How Many Charging Lockers Does Your School Need? A Capacity Planning Guide
How Many Charging Lockers Does Your School Need? A Capacity Planning Guide
One of the most common mistakes schools make when buying charging lockers is getting the capacity wrong — either buying too few and creating queues, or over-specifying and wasting budget. This guide gives you a simple, practical framework to get it right the first time.
Step 1 — Count Your Devices, Not Your Students
Your charging locker capacity should match your device count, not your student headcount:
- A 1:1 programme (one device per student) = device count equals student count
- A shared device pool (one device per 2–3 students) = device count is lower
- A BYOD school = you may only need charging for school-owned devices
Step 2 — Decide: Centralised or Classroom-Based?
One large cabinet per floor or building. Easier to manage and supervise. Requires students to collect and return devices.
Best for: Secondary schools, universities
One cabinet per classroom. Devices stay in the room — no transit risk. Teachers manage their own classroom devices.
Best for: Primary schools, 1:1 programmes
Step 3 — Apply the Formula
Devices per location ÷ Cabinet capacity = Cabinets needed
| Product | Scenario | Devices | Recommended Cart | Units Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Single classroom, 20 students | 20 | R-LAB20 | 1 |
 |
Large classroom, 30 students | 30 | RLAB30E | 1 |
 |
Computer lab, 36 devices (USB-C) | 36 | RP36-B-45W | 1 |
 |
Computer lab, 40 devices | 40 | R-LAB40T | 1 |
|
School of 120 devices, 4 classrooms | 120 | RLAB30E | 4 |
Step 4 — Add a 10–15% Buffer
Always plan for 10–15% more capacity than your current device count. A school with 30 students today should specify a 36-device cart, not a 30-device one.
Step 5 — Overnight vs Daytime Charging
All devices charge simultaneously. Simpler, safer, and ensures all devices are at 100% every morning. Most Indian schools use this model.
Devices rotate between classes. Fewer cabinets needed but requires more coordination from IT staff.
Which USB-C Wattage Does Your Fleet Need?
Once you know your capacity, choose the right wattage for your devices:
20W
USB-C Standard Fast Charge
Use case: iPads, Android tablets, standard classroom overnight charging.
45W
USB-C High-Power Fast Charge
Use case: iPad Pro, Samsung Galaxy Tab, premium tablets, faster top-up between classes.
65W
USB-C Ultra Fast Charge
Use case: MacBooks, laptops, high-demand devices.
Not sure which wattage to choose? Contact our team — share your device model and we’ll confirm the right configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix different cabinet sizes across classrooms?
Absolutely. Many schools use the R-LAB20 in smaller classrooms and the RLAB30E or RP36-B in larger labs. RIFE can supply a mixed order with a single GST invoice.
What if my device count grows next year?
RIFE carts are standalone units — you can simply add more carts as your programme grows without replacing existing ones.
Does RIFE provide GST invoices for school orders?
Yes. RIFE provides official 18% GST invoices for all educational and institutional purchase orders across India.
Trusted. Proven. Pan-India.
Trusted by 500+ Leading Schools Across India
RIFE charging solutions are the preferred choice of IT managers and school administrators across India.
A Selection of Schools That Trust RIFE Charging Solutions
American International School
Army Public School
Basava International School
Bhavan Vidyalaya School
Bluebells School International
Bombay International School
Calcutta International School
DAV Public School
Dhirubhai Ambani International School
G.D. Goenka Public School
Good Shepherd International School Ooty
Oakridge International School
Oberoi International School
Pathways School Noida
Sanskriti School
Stonehill International School
The Heritage School
The Velammal International School
Woodstock School
Wynberg Allen School
...and 470+ more schools across India
