Describe the work
Share what you need, whether you have a detailed plan or are still exploring the options.
Why move a distribution board?
For many businesses, the distribution board (or consumer unit, in smaller premises) is the central point that keeps operations running. When a board is badly located, overloaded or outdated, moving it becomes an important step in keeping the site safe and efficient. Commercial distribution board relocation puts your board where it is safe, accessible and ready for future growth.
Relocating a board can solve a number of problems. Older buildings often have boards in unsafe or impractical places, such as damp storerooms, behind stock, or in areas with poor access. Moving the board to a better position improves safety for staff, makes maintenance and isolation easier, and reduces risk in an emergency. A well-positioned board also makes future upgrades, expansions and inspections much simpler. BS 7671 expects switchgear to be accessible for operation, inspection and maintenance, and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require adequate working space and safe means of isolation.
Choosing the new location
A good location is dry, away from heat sources and escape-route obstructions, easy to reach without moving stock or furniture, and close enough to the incoming supply to avoid long, heavy submain cables. In buildings with an escape stair or protected route, the electrician will check fire safety requirements before choosing a spot, and in shared buildings the landlord's consent may be needed.
The meter, the main fuse (cut-out) and the incoming service cable belong to your electricity supplier and network operator, not the business. If the move means relocating any of these, it has to be arranged with them, and that can affect the timescale. Many relocations avoid this by leaving the meter in place and running new tails or a submain to the new board position.
How the work is done
The process begins with a survey to agree the most suitable new position. The electrician then plans safe isolation, extends or reroutes circuits to the new location, installs the board and reconnects everything with minimal disruption to the business, often out of hours. Every circuit is tested, and the work is recorded on an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) to BS 7671:2018+A4:2026, the current IET Wiring Regulations.
Many organisations relocate a board alongside fuse box upgrades or as part of a rewiring project, so the whole installation is brought up to date at once. If you are considering solar, the solar comparison tool can help you plan the board position around future generation and battery equipment.
Home and business
In a home in England, moving a consumer unit is notifiable building work under Part P, either through a registered competent person scheme or building control. Part P does not apply to commercial premises, so no building notice is needed for the electrical work itself, although other building work (such as fire-stopping or structural openings) may need building regulations approval. Commercial sites often have three-phase supplies, several sub-boards and submains, which makes planning the sequence of the move more involved.
Compare relocation quotes
The advantages of professional relocation include lower fire risk, better access and easier energy management. Leaving a poorly placed board can mean safety hazards, insurance questions or difficulty expanding your electrical capacity. Request multiple quotes through Kilowatts UK and compare experienced commercial electricians, or call free on 0800 009 6058.