ITE Q2020

Purchasing Used and Reconditioned Circuit Breakers

Used vs. New Circuit Breakers

MIDWEST has tested, maintained, and reconditioned electrical switchgear, including circuit breakers, for over 30 years.  When asked if one should purchase a used or reconditioned circuit breaker instead of a new breaker, MIDWEST recommends purchasing the new breaker.  The availability of used circuit breakers in the market place does not suggest a used breaker is better than a new breaker.  Equipment has a reliable life expectancy and there is an expectation that new equipment has an improved design.  We know that select older equipment may be more reliable in some cases because the older equipment was overbuilt and therefore suffers an abusive environment possibly better than some newer equipment.  But this statement does not permit a blanket statement suggesting used and reconditioned breakers are better than new breakers.

Who purchases used and reconditioned circuit breakers

The marketplace for used, obsolete, reconditioned, surplus, remanufactured, etc. circuit breakers exists because of several critical challenges to the market for new equipment.  The most critical challenge is the availability.  Many breakers are no longer available new.  Many other breakers are not in stock and may have a delivery time of weeks.  If a manufacturing facility operates using a "just in time supply chain," they require immediate availability.  The only choice may be a used or reconditioned circuit breaker.

How do you know the circuit breaker is reliable

When purchasing a used or reconditioned circuit breaker it is extremely important to purchase it from a company that reconditions and completely tests the circuit breaker.  There are standard specifications for testing circuit breakers.  But MIDWEST goes far beyond the industry standard.  Because of our long history of servicing and selling new and used switchgear MIDWEST has additional special load, voltage and function tests that assure the reliability of used, reconditioned, refurbished circuit breakers.  MIDWEST’s Quality Control Program (QCP) is your quality assurance.  MIDWEST must express caution because many used equipment suppliers, internet auction sites, and resellers do no more than clean the outside of the circuit breakers.  MIDWEST recommends purchasing only from an experienced breaker service company that has an exceptional Quality Control Program.