An external switch coupler includes: a guide tube having a first end and a second end, the first end configured to be attached to a door of a compartment in substantial alignment with both a hole in the door and a switch coupler within the compartment, and the second end configured to be disposed within an interior of the compartment and separated from the switch coupler by a gap when the door is closed; a coupling shaft configured to be operably placed within the guide tube, the coupling shaft having an electrically insulative member disposed between an coupler side adapter and a switch side adapter, and a length equal to or greater than a distance between the switch coupler and the hole in the door when the door is closed.