How to Cut Costs by Installing Used Electrical Equipment in Your Business

Installing used electrical equipment can significantly reduce startup and operating costs for many businesses. Here is an in-depth guide on how to cut costs by using pre-owned electrical gear in your company.

Assess Your Electrical Equipment Needs

The first step is to carefully evaluate what types of electrical equipment your business requires.

For manufacturing/industrial companies, this may include motors, generators, transformers, panelboards, disconnect switches, variable frequency drives, and control equipment.
Retail and office spaces will need lighting fixtures, wiring devices, panelboards, and HVAC equipment.
Analyze the size, voltage, amperage, and other electrical specifications needed for each piece of equipment. Having detailed requirements will help source suitable used gear.
Create a comprehensive equipment list with all the necessary electrical items, including spares and backups. This will provide an estimate of the total cost if purchasing brand new.

Research the Used Market Thoroughly

Spend time researching the available inventory of used electrical equipment:

Online marketplaces like eBay and Craigslist often have quality pre-owned industrial electrical gear for sale at discounted prices. Search for specific items you need.
Dealers and shops specializing in surplus electrical equipment are excellent sources. They refurbish used gear to working order. Visit their websites to view available inventory.
Government and contractor surplus auctions sometimes sell off used electrical equipment for very low prices. Search sites like govdeals.com for upcoming auctions near you.
Network with electrical contractors in your area to find used pullouts and replacement equipment. They may have surplus gear sitting in their warehouses.

Inspect Equipment Carefully Before Purchase

Thoroughly inspect each used electrical equipment item before purchasing:

Test functionality - Use a megohmmeter to test insulation resistance and confirm electric motors/generators work properly under no-load conditions.
Check connections and cables - Examine terminals, connectors, and wiring for damage or corrosion. Faulty connections can cause dangerous shorts and fires.
Assess physical condition - Look for cracks, dents, weathering, or other signs of damage. Internal components may be worn out.
Review maintenance records - Ensure regular maintenance was performed if equipment has been in prior service. Lack of maintenance shortens usable life.
Consider bringing in a qualified electrician to inspect larger equipment like switchgear, transformers, and generators. Paying for inspections now can avoid expensive issues later.

Refurbish and Upgrade If Required

Some used electrical items may require refurbishment and upgrades:

Clean off dirt/grease - Thorough cleaning may be necessary if equipment was stored for long periods.
Replace worn parts - Contacts, brushes, insulation, seals, and bearings are typical parts needing replacement after extended use.
Upgrade safety features - Consider adding modern safety guards, sensors, and controls to older equipment lacking these.
Add monitoring capabilities - Installing sensors, data loggers, and communication hardware enables intelligent condition monitoring. This improves reliability.
Repair surface finishes - Refinish corroded or damaged exterior surfaces to restore appearance and prevent further degradation.

Consult With Qualified Electricians

Consult qualified electricians experienced in industrial power systems when installing used electrical equipment. They can:

Advise on optimal equipment to procure based on your facility's power requirements.
Inspect used gear to identify potential issues or needed repairs.
Oversee equipment installation and integration with existing systems.
Ensure electrical safety by confirming appropriate wire sizing, grounding, overcurrent protection, and other factors.
Provide certification and documentation for insurance purposes.

Their expertise prevents costly mistakes that can occur when installing used electrical equipment yourself.

Allow Time for Testing and Commissioning

After installation, allow ample time for full testing and commissioning of used electrical equipment before going live:

Run equipment through full operational cycles to confirm functionality.
Test protection systems like overload relays and ground fault detection.
Verify power outputs and phasing match specifications.
Check for abnormal noise, vibration, heating, or other issues during sustained operation.
Monitor power quality - voltage, frequency, harmonics.
Correct any problems identified before commencing full operations.

Thorough testing ensures used equipment operates properly as intended without failure.

Conclusion

Installing pre-owned electrical equipment using a systematic approach can significantly lower capital costs for your business. Careful research, inspection, upgrading, and testing of used gear allows realizing these savings while maintaining reliability and safety. Consult qualified electricians throughout the process. Ultimately, a mix of new and surplus electrical equipment can optimize your facility's cost structure.