5 reasons unassembled panelboards keep your projects on schedule
Learn how to avoid supply chain delays with Eaton’s Pow-R-Xpress Program
It’s always one or two items that delay your entire order, right? Electrical panelboards are especially notorious for supply chain delays with so many different components and the time it takes for factory assembly. What if you could start implementing electrical panelboard components without waiting for them to ship from the factory? Well, here’s how you can do that by ordering an unassembled panelboard.
WHAT ARE UNASSEMBLED PANELBOARDS?
It’s pretty simple. Eaton has selected some of their most common panelboard configurations, and via their Pow-R-Xpress program, you can get in-stock light commercial panelboard components from your distributor without waiting for your panelboard to be assembled at the factory. Available voltages are single-phase 120/240v and three-phase 120/208v and 480/277v along with a range of 100, 225 and 400-amp sizes.
There are some limitations. Pow-R-Xpress panelboards interrupting ratings are fully rated 10kAIC at 208v and 14kAIC at 480v. You will have to assemble the panelboard yourself, but this allows you to begin installing your panelboard and meet tight deadlines without delaying other processes on your jobsite.
WHY WOULD I ORDER AN UNASSEMBLED PANELBOARD?
1. You’ll get the exact same panelboard components without waiting.
As long as you do not require any special customization or assembly, ordering an unassembled panelboard allows you to pick up the same (but unassembled) tub, cover, breakers, etc. for your commercial panelboard without the risk of supply chain delays.
2. You can get the edge on quick-turn opportunities.
When you are bidding a gear project with a quick deadline, are you going to be the contractor who can meet the customer’s deadlines? Ordering a complete commercial panelboard with the interior and breakers assembled might take you (and your competition) anywhere from 4-12 weeks to receive depending on the circuit breakers inside. Even if it takes some extra assembly on your part, what if you could propose getting the parts, and getting the job done, sooner? How many more projects could you win?
3. You won’t delay piping, wiring and other processes on your jobsite.
If you are stuck waiting for your assembled panelboard to arrive from the factory, you are also stuck waiting to install the wire and conduit that will connect to your panel. If you can at least get the panel tub, you can begin installing your panel and connecting it to your conduit. Then, once you receive the interior components, you can install the interior and cover and wire everything up.
4. You have the flexibility to adapt to changing requirements.
What happens when you get changes to your panelboard or last-minute additions? When using an unassembled panelboard, you can pick up the new components you need from your distributor and swap out parts or add them to your panel without having to wait for the factory to make changes.
5. It’s a full-package gear solution.
It isn’t just unassembled panelboards. A commercial switchgear project also requires transformers and safety switches. The Pow-R-Xpress program is a total package strategy that includes safety switches and dry-type transformers, so you can complete your project front to back with in-stock products at a competitive price.
HOW DO I ORDER UNASSEMBLED PANELBOARDS?
Ordering unassembled panelboards doesn’t require any special quotation or ordering process. Van Meter’s inside sales team is trained with the knowledge to support your requests. Call 1-800-247-1410 or contact your inside sales representative to utilize the Pow-R-Xpress program and meet your panelboard project deadlines.
