A Temporary Distribution Board, a Portable Power Box or a Site Distribution Unit can often refer to the same thing, we call them Distros for short. We go into depth about the different styles and what you need to know when looking to buy one.

Enclosures

There are a few different types of enclosures available and often the style of enclosure will depend on the size of the distro, but you will also need to consider the application.

Metal

Very large distribution boards which are used to combine multiple supplies (multiple generators) and distribute to other boards, typically dealing with in excess of 500A, are normally constructed of metal. This is due to the weight of the components which include MCCBs and thick copper bus bar. The metal enclosures are nearly always mounted in a frame which can be lifted by a crane or forklift as they are too heavy to safely lifted by hand. The metal frames not only help to transport and manoeuvre the distribution board, but protect the parts. BS7909 refer to these initial distribution boards as Intake Switch Units as they connect to the supply and protect both the inputs and outputs from overcurrent.

Polypropylene Stackable

The typical style suitable for most needs; these are available in a variety of sizes. These can be used as an Intake Switch Unit from a single power source, a Central Distribution Unit or a Final Distribution Unit as referred to in BS7909.

Our polypropylene stackable distribution boards offer inputs from 500A powerlock down to 32A Three Phase. These all have the same standard footprint and while our off the shelf distros already have a huge choice of outputs, if you are looking for a unique configuration, fill in our Custom Distro Form and we’ll get a price over to you.

All of our Polypropylene Stackable distros have the options for:

• Input Isolation/Overcurrent across all phases and neutral
• Phase Sequence Indicator (illuminated before input isolation)
• M10 Earth Lug
• Indicator lights on outputs
• A choice of Fixed or Variable protection on three phase outputs

Polypropylene Single Carry Handle

More often found as a Final Distribution Unit (FDU BS7909), our single carry handle polypropylene distros are light weight and often fulfil more specific needs, such as a stage breakout distro like the 32A Single Phase 13A 4 Way Distribution Board (Black). However we can also use these to fulfil specific needs clients may have, such as this custom request for a 63A Three Phase to 3 x 32A Three Phase with Variable RCDs.

Injection Moulded

We use the PCE branded Imst and Ischl injection moulded boxes to create a huge variety of Final Distribution Units (FDU BS7909). These are a great low cost, prefabricated, stackable product that can allow us to produce a large number of small distros for a customer without impacting our in house fabrication team. As one of the UKs largest stockists of Imst components, we are able to offer a single custom unit next day or 100 custom units next week, typically from our own stock.

We have a large selection of off the shelf Imst distros, some of which are unique to us, like our IMST 32A Three Phase Thru to 2 x 32A, 4 x 16A RCBO.