Imagine a home where every lamp, socket and charger has its own place. Everything is tidy, safe and peaceful. However, there are moments when adding a new circuit feels like a battle with cables, walls and a chaotic distribution box. Because of that, choosing the right distribution board really matters.
A good electrical panel is the foundation of a well-designed installation. Therefore, with Hager boards available at Preis-Zone, you get solutions that offer long-term peace of mind.
In this article, I’ll show you how to choose the right modular distribution board. For example, you’ll learn when a surface-mounted, flush-mounted, protected, pre-wired or empty enclosure will work best for your home, workshop or small project.
Why the distribution board matters: function and safety
The distribution board is the heart of your electrical system. It is where circuits, protection devices and cables “meet”. When chosen wisely, it offers several clear benefits:
You gain order and clarity, and as a result, future upgrades become much easier.
Your system becomes safer and compliant with standards, which reduces the risk of short circuits or overloads.
You also get more comfort during use and maintenance. Access to modules is easier, and cable organisation becomes simpler.
In fact, treating a distribution board as “just a box for cables” is risky. It’s better to design it properly from the start.
Types of Hager distribution boards — what to choose
In our online store, you’ll find various Hager models. They differ in mounting method, purpose and level of complexity. Because of this, it’s important to choose a board that fits your installation.
♠ Flush-mounted modular distribution boards
These boards are installed inside the wall. They are popular in homes and apartments because they keep the installation discreet.
Example: Hager 4-row board with 48 modules.
Benefits: neat appearance, hidden components, and a clean, modern interior.
♠ Surface-mounted modular distribution boards
These boards are mounted directly on the wall. Therefore, they are ideal for garages, workshops, basements or renovations.
Example: Hager VA12BN — a 1-row, 12-module enclosure.
Benefit: easy access and high flexibility.
♠ Empty enclosures
If you want to build your own setup — for example, with custom protection devices or PV installation — an empty enclosure is a great choice. It offers full flexibility and allows step-by-step installation.
♠ Pre-wired distribution boards
Hager also offers complete boards that are ready to connect. As a result, you save time and avoid configuration mistakes.
Benefits for the user
A well-chosen Hager board offers clear advantages:
Order and clarity — each circuit has its place.
Safety — proper protection reduces the risk of failures or fire.
Flexibility — the system can grow with your needs.
Easy installation and servicing.
Aesthetics — especially with flush-mounted models.
Common mistakes — and how to avoid them
Mistake: Choosing a distribution board that’s too small — this leads to clutter and no room for future circuits.
Solution: Always plan with extra space (additional modules, wiring capacity, protective devices).
Mistake: Using a surface-mounted board where a flush-mounted one would be better (or the other way around) — affecting aesthetics, accessibility and protection.
Solution: Match the mounting type to the location and its function.
Mistake: Not planning for future expansion (e.g. extra lighting, garden power, PV installation) — which often results in needing to replace the entire board.
Solution: From the beginning, assume a “version 2.0” scenario.
Mistake: Poor cable organisation, overloaded circuits or missing protection devices — all of which increase the risk of failure.
Solution: Arrange wiring logically, use proper modular devices and calculate loads in advance.
Recommended Hager & Doktorvolt® products
Hager Volta 4×12 (VU48AT) — for homes with many circuits.
Hager Volta 1×12 (VU12AT) — for smaller spaces.
Hager surface-mounted VA12BN — for garages, basements and workshops.
Hager empty enclosures — for flexible, expandable installations.
Application scenarios
1. Single-family home / apartment
If you want to add sockets, lighting or protection for kitchen and bathroom circuits, choose the Volta 4×12. This way, everything stays tidy and future-proof.
2. Garage / workshop
A surface-mounted VA12BN or modular enclosure works best. In addition, it’s easy to expand.
3. Future-ready installation
Start with an empty enclosure. Add devices step by step. As a result, your system will grow with your needs.
FAQ — the most common questions, answered quickly
Q1: Is a surface-mounted board suitable for an apartment?
A: It can be used, but if you care about aesthetics and a hidden installation, the flush-mounted version is the better choice. Surface-mounted boards fit garages, basements and workshops better.
Q2: Can I buy an “empty” distribution board and wire it later?
A: Yes — Hager offers empty enclosures/modular boards that you can equip at any time. Perfect for phased installations or systems that need the option to expand.
Q3: How do I choose the right size (number of modules)?
A: Count all planned circuits + add a safety margin (for future sockets, lighting or additional circuits). A slightly larger board is better than running out of space.
Q4: Will a Hager distribution board ensure a safe, standard-compliant installation?
A: Yes — Hager is an experienced manufacturer, and their boards and protection devices meet building installation standards.
Q5: What if I need to expand later — can I change only part of the board?
A: With modular or empty enclosures — yes. You can add more rows/modules or switch to a larger enclosure. It’s always wise to plan ahead with some reserve.
Summary — your first step toward a reliable installation
Choosing the right distribution board is not a minor detail — it’s the foundation that determines the safety, comfort, and scalability of your electrical installation.
Hager distribution boards, available at Preis-Zone, offer a wide range of solutions: from compact surface-mounted enclosures, through elegant flush-mounted units, to empty housings ready for any configuration.
If you’re planning a house, apartment, garage, or workshop, ask yourself:
how many circuits do you need, can the installation grow in the future, do you care more about aesthetics or functionality? Choose a solution with room to expand — it’s an investment that pays off in comfort and long-term safety.
