Future-Proof Your Electrical Systems with Intelligent Switchgear Modernization

Custom Retrofit Solutions for Industrial and Utility-Scale Infrastructure

At Industrial Energy Partners, we deliver comprehensive switchgear modernization services engineered to meet the evolving demands of modern industry. Rather than opting for costly and disruptive full replacements, our UL-compliant retrofitting strategies provide facilities with a smart path to enhanced electrical reliability, safety, and compliance.

Whether you’re operating 480V low-voltage panels or 15kV medium-voltage metal-clad gear, our solutions are engineered to extend system life while reducing arc flash risk, improving system intelligence, and aligning with current NEC, ANSI/IEEE, and NFPA 70E codes

Why Upgrade Switchgear Instead of Replacing It?

Switchgear modernization is not just maintenance—it’s a forward-thinking investment in operational resilience and safety. Legacy switchgear often presents:

  • Obsolete components and unsupported trip units
  • Increased arc flash energy and incident risk
  • Non-compliance with current electrical codes
  • Downtime vulnerabilities during component failures

We help solve these issues by evaluating your current system footprint, voltage class, and load requirements. Instead of a complete rebuild, we retrofit only what’s needed—circuit breakers, relays, control sections, or buswork—preserving your enclosure and conduit layout wherever possible.

Our Switchgear Modernization Services

We design tailored upgrades based on detailed site assessments, one-line diagrams, and operational constraints. Every solution is built around your infrastructure, not a cookie-cutter product.

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Core Retrofit Services:

  • Breaker Replacement & Upgrades: Replace outdated oil, air, or thermal-magnetic breakers with vacuum or SF6 units that offer improved arc protection and interrupting capacity.
  • Protective Relay Upgrades: Integrate microprocessor-based relays offering zone-selective interlocking, event recording, remote communication (Modbus/DNP3), and fault analysis.
  • Busbar Refurbishment: Upgrade copper bus systems with improved bracing and insulation for higher fault current ratings.
  • SCADA & Power Monitoring Integration: Incorporate intelligent metering and SCADA-ready devices for real-time remote diagnostics and system control.
Control System Coordination: Synchronize your switchgear with existing ATS, generator panels, and MCCs for seamless automation.

Our Modernization Process

  • Initial Assessment – Gather site data, photos, and one-lines to determine structural condition and upgrade scope.
  • Engineering Design – Build a UL-compliant modernization plan matched to your gear’s form factor and code requirements.
  • Fabrication & Testing – Retrofit assemblies are built in our U.S.-based facility and tested to ANSI/UL standards. Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) is available.
  • Installation & Commissioning – We provide in-place retrofits or pre-wired panel rebuilds with minimal shutdowns.

Need tailored switchgear upgrades fast? Standard lead times: 2–4 weeks. Rush builds are available for critical projects.

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Retrofit vs. Full Replacement: How to Decide

Retrofitting can save up to 60% in capital costs and significantly reduce downtime. But it isn’t the right solution in all cases.

Use the decision matrix below to assess what’s best for your facility

Criteria

  • Enclosure Condition
  • Layout Reusability
  • Component Support
  • Compliance Path
  • Downtime Window
  • Budget
  • Documentation
  • Load Growth Needs

Retrofit

  • Structurally sound
  • The existing footprint is compatible
  • Retrofit kits available
  • Code alignment is achievable via upgrades
  • Short shutdowns (1–2 days)
  • 40–60% less
  • As-built drawings exist
  • No major expansion needed

Replacement

  • Corroded or physically damaged
  • Requires a new room layout or gear expansion
  • Obsolete beyond retrofit feasibility
  • Full NEC/UL re-certification required
  • Extended outages (1–2 weeks)
  • High upfront capital investment
  • One-liners and specs are missing or incomplete
  • Anticipating a capacity upgrade

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Retrofit is Ideal When:

Every industry faces unique challenges when it comes to power distribution and control. Our custom switchgear and switchboard solutions are engineered to meet the exact technical, regulatory, and environmental demands of each sector we serve. From mission-critical data centers to rugged oil and gas environments, we deliver systems designed for performance, safety, and long-term reliability.  

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Why Choose Industrial Energy

Industrial Energy is more than a retrofit provider—we’re a specialized engineering partner committed to delivering practical modernization solutions. Each system is designed to fit your exact layout and operational requirements, whether you’re integrating intelligent controls, upgrading protection schemes, or enhancing compliance. 

We use reverse engineering and field data to deliver custom-engineered retrofit gear that meets UL, NEC, ANSI, and NFPA 70E standards. All assemblies are fabricated and tested in our U.S.-based facility, complete with Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and comprehensive documentation for AHJ review. 

Our lead times range from two to four weeks, and our engineering team works directly with your personnel to scope, plan, and implement upgrades that meet performance, compliance, and timeline goals.

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Industries We Serve

Industrial Energy Partners supports critical infrastructure clients with high uptime demands and regulatory pressure. Our sector-specific retrofits are engineered for durability, environmental constraints, and compliance.

Frequently Asked Question’s

Lead times vary depending on the complexity of your project and the certification requirements. However, most builds are completed and delivered within 4–8 weeks. If your project is time-sensitive, we offer expedited options. Request a quote to get a personalized timeline.

 Absolutely. We use field measurements, as-builts, and photos to replicate bus and breaker placement for minimal rewiring.

Yes. We retrofit digital meters, Ethernet/IP, Modbus, or DNP3 for cloud or local visibility and control.

We implement relays with zone-selective interlocking, remote racking systems, arc flash sensors, and proper labeling.

2–4 weeks for standard retrofits; complex rebuilds may take 6–8 weeks. Rush delivery is available.

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