The distribution board (DB box) is where your supply splits into circuits. Each breaker should protect one circuit. In many older Lahore houses, the DB is a mix of old fuses, a few breakers added over the years, and one circuit carrying far more than it should. An upgrade fixes that.
What's included
| Item | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Survey | Checks existing DB, cables, circuits and connected load |
| New enclosure | A DB box with space for all circuits plus spare ways |
| Main breaker / isolator | Sized to your sanctioned load and incoming cable |
| Circuit breakers | Separate breakers for lights, sockets, kitchen, each AC, geyser, motor |
| RCD protection | Residual current device to cut supply on earth leakage |
| Surge protection (optional) | Protects electronics from voltage spikes |
| Neutral and earth bars | Proper termination, earth connected to the earth pit |
| Labelling | Each breaker labelled with what it controls |
| Testing | Checks after installation |
When you need it
- Breakers trip when the AC, iron or motor starts.
- You still have rewireable fuses.
- The DB is warm, discoloured, buzzing or smells of burning.
- You added ACs, a floor or a shop and the board has no spare ways.
- One breaker feeds half the house.
- You get mild shocks from appliances (often an earthing fault — see earthing guide).
- You are moving from single-phase to three-phase.
Step-by-step process
- Survey the existing DB. The electrician maps which breaker feeds which room and checks cable condition.
- List the load. All ACs, geysers, motors and heavy appliances.
- Plan circuits. Decide how many circuits you need, plus spare ways for the future.
- Choose breaker ratings. Each breaker is matched to the cable size of its circuit — not to how often it trips.
- Agree a written quote listing the enclosure, main breaker, each circuit breaker, RCD, surge protection and labour.
- Schedule a shutdown. The work is done with supply off; plan a few hours without power.
- Install and terminate. Cables are dressed neatly, neutrals and earths go to separate bars.
- Test each circuit and the RCD's trip function.
- Label and hand over a simple circuit list.
Approvals and documents in Lahore
Replacing a DB inside your house usually needs no LESCO application. You will need LESCO if the upgrade comes with a load extension or a change from single- to three-phase, which needs an application and a test report from the Electric Inspector or an authorised wiring contractor before energisation (NEPRA CSM, clause 2.7.2). Do not let anyone open or touch the LESCO meter seal.
What affects the cost
- Number of circuits and the size of the enclosure.
- Single-phase vs three-phase board.
- Breaker and RCD quality. Genuine, rated breakers cost more than unbranded copies but trip when they should.
- Extras: surge protection, changeover for UPS/generator, sub-boards per floor.
- Condition of existing cables. Burnt or undersized cables found during the job must be replaced.
- Location. Moving the DB to a new position adds cable and wall work.
Ask for a quote that lists every breaker and its rating.
Questions to ask the electrician
- How many circuits will I have, and how many spare ways?
- What rating will each breaker be, and how does it match the cable?
- Will you include an RCD? On the whole board or selected circuits?
- Is my earthing good enough for an RCD to work properly?
- Will you label every breaker?
- What do I do if the RCD trips often after installation?
Red flags
- Fitting a bigger breaker to "stop the tripping" without checking the cable.
- Using a copper wire or bypass instead of a fuse or breaker.
- Neutral and earth twisted together on one terminal.
- No labels, no circuit list.
- Opening the LESCO meter or tampering with its seal.
- Unpackaged or unbranded breakers with no rating marks.
FAQs
DB box lagwana — how long does it take? A straightforward replacement in a house is usually done in a day, with supply off for part of it. Bigger jobs with new circuits take longer.
Why does my new RCD keep tripping? It is usually doing its job: there is earth leakage on a circuit, often from a faulty appliance, damp wiring or a geyser element. Have the circuit tested rather than removing the RCD.
Can I add more ACs on my current DB? Only if there is spare capacity, a free way for a dedicated breaker, and enough sanctioned load. Otherwise you need a DB upgrade and possibly a load extension.
Does the DB upgrade need LESCO approval? Not usually for internal work. It does if you change load or phase, which needs an application and a test report.