What Is a BNO?
‘The organisation that owns or operates the electricity distribution network within a Multiple Occupancy Building between the Intake Position and Customers’ Installations.
The BNO may be the DNO, another licensed distributor or a third-party exempt from holding an electricity distribution license (e.g. a facilities management company).’
ENA (Energy Networks Association) 2015, Engineering Recommendation G87 Issue 2 – 2015: Guidelines for the Provision of Low Voltage Connections to Multiple Occupancy Buildings, ENA (Energy Networks Association),
http://www.dcode.org.uk/assets/uploads/ENA_EREC_G87_Issue_2__2015_.pdf
Unlike a DNO or iDNO, BNOs are exempted from any registration requirement by schedules 2 and 3 of The Electricity Order 2001.
A BNO requires a distribution license unless the BNO fulfils the requirements of an EDNO, i.e. the distribution of less than 2.5MW load or generation less than 10MW; amongst other criteria.
A BNO may appoint a third party to act as the network operator on their behalf.
What classes as a Multi-Occupied Building?
‘Any single building that has been sub-divided into more than one premise, for example flats (including conversions) or factories that have been broken up into smaller industrial units. It includes communal areas (if any).’
ENA (Energy Networks Association) 2015, Engineering Recommendation G87 Issue 2 – 2015: Guidelines for the Provision of Low Voltage Connections to Multiple Occupancy Buildings, ENA (Energy Networks Association),
http://www.dcode.org.uk/assets/uploads/ENA_EREC_G87_Issue_2__2015_.pdf
BNO Network Design
Building Networks are governed by BS 7671 – and this allows those responsible for the building network (such as a housing association) to employ any suitable electrical contractor. As such DNO’s will not give approval for their design as they are not enforcing or advisory bodies for BS 7671. In addition fire regulations, health & safety at work and other regulatory requirements need to be taken into account.
Where questions arise of the adequacy of the customers installation the electrical contractor should seek advice from the trade body providing their accreditation.
The BNO shall consider at the design stage the on-going safety of both the occupants and meter readers from hazards in accordance with the CDM regulations.
LSOH Cables
Cable lengths of 10m or more within buildings should be suitably insulated by low smoke and zero halogen material to prevent toxic gases in fire.
