Boards

Types of Distribution Boards

There are various kinds of distribution board types – here are some of the most common ones. 

Main Switch Distribution Boards 

A main switch consumer unit is a type of electrical distribution box that is known to be one of the safest and most robust options when it comes to protective devices for incoming mains power. 

All circuits that are included are completely separated and each of them is independently protected from earth leakage through the use of RCBOs (residual current breaker with overcurrent protection).

Dual RCD Distribution Boards 

Dual RCD consumer units are a type of distribution bard that is generally a step below when it comes to protective capacity but are still a suitable choice for most standard uses. This distribution board can efficiently protect against overheating and electrical fires, or in the case of accidentally touching a live wire. 

High Integrity Distribution Boards

The high integrity consumer unit is a distribution board that is most commonly found in large buildings where high numbers of sub-circuits are branching off from the incoming mains supply. The distribution board combines dual RCD protection with additional RCBOs that can be included in a wide range setup of flexible configurations.

Distribution Board Components 

Below are the various components and electromechanical devices that can be found in a distribution board.

• Main Circuit Breaker – The main circuit breaker is the main electromechanical device found in a distribution board that can cut off power from the meter cable.
  
  
• Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCB) – A miniature circuit breaker has the primary function of controlling the electrical supply to various miniature circuits on the main circuit. This device switches off if it detects an overcurrent and can be single-pole, double-pole, triple-pole, and four-pole. It depends on the capacity of each circuit and the required energy input of the appliances connected to the distribution board.
• Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB) – RCCBs are electromechanical devices found in a distribution board that is mandatory in most area electrical codes. The reason for this is because RCCB is capable of detecting if the current is being leaked into a human body of water. And if this is the case, it automatically turns off. RCCBs are very sensitive circuit breaker devices which are used in series with MCBs and are capable of detecting any imbalance between the phase conductors.
• Moulded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) – MCCBs are devices found in a distribution board that have the same function as MCBs, but come with a far higher current rating. What this allows is a much higher versatility and the capacity to be able to interrupt larger current ranges allowing it to be used in both domestic and industrial/commercial applications.
• Isolators –  This is a device placed in a distribution board that can be manually controlled for isolating a part of the circuit for maintenance. Isolators are often used in series with MCBs when MCBs fail. Professional electricians often use this device to cut off the current in a circuit to repair the circuit without getting electric shocks.
• Busbars – Busbars are devices placed in distribution boards and are known to be copper or aluminum conducting strips. It is a component that can carry a vast amount of current from the incoming meter line to the various circuit breakers in the distribution board. 

Garo Electrical Distribution Boards

Garo Electrical is popular and known for being a leading manufacturer of industrial electrical distribution products, components, supplies, and much more. 

With bases established in both UK and Ireland, Garo has grown to have an expert and qualified technical team on hand who have the objective to tend to the electrical needs of their customers. Garo Electrical’s development team is always on the move and developing advanced electrical solutions and enhancing its existing product ranges to stay at the forefront of future innovation. 

From electrical vehicle charging stations to distribution boards, consumer units, enclosure systems, and much more, Garo has a trusted range of electric products that are guaranteed to be of the highest quality and functionality. 

Moreover, Garo Electrical is ISO 9001:2015 certified and here at Meteor, you can find the necessary electrical supplies that suit the need of every customer in various industries across the board. 

At Meteor, you can find various high-quality distribution board options by Garo Electrical. From metal enclosures, priority and non-priority shower boards, MCB consumer units, and more. There are both Garo metal and thermoplastic distribution board devices available.

There are many various metal distribution board options by Garo that can be found such as the Garo 1000 x 600 x 50mm Metal Enclosure IP66 and Garo Metal Enclosure IP65 400x300x200 c/w Base Plate. There is also the Garo 1 Row Shower & EV Non-Priority Metal Board. You can look through other various metal Garo distribution board devices here.

On the other hand, thermoplastic Garo distribution boards include devices such as 2 Row 7way CU C/W Main B63 MCB Consumer Unit and Garo 18 Module IP65 Distribution Board. Head over to Meteor to browse other thermoplastic Garo distribution boards of this category.

Live Electrical Distribution Boards

Live Electrical offers quality electrical products at a low cost and sufficiently meets the needs of all customers by constantly evolving and improving its product range. Live Electrical believes strongly in user experience and a motivated and innovative internal team. 

By keeping customer service at the forefront, they have maintained its status as one of the leading electrical distribution companies around. 

At Meteor, you can find a wide range of Live Electrical metal distribution board devices – some of the options include the Live Electrical 6 Usable Way Metal Clad Enclosure c/w 100A Isolator, the Live 4 Way Metal Clad Consumer Unit Empty, and the Live 16 Way Split Load c/w 100A Main Switch 2x63A 30mA RCD. 

Find a more wide variety of Live Electrical metal distribution unit devices here at Meteor. 

CPN Cudis Distribution Boards

CPN Cudis is an established British provider of electrical circuit protection components, and mainly produces devices such as distribution boards and consumer units. They have a wide range of electrical products that are all high-quality such as consumer units, 3-phase distribution boards, rotary isolators, surge protection units, and more. 

At Meteor, you can find CPN Cudis distribution boards such as the Cudis Metal Clad 22 Way Consumer Unit and the Cudis 22 Way Metal Clad Consumer Unit White. These sleek and modern distribution board consumer unit options include the features of being split load c/w 100A main switch and 2x80A RCDs. 

Distribution Board Installation Safety Tips

Covering 

Make sure that the distribution board is covered whenever it is not being handled manually. The reason for this is to help prevent corrosion in the wires and internal fixtures from external elements such as moisture, humidity, dust, etc. It is beneficial to cover up the unoccupied openings of distribution boards with a blanking plate. 

Location 

Do not ever install a distribution board in an area where there can be any type of contact with water or other fluids. Basement spaces in both domestic and industrial areas become a problem because of this reason.

Many electrical codes state that the distribution board must not be placed at inconvenient heights of 2200m above floor level. It is much preferable to install the distribution board in a location that is out of the way where children will not be able to reach it. Moreover, distribution boards should not be installed near a fixed cooking appliance in case of fire hazards. 

Warning Indication

It is a good idea to place a warning sign on the doors of the concealed metal enclosure which has the distribution board device inside of it. This will make sure that people do not carelessly end up touching any hazardous components of the distribution board. 

Danger Symptoms

If there is ever a situation where you detect a burning smell coming from the distribution board panel, turn off the power immediately and contact a professional electrician immediately. 

In the case of circuit breakers repeatedly tripping despite turning off all your electrical appliances, you should assume that the circuitry or board is faulty or damaged and needs replacement. If you need any advice, please email [email protected] or speak to a sales advisor on the live chat.