What is the Distribution Board?
A distribution board is a safe system designed for house or building that included protective devices, isolator switches, circuit breaker and fuses to connect safely the cables and wires to the sub circuits and final sub-circuits including their associated Live (Phase) Neutral and Earth conductors. A distribution board is also known as “Fuse Board“, “Panel Board” or “Consumer Unit“. In the United Kingdom, a distribution board designed for domestic installations is known as a consumer unit.
Types of Distribution Boards
1- Main Distribution Board (MDB)
2- Sub Distribution Board (SDB)
3- Final Distribution Board (FDB)
1- Main Distribution Board (MDB)
A distribution board unit installed in the buildings which firstly receive the incoming single-phase electric supply (AC low voltage (LV) (230V AC or 120V AC in the US) from transformer secondary through electric pole and energy meter or the distribution company’s electric service provider outlets is known as Main Distribution Board. Main Distribution Board (MDB) is also known as Fuse board or consumer unit where the main protective and isolation devices are installed to provide electricity in a safe range to the connected electrical appliances.
2- Sub Distribution Board (SDB)
The Distribution Board which is used to distribute electrical wiring and circuits within a selected area in a building or house, i.e. floor in a multi-storey building. The Sub distribution board is connected and supplied from the Main Distribution Board through different wires and cables rated according to the load requirement.
3- Final Distribution Board (FDB)
The Distribution Board which provide electric supply to the Final and Sub Final Circuits is known as Final Distribution Board. FDB (Final Distribution Board) directly connected through SDB (Sub Distribution Board) and the final switches are used to control the connected electrical devices and appliances such as light, air-conditioner, fan etc.
Safety Tips for Distribution Boards
1- The unoccupied opening/s of distribution boards must be covered with a blanking plate.
2- A distribution board must not be installed anywhere where there is a frequent tendency of getting in contact with water.
3- Distribution boards should not be installed anywhere around a fixed cooking appliance.
4- Distribution boards must be protected from corrosion.
5- A distribution board, when installed, should be in accordance with the environment in which it operates.
6- It is advisable not to instal distribution board 2200mm above the floor.
7- The distribution board should be installed only by an expert professional.
8- The wires in the distribution board must not hang outside the board.
9- Distribution boards you’re using must be according to your need and must not exceed the number of connections over than the limited configuration of the board.
10- There should be a safety sign near a distribution board if possible.
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