Selling Electrical Switchgear: What You Need to Know

2024-09-12 · 9 min read · Switchgear

A facility manager's guide to selling surplus switchgear — from identifying the lineup to documenting condition, access, and removal requirements.

What Is Electrical Switchgear?

Electrical switchgear is a broad term that refers to the combination of electrical disconnect switches, fuses, and circuit breakers used to control, protect, and isolate electrical equipment. Switchgear is found in every commercial and industrial building, ranging from simple panelboards to massive medium-voltage lineups that fill entire rooms.

For the purposes of selling surplus equipment, switchgear typically refers to larger assemblies — not individual breakers or panels, but complete switchgear lineups, switchboards, and metal-enclosed switchgear sections.

Types of Switchgear and Their Value

Low-Voltage Switchgear (Under 1,000V)

Low-voltage switchgear is the most common type and is found in virtually every commercial and industrial building. It typically operates at 480V or 600V and includes:

Main switchboards — Large assemblies that distribute power from the utility transformer to building circuits
Motor control centers (MCCs) — Assemblies of motor starters, contactors, and overload relays
Distribution switchgear — Sections containing air or insulated-case circuit breakers

Value range: $2,000 - $50,000+ depending on size, manufacturer, and condition

Medium-Voltage Switchgear (1,000V - 38,000V)

Medium-voltage switchgear is found in larger industrial facilities, utilities, and substations. It operates at voltages from 2,400V to 38,000V and includes:

Metal-clad switchgear — Fully enclosed sections with drawout circuit breakers
Metal-enclosed switchgear — Similar to metal-clad but with different isolation standards
Pad-mounted switchgear — Outdoor units for underground distribution

Value range: $5,000 - $200,000+ depending on voltage class, manufacturer, and configuration

High-Voltage Switchgear (Above 38,000V)

High-voltage switchgear is found at utility substations and very large industrial facilities. Due to its size and specialized nature, it has a more limited resale market but can still command significant prices.

Value range: Varies widely, typically $10,000 - $500,000+

Factors That Determine Switchgear Value

Manufacturer — Square D, Siemens, Eaton, ABB, and GE switchgear commands the highest prices.

Age — Newer switchgear is worth more, but even 30-year-old equipment can have significant value if it is in good condition and uses standard components.

Voltage class — Medium-voltage switchgear is generally worth more per section than low-voltage due to higher manufacturing costs.

Configuration — Standard configurations with common breaker types are more marketable than custom or unusual setups.

Condition — Working switchgear in good cosmetic condition commands premium prices. Equipment with arc flash damage, water damage, or missing components has reduced value.

Completeness — Complete lineups with all sections, breakers, and accessories are worth more than individual sections.

Location — Indoor switchgear in climate-controlled environments retains more value than outdoor equipment exposed to weather.

The Removal Process

One of the biggest concerns facility managers have about selling switchgear is the removal process. Unlike individual circuit breakers that can be boxed and shipped, switchgear is large, heavy, and connected to building electrical systems.

What a Professional Buyer Handles

A reputable switchgear buyer will handle the entire removal process:

1. Site survey — Assess the equipment, access routes, and rigging requirements

2. Disconnection — Coordinate with your electrician to safely de-energize and disconnect

3. Rigging — Bring appropriate equipment (cranes, forklifts, rollers) to move the switchgear

4. Loading — Load onto flatbed trucks for transport

5. Site cleanup — Remove all debris and leave the area clean

Your Responsibilities

As the seller, you typically need to:

Ensure the equipment is de-energized before the buyer arrives
Provide access to the equipment (doors open, paths clear)
Have a representative on-site during removal
Provide any available documentation (one-line diagrams, maintenance records)

Timeline

A typical switchgear removal takes 1-3 days depending on size and complexity. The buyer will coordinate scheduling to minimize disruption to your operations.

When to Sell Switchgear

The best time to sell switchgear is:

During building renovation — If you are upgrading your electrical system, sell the old switchgear before demolition begins.

Before building demolition — Switchgear should be removed and sold before general demolition. Once a building is demolished, the switchgear is typically damaged beyond resale value.

When equipment is decommissioned — If a production line or building section is taken offline, sell the associated switchgear promptly.

During plant closures — Contact a buyer early in the closure process to maximize value and coordinate removal with your timeline.

How to Get the Best Price

Contact us early — The more time we have to plan removal, the better price we can offer.

Provide documentation — One-line diagrams, nameplate photos, and maintenance records help us provide accurate quotes quickly.

Keep it energized until sold — If possible, keep switchgear energized until the buyer can test it. Tested equipment commands higher prices.

Sell complete lineups — A complete switchgear lineup is worth more than individual sections sold separately.

Get multiple quotes — Contact several buyers to ensure you are receiving fair market value.

Why Choose Surplus Electrical Buyer

We specialize in switchgear removal and purchasing nationwide:

Free removal — We handle all rigging, loading, and transportation at no cost
Payment before removal — We pay before your equipment leaves your facility
prompt equipment reviews — Fast response on every inquiry
All manufacturers — Square D, Siemens, Eaton, ABB, GE, Westinghouse, and all others
All voltages — Low, medium, and high voltage
Nationwide service — We serve all 50 states