Switchgear Selling FAQ

What kinds of switchgear do you buy?

Low voltage and medium voltage switchgear, switchboards, unit substations, motor control centers, circuit breakers, panelboards, outdoor and arc-resistant gear, metal-clad gear, bus plugs and busway, plus scrap-grade equipment of any class.

Do you buy anything besides switchgear?

Only the distribution equipment that sits alongside it in the same electrical room. That focus is why we price switchgear better than a general surplus dealer or a scrap yard.

Do I need to have the gear tested first?

No. Testing is never required. We assess condition ourselves from photos, the nameplate and our own inspection at pickup.

Who pays for freight, rigging and removal?

We do, and it is already reflected in the offer. That includes section separation, rigging, cribbing, crane time where needed, permits, escorts and the haul itself.

When do I get paid?

Before the switchgear leaves your property. Our offers are cash offers and are not contingent on us reselling the equipment.

Is the quoted price firm?

Yes. We do not re-trade the number when the truck arrives. The only thing that changes an agreed price is discovering the gear is materially different from what was represented.

Will you buy a single section?

Yes. Individual sections, single breakers and small panelboards usually work best combined into a lot, but we buy single items routinely, and we also buy entire electrical rooms and liquidation lots as one purchase.

What if the nameplate is missing or unreadable?

Photograph the lineup anyway. Section width, breaker style, bus arrangement and the labels inside the doors let us narrow the rating, and we confirm at inspection.

Do you buy gear with the breakers already removed?

Yes. A complete lineup is worth more than an empty structure, but empty structures still have real resale value and we quote them as such.

Should I strip the copper before you arrive?

No. Stripping bus out of a resale-grade lineup routinely destroys more value than the copper is worth. Leave it intact and let us price the complete assembly.

Do you buy arc-flash damaged or burned switchgear?

Yes, as scrap-grade purchases priced on metal content. Do not assume that is what you have, though — gear that merely looks rough is frequently resale-grade.

How much is my switchgear worth?

It depends on the amperage, the voltage class, the manufacturer, the breaker type, whether the breakers are present, and condition. Send the nameplate and you will usually have a number the same day.

Do you buy switchgear that is still installed?

Yes. We quote it in place and coordinate the disconnect timing with your electrician or the utility before removal.

Can you remove gear from a basement electrical room or a rooftop?

Yes. Basement pulls, mezzanine rooms and crane picks are routine. Tell us about door widths and the route out so we bring the right rigging.

How fast can you pick up?

Typically one to two weeks after agreement, and faster when a demolition date or lease expiration is driving it. The utility disconnect is usually the longest lead item.

Which states do you buy in?

All 50 states and the District of Columbia. We stage freight regionally, so distance affects our scheduling rather than your price.

Are you brokers?

No. We buy with our own money and haul on our own freight. Nothing is consigned and nothing waits on a resale.

What paperwork do I get?

A bill of sale documenting the transfer of the equipment.