Distribution board
Distribution board meaning in Australian switchboard, submain and load records.
Distribution board in Australian records
Distribution board is a board term used for a distribution point in an Australian electrical record. It is commonly downstream from a main switchboard and may be fed by a submain, so the board name and route context should stay together.
Use the term when a load schedule, voltage-drop worksheet or phase-balancing note needs to identify the board being supplied. The term names the board context; it does not calculate demand or confirm the cable route by itself.
Where local board records appear
Distribution board wording appears in switchboard load schedule fields, submain voltage-drop records and guides that compare board and supply-path terms. It helps separate a downstream board from the main switchboard when a project has several boards.
| Record context | Keep visible | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Submain voltage-drop note | upstream board, downstream board and route length | Shows which supply run the result belongs to |
| Load schedule | board name, load rows and units | Keeps downstream loads separate from main switchboard totals |
| Phase-balancing note | board and phase arrangement | Avoids mixing board role with supply arrangement |
Distribution board vs main switchboard
Distribution board, switchboard and main switchboard should not be collapsed into one label when supply path, demand or voltage-drop context matters. The actual project board name should stay visible.
The glossary wording does not design the board or set protection. Use the linked table and calculators only after the relevant board, route and entered values are known.
Using DB context in calculations
Use switchboard load schedule fields for board records. Use submain voltage drop where the distribution board is fed by a submain route that needs entered-value review.
Source and review
Check the terminology source, review timing and Australian application before carrying this term into a project record.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Source | AUWiring Australian terminology registry, switchboard load schedule fields and submain voltage-drop calculator wording. |
| Source type | Australian terminology |
| Derivation basis | AUWiring Australian glossary term; no controlled AS/NZS text is reproduced. |
| Last checked | 2026-07-13 |
| Review interval | Annual terminology review or sooner if board terminology changes. |
| Review trigger | Update when board terminology, submain route wording or load schedule fields change. |
| Version used | T14-2026-07-13 |
| Australian application | Australia; Australian English switchboard terminology. |