A distribution board is the central heart of your building’s power. It takes electricity from the main source and sends it to different areas. However, not every board is the same. For Facility Managers in Buckinghamshire and across the UK, choosing the right one is vital for safety.
At GBB Electrical, we act as your expert guide. We are NICEIC Approved and Constructionline Gold Members. This means we meet the highest standards for professional vetting.
1. Consumer Units (For Households)
In a home, we use a single-phase board called a consumer unit. These are simple and easy to use.
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Protection: They use “RCDs” to stop electric shocks.
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Regulations: New laws require these to be made of metal to prevent fires.
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Best for: Small houses or simple apartments.
2. Type B Boards (For Commercial Sites)
Business sites need more power than a home. Therefore, we install “Three-Phase” or Type B boards.
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High Load: These boards handle heavy tasks like LED upgrades and EV chargers.
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Reliability: They spread the power across three lines. This stops the system from getting too hot.
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Best for: Offices, shops and warehouses in the UK.
3. HTM Compliant Boards (For Hospitals)
Hospitals have the strictest rules. Because a power cut can be dangerous, they use HTM Compliant systems.
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Safety: These systems meet “Hospital Technical Memoranda” standards.
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Backup: They often have two power sources. If one fails, the other starts instantly.
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Best for: Operating rooms and intensive care units.
Comparison of Board Types
| Board Type | Best Location | Safety Standard |
| Consumer Unit | Homes | CHAS Accredited |
| Type B Board | Offices | NICEIC Approved |
| HTM Board | Hospitals | HTM Compliant |
Why Compliance Matters
Using the wrong board can lead to many problems. For example, it can cause fires or lead to legal fines. Because of this, GBB Electrical focuses on total safety.
We provide emergency call-outs and high-voltage lighting repairs nationwide. As a CHAS Accredited firm, we prove our excellence in Health and Safety every day. Whether you are in Buckinghamshire or elsewhere, we ensure your building stays powered and protected.
Final Decision: Check Your Board Today
Is your board old or warm to the touch? If so, it might be time for an upgrade. A safe board means a safe building.