Some replacement items have absurdly long lead times. Because of significant baking time, transformers cannot be made quickly. While your electrical distributor may have a few 45kVA dry-type transformers in stock, you can’t expect them to have a 750 kVA oil-filled transformer just waiting for you the day after an intense electrical storm. Nor are they likely to be able to send a truck right over with replacements for the three 2500 kVA service transformers that just failed a battery of transformer tests.
Yet, it seldom (if ever) makes sense for smallish facilities to hold big transformers in their stock room. What are you to do?
A similar conundrum exists for explosion-proof motors, some circuit breakers, special fuses, equipment-specific control boards, PLC modules, and specialized mechanical parts for production equipment.
You could have spares of the less-expensive, long lead time items such as transformers, breakers, explosion-proof motors based on risk versus downtime costs. For very expensive items, consider pooling the costs within your division or among other facilities outside your company.
About the Author
Mark Lamendola
Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.
Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.
Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.