By Walter Powell, Professional Engineer, MIDWEST
Here we go again. The question asked was “Why would I ever buy a used bus plug?” It isn’t the question that caused a loud groan, it’s the distain with which the question was asked, by someone who had no idea what a new or used bus plug was. In their defense, they were just ‘processing’ an order to “Get one of these!” Actually, these days it is unusual to deal directly with an official purchasing agent or buyer. Usually we deal with electricians, engineers who actually work for a living (Sorry for the bias), and frequently a real live official maintenance supervisor who calls at 5:15 PM to order that bus plug that he has to have the next day. He’s calling after 5 because that is the first time all day that he has had a chance to take a breath without being interrupted. These are the people that really keep the wheels moving in a manufacturing plant.
“Why buy used instead of new?” The short answer is: You wouldn’t buy a used bus plug unless you had to. Why in the world would you buy used if you don’t need to? Obviously there are exceptions, such as classic cars, books, wine, art… you get the idea. But in the world of industry, decisions affecting the day-to-day operation just aren’t that simple. Decisions have to be practical and frequently are based on the needs right now. Not tomorrow or next week. Get it done and move on. So here is the litany to answer the question.
The “Positives” of buying a New Bus Plug: Made with all new material; Full reliable life expectancy; Should be trouble free; Manufacturer’s new equipment warranty; No worn or deteriorated parts; Should operate per new product specifications; May have design improvements making it more reliable or safer; and It sure looks good.
The “Negatives of buying a New Bus Plug: Delivery time; May require a conversion kit to fit in place of the old or obsolete product; and Cost.
The “Positives” of buying a Used Bus Plug: Immediate availability; Replacement for something obsolete, just no longer available new; Minimum down time with an exact replacement; and Cost.
The “Negatives” of buying a Used Bus Plug: Deteriorated parts; Poor quality control of supplier; No mfg’s original warranty; shorter reliable life expectancy; and poor appearance.
So what does one recommend? Try this! If you can, buy new. But if you can only get a used bus plug quick enough to take care of your problem? If you just can’t wait for a new bus plug, then MIDWEST, suggests you get a used bus plug from a company that properly reconditions the bus plugs and also performs standard quality control tests and performs special “performance tests” at full current and voltage. This is extremely important. A used bus plug just purchased “as is” from a reseller or equipment list may be “as is, buyer beware.” Ask exactly what the supplier does to the used bus plugs they sell.
You might ask what makes us such an “Expert.” Its experience, training, education, experience, and finally more experience. You wouldn’t ask a police officer a tax question. You would go to an accountant, someone you perceive to be an expert in his or her field. And you wouldn’t ask an account to protect you from a thug. You would ask the expert at protecting people from thugs. And you would base you perception of “who is an expert” on their training and experience, and their willingness to help. So, when making a decision about new and used electrical bus plugs, you would want to go to an “expert.” Go to the manufacturer for new bus plugs and go to the experts, such as MIDWEST, www.swgr.com, for reconditioned bus plugs. One of the nice things about real experts, especially in our electrical world, they are always happy to help by just answering your questions.