Benefits of Installing Refurbished Equipment

In a manufacturing facility there are many different pieces of equipment working in conjunction with one another to ensure the process runs smoothly.  When one of the pieces breaks down and needs to be repaired or replaced time is of the essence in keeping downtime to a minimal.  The goal for most facilities is to repair equipment as purchasing new equipment is timely, availability is often scarce, and it is not always cost effective.  When large scaled manufacturing equipment cannot be repaired, and new equipment is not readily available the next logical step is to consider refurbished equipment.

Why Refurbished May Be Best Option

Refurbished equipment is often considered better than brand new equipment for a number of reasons.  First, older equipment that has gone through the refurbishment process are sure to have the “new equipment” bugs worked out.  Equipment that has been refurbished is beneficial because it often costs less.  The equipment you can purchase refurbished is often of a higher quality than would be purchased new at the same cost.  Lastly, each piece of refurbished electrical equipment goes through a strict testing process.  It is almost guaranteed you will not experience downtime due to equipment failure soon after refurbished components are installed at your facility.

The Refurbishing Process

During the refurbishing process equipment is completely disassembled.  Parts within the piece are inspected and if needed replaced with new or refurbished electrical components to ensure the safety of each piece.  Once the components are all tested and put back together equipment must go through and pass rigorous testing.  The reconditioning process consists of disassembling, testing, cleaning, inspecting, replacing or repairing the piece from the inside out.

Refurbished equipment is readily available.  It is possible to find the same system you have been working with for years refurbished which makes replacement as simple as disconnecting malfunctioning equipment and replacing it with the refurbished unit.  Often when installing new equipment there will need to be some reconfiguration of systems already in place to make room the layout of the new equipment.

Refurbished Parts Are Readily Available

Another major benefit of installing refurbished equipment is the availability of components if something does break down.  New equipment is often harder to access parts for as they are new to the market and manufacturers are not prepared for the need for parts for repair.  Many suppliers of reconditioned equipment also have warehouses of new, obsolete, and refurbished components that are readily available if a repair is needed.  Again, improving downtime due to equipment failure.
There are many myths out there surrounding the purchase and use of refurbished equipment and components in equipment repair.  It is important to do research before purchasing any equipment from suppliers that you are unfamiliar with.  Developing a relationship with a supplier of new, refurbished, & obsolete components and equipment helps prevent downtime in production.  Companies like J and P also offer services including asset recovery, plant clean out, and refurbishing which is beneficial in the removal of equipment should the need arise.

J & P Electrical Company is a full-service electrical company that supplies contractors, end users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bud ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers.  More information can be found at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com

How Will We Know if We Should Replace or Recondition Large Scaled Electrical Equipment?

Transformers are used in industrial and manufacturing settings as a way to control the electricity infrastructure within a facility.  They are used to step up and power down different voltages of electricity to equipment throughout.  The longevity of transformers comes down the environment in which they are ran and the amount of usage received.  A typical end of life period for transformers under average usage is somewhere between twenty to forty years.  Factors other than age are often used to consider if a transformer should be replaced.  With this in mind, many facilities are considering refurbishing older transformers that are still showing signs of good health instead of replacement. 
In the following installment we will look at the many reasons that refurbishment of transformers is becoming popular verse replacement.  We will also look at why some transformers can be refurbished and why others shouldn’t be.  There are limitations to refurbishing transformers that we will look into as well.

Why Choose to Refurbish Verse Replace?

 

Refurbishing Transformers Saves Money and Time 

The cost to refurbish a transformer is substantially less than purchasing a brand new one.  Cost is definitely a factor in refurbishing, but it is also important to recognize the time saving.  The time to refurbish a transformer is substantially less than the time it takes to procure a new piece of electrical equipment for your facility, such as a transformer.
Buying new equipment often comes about through a lengthy process that requires approval from a number of sources before it can be completed.  It is also considered a capital expense which many facilities try to budget ahead for.  Refurbishment is often classified as a revenue expense which doesn’t often require approval.  Extending the life of quality assets is good for business and refurbishing can achieve this without risk.

Extended Transformer Life

We are all responsible for doing our part in creating a sustainable environment to leave to generations to come.  The environmental impact of manufacturing and equipment disposal is not something that is taken lightly.  Reconditioning transformers and other large scaled equipment helps to demonstrate environmental sustainability which is not only showing corporate responsibility but also regulatory consciousness.  Prolonging the life of large scaled equipment through reconditioning is just one way to exhibit your company’s commitment to environmental impact as well as to the confidence that the plant will continue to operate efficiently without risk of unexpected failure.

If you do find that you have had to replace a transformer for a reason other than failure, the older transformer can be refurbished and kept as a spare.  In order to determine if a transformer can be refurbished it is necessary to assess the transformer.  The extent of reconditioning needed to make it like new again may be deemed too much.  However, when refurbishment is deemed appropriate, the transformer is brought to a dedicated facility where reconditioning can be performed.

J & P Electrical Company is a full-service electrical company that supplies contractors, end users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bud ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers.  More information can be found at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com