New, ReCert™, or Reconditioned: Choosing the Right UL891 Switchboard Solution

When a facility needs a low-voltage switchboard, one of the first questions is often: How quickly can we get the equipment?

It's an important question, but it shouldn't be the only one.

Project teams also need to evaluate specifications, application requirements, certification, equipment condition, available budget, project schedule, and long-term expectations.

Depending on those requirements, the best solution could be new equipment, recertified equipment, or a reconditioned alternative.

That's why IPS provides multiple switchboard paths with competitive lead times, rather than approaching every project with the same equipment solution.

New UL891 switchboards

For many projects, new equipment is the preferred starting point.

Greenfield construction, facility expansion, infrastructure modernization, custom applications, and end-of-life replacement can all create requirements where a new switchboard makes the most sense.

IPS new UL891 switchboards are custom-engineered and configured around specific application requirements.

Capabilities include:

• Competitive lead times
• Configurations up to 6000A
• SCCR ratings up to 100kAIC
• Custom configurations based on application requirements
• 2-year warranty

This is particularly valuable when a project requires new equipment and the procurement schedule needs to support planned installation or energization.

Rather than automatically changing the equipment strategy to accommodate availability, project teams can evaluate a new-equipment solution with competitive lead times that meets the specific requirements of the application.

IPS ReCert™

New equipment isn't the only option.

There are situations where qualifying existing or available equipment can continue creating value if it can satisfy the project's certification and performance requirements.

IPS ReCert™ provides that alternative.

The program supports qualifying dead-front switchboards from 225A to 6000A at 600V and below.

IPS ReCert™ equipment undergoes a defined inspection, testing, and certification process that includes construction review, visual and mechanical inspection, dielectric voltage withstand testing, insulation resistance testing, grounding continuity checks, operational and functional checks, and labeling verification.

Following successful completion of the process, the equipment receives the applicable Intertek ETL certification mark that meets the UL891 standard.

Customers also receive supporting documentation, including a Certificate of Conformance, full test report, and traceability documentation.

IPS ReCert™ switchboards offer competitive lead times and carry a two-year post-certification warranty.

For projects where certification, schedule, value, and performance assurance all matter, this creates another equipment path.

Reconditioned switchboards

Not every project requires new equipment or recertification.

When budget is the primary consideration and recertification is not required for the application, a reconditioned switchboard may provide an effective alternative.

IPS reconditioned switchboards are available in configurations up to 6000A, with SCCR ratings up to 100kAIC, and are backed by a 12-month warranty from shipment.

The important distinction is application fit.

Reconditioned equipment isn't intended to replace new or IPS ReCert™ in every situation. It gives customers another option when the project's technical and commercial requirements make it appropriate.

Let the project determine the path

The purpose of having three options isn't to make equipment selection more complicated.

It's to provide flexibility.

Project teams should ask:

1. 01Is new equipment required or preferred?
2. 02Does the project require a custom configuration?
3. 03What are the amperage and SCCR requirements?
4. 04What certification requirements apply?
5. 05What is the required project schedule?
6. 06What budget is available?
7. 07Could qualifying equipment be recertified?
8. 08Is reconditioned equipment appropriate for the application?

Those answers help narrow the equipment strategy.

Why having options matters

Project requirements can change quickly.

Schedules accelerate. Budgets change. Existing equipment fails. Expansion requirements emerge sooner than anticipated.

When a supplier can provide only one equipment path, those changes can create additional constraints.

IPS gives customers access to new UL891, IPS ReCert™, and reconditioned switchboard capabilities with competitive lead times, allowing the equipment strategy to adapt to the project rather than forcing the project to adapt to a single sourcing option.

The bottom line

There isn't one switchboard solution that's right for every project.

For many applications, new UL891 equipment will be the preferred solution. For others, IPS ReCert™ can provide a certified alternative, while reconditioned equipment may appropriately address cost-sensitive requirements.

With competitive lead times and multiple equipment paths, IPS can help project teams evaluate their requirements and identify the switchboard solution that best supports the application, schedule, and budget.

New, ReCert™, or reconditioned? Talk with IPS about the requirements driving your next switchboard project.