# Distribution board plan mark

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/iec-distribution-board-plan-mark
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: DB
Drawing use: GA
Reference families: IEC

## Symbol convention

Convention: IEC
Form: Distribution board, installation plan
IEC 60617 installation-plan style (architectural and topographical installation symbols); independently drawn, not certified IEC geometry or a database identifier.

Plan mark showing the position of a distribution board or consumer unit on an installation layout.

## In plain English

### What does Distribution board plan mark mean?

On installation plans a distribution board is drawn as a rectangle against the wall, typically half filled or crossed, with its designation such as DB-1 written beside it. Home-run arrows from outlets and lights terminate in labels that refer back to this board.

### A simple example

The mark tells the reader where circuits originate and where the board schedule applies. In domestic work the same form is used for a consumer unit, often labelled CU. Clearance in front of the board and access requirements should be checked against the architectural plan.

### What the drawings help you do

The plan mark does not show the internal arrangement. The board schedule and single-line diagram show incoming supply, protective devices and circuits.

### This particular reference

Plan mark showing the position of a distribution board or consumer unit on an installation layout. A switchboard object on a general arrangement shows a physical lineup; the plan mark only locates a board on a building plan.

### Terms

- Schematic: A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.

Concept diagram: Identify the device and form → Read the connections and state → Check the equipment reference
A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram.

- [IEC graphical symbols for diagrams](https://tc3.iec.ch/tc-activity/graphical-symbols-for-diagrams/)
- [Electrical installation design methodology and references](https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/General_rules_of_electrical_installation_design)


## What it represents

On installation plans a distribution board is drawn as a rectangle against the wall, typically half filled or crossed, with its designation such as DB-1 written beside it. Home-run arrows from outlets and lights terminate in labels that refer back to this board.
The mark tells the reader where circuits originate and where the board schedule applies. In domestic work the same form is used for a consumer unit, often labelled CU. Clearance in front of the board and access requirements should be checked against the architectural plan.
The plan mark does not show the internal arrangement. The board schedule and single-line diagram show incoming supply, protective devices and circuits.

## How to read it

- Read the designation and look up the board schedule.
- Check clearances and mounting height.

## Information to show or reference

- Label the board designation.
- Reference the board schedule.
- Show clear working space.

## Important distinction

A switchboard object on a GA shows a physical lineup; the plan mark only locates a board on a building plan.

## Facts

- Graphic form: Rectangle on the wall, partly filled or crossed
- Companion document: Board schedule
- Exact standard graphic: Not reproduced here; confirm the form against IEC 60617 and the project legend

## Public references

- [IEC graphical symbols for diagrams](https://tc3.iec.ch/tc-activity/graphical-symbols-for-diagrams/) — IEC. IEC graphical symbol context; independently drawn here.
- [Electrical installation design methodology and references](https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/General_rules_of_electrical_installation_design) — Schneider Electric — Electrical Installation Guide. Installation design methodology: circuits are allocated to boards.

## Graphic scope

Independent original educational concept illustration by Elora Grid. Not a certified standards graphic or manufacturer footprint. Unitless; not to scale. Original artwork licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Publisher material is linked only.