Getting the Best Value for Your Surplus Electrical Equipment
Whether you're upgrading a facility, completing a demolition, or simply cleaning out a warehouse, surplus electrical equipment often has significant resale value. Here's how to maximize what you get.
What Equipment Has Value?
Not all electrical equipment is created equal in the secondary market. Items with strong resale value include:
- Circuit Breakers: Especially Square D, Cutler-Hammer, GE, and Siemens molded case and power breakers
- Switchgear: Low and medium voltage switchgear in good condition
- Transformers: Dry-type and oil-filled, particularly newer units
- UPS Systems: Working units from Eaton, Liebert, APC, and other major manufacturers
- Motor Control: Motor control centers, starters, and drives
- Panelboards: Main breaker panels and distribution equipment
Factors That Affect Value
Several factors determine how much your equipment is worth:
- Age: Newer equipment generally commands higher prices, but some legacy equipment is valuable due to scarcity
- Condition: Working, tested equipment is worth significantly more than untested or damaged items
- Completeness: Missing covers, hardware, or accessories reduce value
- Brand: Major manufacturers like Square D, Eaton, and ABB have stronger markets
- Market demand: Some items are always in demand; others depend on current projects
Preparing Equipment for Sale
To get the best quotes:
- Document everything: Take clear photos of nameplates, overall condition, and any damage
- List model numbers: Accurate model and catalog numbers help buyers quote quickly
- Note quantities: Bulk lots often get better per-unit pricing
- Describe condition honestly: Misrepresenting condition wastes everyone's time
Selling Options
You have several options for selling surplus equipment:
- Direct to dealers: Fastest and simplest, though prices may be lower
- Consignment: Higher potential returns, but takes longer
- Online auctions: Can work well for common items, but fees add up
- Direct to end users: Best prices but requires finding buyers
The Decommissioning Advantage
If you're decommissioning a facility, working with a company that both removes equipment AND purchases it can simplify the process significantly. Instead of coordinating separate removal and sales, you get a single point of contact and often better overall value.
Get a Quote
Ready to sell your surplus electrical equipment? We buy individual items and complete facility lots. Contact us with your equipment list for a quick quote.