As demand rises for reliable electrical infrastructure in mining, industrial and commercial projects, mini substations are being widely deployed for new installations, expansions and upgrades. However, industry concerns are growing over cases where used equipment is refurbished and marketed as brand new.
According to David Claassen, Managing Director of Trafo Power Solutions, some buyers may only discover they have purchased refurbished units once operational issues appear. In certain cases, substation units are removed from upgraded or demolished sites, then cleaned, repainted and occasionally fitted with new nameplates before being resold.
While such equipment may look new externally, Claassen warns that internal components like transformers, switchgear and protection systems may already have years of service history. This can pose serious risks in industrial environments where mini substations play a critical role in safely distributing power.
He explains that hidden wear, unknown maintenance history and degraded insulation or protection systems can significantly shorten operational life. In severe cases, failures may result in costly downtime, equipment damage or safety incidents.
Claassen stresses that refurbished equipment does have a legitimate place in the market when clearly identified and properly tested. The key concern arises when it is misrepresented as new.
To avoid risk, buyers should request full traceability and documentation. A genuine new mini substation should include serial numbers, factory acceptance test (FAT) reports, compliance certificates and complete engineering records. Customers are also encouraged to witness key manufacturing and testing stages where possible.
He also highlights that refurbishment can be acceptable if the equipment is properly inspected, tested and transparently sold as such.
Claassen concludes that electrical infrastructure requires strict due diligence, urging buyers to work only with reputable suppliers to ensure reliability, compliance and long-term performance.
Source: Mining Weekly
