What is a distribution board?

A distribution board divides an incoming electrical supply into outgoing circuits with protective devices. A consumer unit is a particular type of distribution board [S1]. An assumed 2 empty circuit positions show physical space, not spare supply capacity. Before adding chargers, request checks of the board, circuit design and existing demand. Checked October 2026.

Last checked 19 October 2026

What does a distribution board do for your site?

A distribution board takes an incoming electrical supply and distributes it through protected outgoing circuits. A consumer unit is a particular form designed for use by ordinary persons [S1]. Your business may have several boards serving different parts of the premises.

For your site, the board is a key checkpoint before adding chargers: the design needs both room for new circuits and suitable electrical capacity. A photograph of unused positions cannot settle that assessment.

Can a spare way support another charger?

A spare way is an unused position for circuit equipment. As an illustration only, assume a board has 2 empty positions. That count says nothing about how much extra load the installation can carry.

Ask the electrician to check the incoming rating, actual demand, device compatibility and thermal limits. The IET explains why prolonged, simultaneous loading can affect the usable ratings of adjacent circuit-breakers [S1]. Empty space is therefore only one part of the survey.

Use single-phase versus three-phase supply for supply basics and how much power your site has for the records to collect.

What should an EV circuit assessment include?

Request a dedicated charging circuit design, its protection and the connection point. The IET’s charging-code summary describes dedicated circuits in the building-rule context [S2]. Ask which requirements apply to your project rather than treating an empty slot as installation approval.

Arrange inspection by someone competent to assess the installation [S3]. Bring the board schedule and previous electrical inspection records to the survey. Keep covers closed; a site manager’s checklist does not replace electrical testing. Use the charging cost tool separately from this capacity assessment.

Next step

Start with the site check, then get matched with an installer that covers your area.

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