Why should you upgrade your aging equipment?
Aging, outdated electrical equipment can be modernized to new technology, dramatically improving its performance and lifetime. Installing new electrical distribution equipment involves a major financial commitment, so it makes sense to get the best use out of your installed base.

Modernize your obsolete electrical distribution installation by upgrading to digitized equipment, and help keep your assets running safer, better, and longer. Benefits include:
- Less downtime for installation
- Enhance reliability
- Reduce operating costs
Switchgear Modernization Solutions
Extend the life of the active components of your switchgear while leaving the existing switchgear structure intact. We have solutions for any brand of equipment!
Find out moreDirect Replacement Circuit Breakers
Direct Replacement circuit breakers are designed to fit into the existing cubicle with little to no modification to the switchgear cell.
Find out moreCircuit Breaker Retrofill Solutions
The switchgear cell and bus are modified to accept the new circuit breaker.
Find out more
Direct replacement and retrofit options to upgrade low-voltage motor control centers.
Improve Reliability - Reduce Maintenance Requirements - Increase Equipment CapabilitiesMotor control center (MCC) structures and internal buswork typically have a long life. Their unit racking systems are simple and most likely, in good shape. So why replace the entire motor control center when problems arise? Schneider Electric offers direct replacement and retrofit options to upgrade low-voltage motor control centers.Direct Replacement UnitsNew direct replacement MCC units are available for many vintage and current style motor control centers. This approach minimizes outage time and reduces costs associated with having to match existing footprints for the removal and re-installation of cables. Replacement units can be installed over an extended period, which provides an overall equipment upgrade on a limited maintenance budget.Retrofit OEM BucketWhen a direct replacement unit is not available, Schneider Electric Services can retrofit a genuine OEM bucket with all new Square D™ components. The genuine OEM stab assembly is reconditioned and the bucket is painted white enamel. All work is performed by factory-trained personnel.
Find replacements for many brands
New direct replacement motor control center units are available for many common vintage and current style MCCs. Following is a partial list of OEM models for which direct replacement units are available:- Allen-Bradley: Centerline® 2100
- General Electric: 7700 and 8000 Series
- ITE – Gould – Telemecanique: Series 5600
- ITE – Imperial – Telemecanique: Series 9600
- Square D Model 4
- Westinghouse and Cutler-Hammer: Type W
Better manage your critical processes, increase productivity and save energy.Upgrade to an intelligent motor control center specifying the TeSys T motor management system in your replacement units. The TeSys system is the only motor management system with advanced and integrated control features to reduce the complexity of your equipment as well as reduce costs.Another intelligent option is to replace your existing starter unit with a variable frequency drive (VFD) unit which can improve energy usage for variable torque loads.
From circuit breaker reconditioning to legacy product support, we offer additional equipment life extension solutions to keep your facility running strong.
Circuit Breaker Reconditioning
Reconditioning power circuit breakers is a cost-effective solution for any maintenance budget that helps restore equipment reliability and reduce the potential for downtime. Schneider Electric Services can recondition and refurbish existing low-and medium-voltage circuit breakers to like-new condition. We will:
- Check components for wear
- Clean, repaint and lubricate key components
- Correct identified problems
- Calibrate to meet OEM specifications.


Facilities personnel were concerned about a lengthy and costly downtime because of outdated switchgear. The two primary switchgear lineups were installed in the early 1950s. Though still operational, the age of the circuit breakers connected to the 2,000 amp bus in both lineups, along with the elevator-like system used to remove them from the switchgear for maintenance, increased risk for the plant’s electricians.

Facility managers now have another option to consider for the repair vs. replace dilemma. Capabilities exist to modernize and extend the life of the active components, i.e., circuit breakers, while leaving the existing switchgear structure intact. Read the white paper for more information.
A cost-effective approach to modernizing your aging switchgear
Modernization solutions improve power system reliability and lower life-cycle costs. Learn about products, features, and benefits in our direct replacement and retrofill modernization selector guide.
- Enhance reliability
There is more than $65 billion of obsolete legacy systems worldwide (ARC)
- Less downtime
Two hours of downtime a month costs a typical plant $2.4M a year (ARC)
- Reduce costs
Upgrading is classified as an operating expense and typically easier to fund vs. capital funds
Talk to our experts about upgrading or replacing your existing equipment
Each power system and situation is unique, but the challenges of aging electrical equipment can be addressed without total replacement. We'll help you make the best choice.

