As a stocking distributor of used/remanufactured switchgear, circuit breakers, and related products for the last forty-plus years – we’ve seen a lot of changes come and go. Back in the day, our business mostly dealt with industrial service shops that specialized in this equipment and servicing it in the field. Technicians would request equipment, and dealers would help flesh out the details to make sure the equipment delivered was the right fit and function for the job. As we often say, we “supply round pegs for round holes.” While that’s an understatement of facts, there are many factors that must be considered, and the only way to navigate through them is to have experience and product knowledge. Knowledge that is only gained through years of experience at the school of hard knocks. 

How Modern Digital Trends Impact the Switchgear and Circuit Breaker Markets

Today, the internet has had major inroads into our industry. With it comes some advantages and some pitfalls. The major advantage is that customers now have access to a wide array of suppliers and information. While for some this is a welcome trend, for others it can be overwhelming. 

Another advantage is that the transfer/sharing of equipment specifications is faster and easier than it ever was before and is aided to a great degree by the ability to quickly share photos of equipment online. We estimate that more than half of the requests that come with nameplate information alone end up requiring a photo to find other specifications that would cause problems in the field. For instance, ITE manufactured the K 1600 from the 1960’s through current production. There was one product update that affected product interchangeability – resulting in complications. It is one of those things that you have to see to understand, and you have to understand to make sure you specify the right equipment. Issues like this arise in various forms across all product lines and all manufacturers. The pitfall is when someone inexperienced in specifying this equipment reaches out to a dealer that is either not knowledgeable or not reputable or often both. Time and money are wasted, and it gives our industry a bad name.

Looking for a Trusted Switchgear or Circuit Breaker Supplier?

If you are one of these customers, we can only suggest that as you communicate with your suppliers, be patient as they ask you a bunch of questions that at first may seem annoying. Answers to these questions will ensure your product will work for your application and should assure you that you will get the right equipment.

 
If you are in the market for a knowledgeable, trusted partner in the switchgear and circuit breaker market, we can help. Contact us today or head to https://npeinc.com to find out how we can utilize our 40+ years of industry expertise to find the right solution for you.