Control system modernization and switchgear retrofits is an industrial power practice that focuses on consulting about and implementing critical retrofits to industrial power equipment, with consultation focusing on identifying the best upgrades in terms of technology, price, any rules and regulations that may apply, and project timeline. When a company reaches the point of inquiring about control system modernization and switchgear retrofits, it typically has one of two choices for improving the performance of its equipment: opting for retrofitting, or purchasing new products. Below, we compare the benefits of the former to the benefits of the latter across six important categories.
1. Cost of Implementation
Control system modernization and switchgear retrofits are typically less expensive than full replacement for an obvious reason: they focus on improving problem areas instead of replacing everything. According to providers of control system modernization and switchgear retrofits, the cost of retrofitting electrical equipment is typically less than 50 percent of the cost of replacing it.
2. Collateral Expense
Implementing new technology usually brings more collateral expense than retrofitting, especially concerning generator rental. Whether replacing backup generators or energy elements integral to daily power, an interruption in primary power supply or the absence of a secondary supply in waiting means that a company must rent mobile generators to temporarily serve as its primary or secondary power supply.
3. Reliability of Equipment (e.g. Power Transfer Switch)
While a new product usually offers more reliability than an older one, industrial machinery can be the exception. Due to its rigid design and a useful lifespan that lasts decades, most used industrial machines can perform like new when they receive regular servicing and timely retrofits. Industrial backup generators whose infrequency of use means that they experience wear at lower rate than most other machines tend to age especially well.
4. Potential Affect on Real Estate Value
Potential is the key word. If you put your facility up for sale after implementing new products and it satisfies a potential buyer's power needs to perfection, you might negotiate a higher than expected sale price. However, because the value of power equipment is defined in a utilitarian sense, having older equipment that has all the right upgrades would be almost as impressive.
5. Timeline for Implementation
If a facility needs new products, installing them should take precedence over concerns about an inconvenient implementation timeline. But when companies have the option of implementing new technology or retrofitting their existing technology, opting for the latter usually a shorter implementation timeline, with many upgrades being accomplished in a single day.
6. Meeting Compliance Regulations
Depending on the nature of a company's business, compliance standards regulating the type of electrical infrastructure it employs could range from simple to complex. But the real issue is compliance standards and not infrastructure. If products require replacement, they have to be replaced, regardless of their age. Thankfully, changes in compliance standards are usually announced well ahead of their effective date.
