Request a quoteSwitchgear and transformer lead times: planning around them
Long lead times for transformers and switchgear can decide when a project energises. Here is how to secure a delivery date early and protect the programme.
- Treat the electrical package as a critical path item from the first day.
- Fix early the ratings that drive manufacturing: kVA, voltages, fault level and form of separation.
- Get the delivery date in writing before you order, and track it against milestones.
- Plan the factory test, the delivery route and the energisation date together.
The equipment date can become the energisation date.
Demand from data centres, grid connections and electrification has stretched lead times for power equipment. Industry reports in 2026 put new large transformers at several years in some markets, and switchgear has lengthened too.
If the transformer or the main switchboard arrives late, everything that depends on power waits: commissioning, the IT installation and the date your client moves in.
Fix what the factory needs to start.
A factory can only reserve production once the ratings that decide the design are known. Agree with your supplier which details must be fixed to start and which can follow later.
- Transformer: rating in kVA, primary and secondary voltage, vector group, cooling type and Ecodesign tier
- Switchboard: incoming rating, fault level, form of separation and outgoing ways
- Site limits: dimensions, weight, access route and lifting
- Network operator requirements for the connection
A date in writing, tracked against milestones.
A delivery date only means something when it is tracked. Ask for the milestones that lead to it and check them as they pass.
- Drawings approved
- Manufacture started
- Factory acceptance test, witnessed in person or remotely
- Shipping and delivery to site
Ready for the day it arrives.
Plan the access route, lifting and storage before delivery, and protect the equipment until it is installed. Book the energisation with the network operator around a delivery date you trust, not one you hope for.