Building Network Operator
What you need to know about BNOs
What is a BNO?
A Building Network Operator (BNO) is the organisation that owns the electrical distribution installation in a multiple occupancy building. They are responsible for the infrastructure within the electrical distribution network between the Distribution Network Operator’s (DNO’s) intake/service head, and the consumer units or distribution boards. The point of demarcation is the service head as shown below.
A BNO can be the landlord, building owner, developer, building management company or those in a similar position. It is important that tenants/occupants are aware who their BNO is and what they are responsible for. Additionally it is equally important that BNO’s identify themselves and are aware of their role in electrical installation and safety.
A multiple occupancy building is any building/property that is split into or subdivided into more than one demise. These can be:
- Residential buildings e.g. block of flats (including conversions)
- Mixed use buildings e.g. small commercial on lower floors with residential units above
- Sub-divided commercial properties
However, it is important to note that in all scenarios, the BNO’s responsibility includes any landlord or communal areas.
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Who is responsible for the installation?
The Distribution Network Operator (DNO e.g. UK Power Networks or Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks) is responsible for the intake (service head) and all equipment leading up to this. The means that the Building Network Operator is responsible for the design, install and ongoing maintenance of all equipment after the intake and up to the consumer units or distribution boards.
The Building Network Operator’s installation has to be designed, installed and maintained in accordance with the latest BS 7671 standards (BS 7671: Requirements for Electrical Installations, the IET Wiring Regulations). This means that the BNO installation and infrastructure should be included within the 5-yearly periodical inspection.
“BSE|FM were recommended to us by the owner and operator of the Great Northern Hotel at Kings Cross. BSE|FM have installed and maintained heating, ventilation, air conditioning and power systems for a number of years, helping us manage the plant through a combination of vast professional knowledge combined with the ability to diplomatically drive forward our agenda without fear of upsetting incumbent teams.”
“After a laborious search and to my relief, I found BSE|FM to help with answers to my heating problems. You visited my property promptly when we had a useful discussion and you looked over our home to size up our requirements. A quotation was received and within weeks the installation and commissioning was being carried out by your team swiftly, efficiently and with great courtesy and to the schedule as quoted. Any queries I had were always answered and dealt with satisfactorily. The lead engineer was a pleasure to deal with, as was the rest of the team. I would confidently recommend BSE|FM to anyone who has an interest in having a new heating/air conditioning or air source heat pump system installed.”
How can BSE|FM help?
BSE|FM can assist Building Network Operators in ensuring that their electrical installations comply with the latest BS 7671 regulations. Our knowledgeable team can visit your property to review the current installation and advise on next steps where required.
Our experienced and qualified electricians can also support BNO’s by carrying out your ongoing periodic test and inspection and provide you with the correct certification, along with assisting you with any maintenance and upgrades of existing BNO installations.
Contact Us
If you would like any further information about our expertise and range of services, please get in contact with our team today. Call our Central London office on +44 207 953 4047, our Birmingham office on +44 121 295 6613 or our Haywards Heath, West Sussex office on +44 1444 390 593.
Talk to Our Expert Team
Do you have any questions about our building and consultancy services? We welcome your questions, requests and comments. Get in contact with our experienced team either by phone, by email or by using the enquiry form. We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.
