What is a Ryefield Board? Can Anyone Install such a Distribution Board?

Many people don't know what a Ryefield Board is, and even more people think they can figure out how to install such a distribution board.

We receive many calls from people who "do their homework" on what a Ryefield distribution board is, and they are "ready to buy it and install it".

Yes, you can safely buy and have a Ryefield Board delivered to you via Sparks Electrical, but the installation of such a distribution fuseboard is not as easy or simple as you think.

What is a Ryefield Board?

A Ryefield board is simply a distribution fuseboard manufactured by Ryefield Engineering.

There are many distribution boards in the UK market, and many of them offer a good and robust wiring solution for a multi-dwelling dwelling.

But the distribution boards from Ryefield are not only the cheapest, most reliable, and most robust out there, but they are also the only brand pre-approved and recommended by all the major electrical energy suppliers in the UK. EDF for instance recognizes the Ryefield Board as the only distribution board for multi-dwelling buildings, commercial buildings, etc.

They work in conjunction with the metering equipment to distribute the power from the main cut-out to all the dwelling meters in the building, while at the same time they provide separate protection for each circuit.

Where are the Ryefield Distribution Boards Used?

Since the Ryefield Boards are specifically designed for multi-house arrangements and especially in the cities in the UK there are many such buildings, there are many applications for these distribution boards.

Depending on your energy provider (whether they require Ryefield Boards or not), you can install such a distribution board in places like:

• new build properties with many flats, where you can split the energy from the main panel (the Ryefield Board) to the individual flats;
• any houses where you either have different flats or different dwellings, to split the energy;
• commercial buildings where 3 Phase electrical current is incoming and there's the need to distribute it to big energy consumers like cookers (in restaurants), air conditioning systems (offices and commercial buildings), large CCTV circuits, lifts, etc.
• restaurants, small hotels, hostels, and similar small commercial dwellings and buildings.

This doesn't mean that only landlords, property management companies, installers, electricians, business owners, or "big shots" know or need a Ryefield Board. Their use is both in domestic, commercial and in industrial applications where there's the need for 3-24 ways of electrical distribution (see: 9-way distribution board).

Can "Anyone" Install a Ryefield Distribution Board?

The mere fact that one understands how a Ryefield Board works by digging into their technical specs doesn't mean that one is the qualified person to install such a board.

Also, not all electricians are qualified or the right person to install a Ryefield Board. Installing such a board is not a regular job for a registered electrician, but some know what they do, have both the skills and the experience (proven by previous successful jobs) to do the right job.

Since the Ryefield boards come from 3-way to 24-way, it is good to make sure that the electrician or electrical engineer is qualified and has previous experience in installing such electrical distribution boards.

We at Sparks Electrical distribute a wide range of Ryefield Distribution Boards - see the dedicated category at Industrial Consumer Units online and visit our showroom in Archway (North London) to find out more specs and details on these boards.