Custom Distribution Board — What Information Should You Include in Your Enquiry to Get an Accurate Quote?

“I need a distribution board for a construction site. How much will it cost?” — this is how many conversations begin.

The problem is that two distribution boards that look almost identical from the outside may have completely different components, applications and prices. A workshop requires a different configuration than a construction-site distribution board used outdoors, and yet another solution may be needed for a campsite or an outdoor event.

You do not need to know the symbols or specifications of every electrical component or have a finished design ready. To start with, a few basic details are enough: where the distribution board will be used, what it will supply and what type of power supply is available.

The more accurately you describe these conditions, the easier and faster it is to prepare a suitable configuration and quotation.

What determines the price of a distribution board?

There is no single fixed price for a distribution board designed for a specific application.

The cost depends on factors such as:

• the number and type of sockets;
• expected electrical load;
• protection devices used;
• type and size of enclosure;
• required protection against dust and moisture;
• additional equipment;
• installation method;
• number of units ordered.

That is why simply asking “How much does a distribution board cost?” is usually not enough to prepare an accurate quotation.

The good news is that you do not need to know all the technical parameters from the start.

Where will the distribution board be used?

This is one of the first things worth specifying.

A distribution board permanently installed in a production hall operates under different conditions than a portable unit moved from one construction site to another.

Please specify:

• whether the distribution board will be used indoors or outdoors;
• whether it will operate under a roof or shelter;
• whether it will be permanently installed or moved regularly;
• whether it will be exposed to dust, moisture, rain or mechanical damage;
• whether you need a wall-mounted, freestanding, stand-mounted or portable version with a carrying handle.

Instead of simply writing “for outdoor use”, it is better to provide more detail, for example:

“Construction site, no permanent shelter, distribution board moved several times a month.”

This provides much more useful information about the actual operating conditions.

What do you want to connect to the distribution board?

Six sockets alone do not tell us what type of distribution board you need.

Supplying a few chargers and lighting is very different from powering a compressor, welding machine, circular saw or other high-power equipment.

In your enquiry, list the devices that will be connected to the distribution board and indicate which of them need to operate at the same time.

If you know their rated power or current, include these values.

Not sure?

Take clear photos of the equipment nameplates and plugs. This is a much better starting point than trying to remember or estimate the specifications.

It is also worth thinking ahead. If you are planning to purchase another machine in a few months, mention it when discussing the distribution board. This allows space and capacity for future expansion to be considered from the beginning.

What power supply is available?

The distribution board must be matched not only to the connected equipment but also to the electrical installation supplying it.

If you have this information, please provide:

• voltage;
• number of phases;
• available supply protection;
• connection method — via plug or hardwired;
• type of existing power socket;
• required length of the supply cable.

Do not know all the parameters? That is not a problem.

Simply state which details have not yet been confirmed. Parameters relating to the electrical installation, network configuration and protection conditions should ultimately be verified by the electrician responsible for the connection.

How many sockets do you need and what type?

If you already know the required configuration, list it directly.

For example:

• 4 × 230 V sockets with earth pin;
• 1 × CEE 16 A, 5-pin socket;
• 1 × CEE 32 A, 5-pin socket.

For 230 V sockets, it is worth specifying whether you require sockets with an earth pin or Schuko sockets.

For industrial sockets, the most important parameters include rated current, voltage and number of pins.

If you are unsure which sockets are suitable, include photos of the equipment plugs.

Keep in mind that the number of sockets alone does not determine how many devices can operate simultaneously. This also depends on the available power supply, connection method and type of load.

Additional equipment also matters

The price of a distribution board is not determined by the number of sockets alone.

Other features that may affect the configuration and price include:

• energy consumption measurement;
• lockable door or cover;
• circuit labels;
• specific socket arrangement;
• space for future expansion;
• specific mounting method;
• requirements regarding component manufacturers.

If the distribution board needs to fit into a specific space, provide the available dimensions.

A photo of the wall, recess, stand or installation location can also be very helpful.

If you already have a design specifying the required protection devices or other technical documentation, attach it to your enquiry. If not, simply describe the intended application and your requirements.

One unit or a complete series?

Please also specify how many distribution boards you need.

Producing a single unit for a workshop is different from preparing several or several dozen identical distribution boards for a construction project, contractor or network of facilities.

It is also worth specifying the required delivery date.

If the distribution board is needed before the start of construction work, the opening of a facility or a specific event, mention this from the beginning.

Do you have a defined budget? You can include it in your enquiry. This can help us propose an equipment configuration suited to both your requirements and budget.

Do not have a complete specification? No problem

If you only know what you need to power and where the distribution board will be used, that is already a good starting point.

Contact the Doktorvolt technical sales team. Describe the intended application, list the equipment and attach any available photos, equipment nameplates, drawings or other documentation.

You can also use the distribution board configurator available on the Doktorvolt website and treat the configuration you create as a starting point for further discussion.

Send an enquiry to Doktorvolt

You do not need a complete technical specification. Start with two basic details: what the distribution board needs to supply and where it will be used.