The remanufacturing potential of electrical transformers has been boosted with confirmation that the new EU Ecodesign directive does not extend to refurbished products.
North-East based remanufacturer and transformer supplier Slaters Electricals has welcomed the directive, which came into effect last year, and sets out specific design standards for new transformers that are intended to improve energy efficiency and operational performance.
Despite initial confusion over the status of remanufactured transformers, the mandatory requirements within the directive only apply to transformers being placed on the market for the first time.
The remanufacturing process utilised by Slaters is highly cost effective and considerably environmentally friendly, as around 85% of the material in a transformer and 75% of the components in switchgear are retained, resulting in a 35-40% cost saving compared to a brand new unit.
Slaters offers a comprehensive range of newly manufactured Ecodesign compliant and refurbished HV transformers and switchgear. Slaters also has the capability to renovate or recondition transformers supplied by a customer and then return the unit to them for continued use.
The remanufacturing process of power distribution equipment by Slaters consists of thorough inspections, component replacement, rigorous testing and quality checks against relevant industry standards; as well as re-painting and finishing.
Remanufactured equipment can be re-built to customer specifications and can be supplied with a longer warranty period than new equipment. They can also be available more quickly than new equipment with an average 40 hour turnaround time which is important when an emergency replacement is needed.
Nick Bull, head of sales at Slaters Electricals, said: “It is of paramount importance to Slaters that the remanufacturing of power distribution equipment complies with the Ecodesign directive.
“After consultation with the government agency responsible for enforcing the legislation in the UK, we are delighted that it has been confirmed that refurbished transformers are outside the scope of the directive.
“This clarification means that the electrical power engineering sector can continue to consider remanufactured transformers alongside new products whenever replacement equipment is required, and with total confidence that they are fully compliant with EU regulations.”
More details at www.slaters-electricals.com