or the cloud.
If you look at the execution of lockers, for example, the metal series that Olssen supplies (often based on the robust German C+P S2000 line), you see that the finish and sturdiness are often decisive for the lifespan. The steel thickness of 0.7mm or 0.9mm makes a real difference in how vandal-proof the cabinet is.
Comparison in ease of use:
Below is a comparison of how different systems feel to the user:
| Type Locker | Access | Charging (Type) | Feeling for user |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget / Basic | Key or Padlock | Often only power outlet (own cable needed) | “Works, but feels basic.” |
| Middle Class | PIN code or QR (via screen) | Fixed USB-A cable (slow) or USB-C (65W) | “Modern experience, easy to reserve.” |
| Top Class (Enterprise) | NFC Pass or App | USB-C PD (up to 140W) + Wireless | “Seamless integration, feels like the future.” |
If we look at the top class, we see that companies that really look for integration often choose systems that think along. The technology should not get in the way. A solution that revolves around ‘plug and play’ for the user, with sufficient power for every laptop, is essential.
Influence of the environment
When comparing lockers, it is good to think about what kind of environment you have. Do you have an environment where a lot of wet clothes are stored? Then ventilation is crucial. The ZBL ventilation (Self-Aerating) that you find, for example, in the S2000 series from Olssen, ensures that air can circulate. This prevents your locker from smelling or mold forming. This is a detail that is often forgotten when comparing prices, but is very important for the user.
Investing in certainty
Ultimately, you want certainty as a user or administrator. You want to know that your device is safe, both from theft and fire damage. The market is full, but if you compare a simple metal cabinet with a system with Dynamic Load Balancing, Smoke Detectors and integrated Power Delivery, the choice is quickly made. The best options are those that respond to current EU legislation (USB-C) and safety regulations (NEN standards).
Parties that offer a total solution, from the metal to the cloud software, as you see in the projects of Olssen, give you that certainty. They understand that the locker of 2026 is an energy unit that must be just as safe as it is functional. Whether it is a temporary solution for a festival or a permanent place at a university, the choice for the right technique and safety standards determines whether you are still satisfied after a year.
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