Giving Existing Switchboards a Certified Second Life with IPS ReCert™

When switchboard equipment reaches a decision point, replacement with new equipment is often the first solution considered.

For many projects, that is exactly the right path.

But it isn't necessarily the only path.

Qualifying switchboards may still have significant value if they can be appropriately evaluated, reconditioned, tested, certified, and documented.

IPS ReCert™ provides an alternative, with turnaround measured in weeks, not months, for qualifying equipment.

What Is IPS ReCert™?

IPS ReCert™ is a switchboard recertification program designed to give qualifying electrical distribution equipment a fully tested and certified second life.

The program supports qualifying dead-front switchboards rated from 225A to 6000A at 600V and below, subject to equipment condition and eligibility requirements.

Rather than simply reconditioning equipment and returning it to service, IPS ReCert™ combines the equipment work with a defined inspection, testing, certification, and documentation process.

Following successful completion of the required process, qualifying units receive third-party certification from Intertek and the applicable ETL certification mark.

The program is certified to the UL891 standard, the same certification standard applicable to new OEM switchboard equipment.

Step 1: Intake and Assessment

The process begins with understanding the equipment.

IPS performs a construction review along with visual and mechanical inspection of the incoming switchboard.

This initial stage helps determine the equipment's condition, assess its eligibility for recertification, and establish the foundation for the work that follows.

Step 2: Testing

Qualifying equipment proceeds through the applicable UL891 testing and inspection process.

This includes:

• Dielectric voltage withstand testing (Hi-Pot)
• Insulation resistance testing (Megger)
• Grounding continuity checks
• Operational and functional checks
• Labeling verification

Testing is an important distinction between simply returning equipment to working condition and completing a formal recertification process.

Step 3: Intertek Certification

Following successful completion of the required process, the applicable ETL certification mark is applied and a Certificate of Conformance is issued.

Intertek serves as the third-party certification organization for the IPS ReCert™ program.

This provides customers with documented certification rather than relying solely on the equipment provider's assessment.

Step 4: Documentation and Shipment

The process doesn't end when testing is completed.

Supporting documentation is assembled to provide traceability and evidence of the work performed.

IPS ReCert™ documentation includes:

1. 01Certificate of Conformance
2. 02Full test report
3. 03Inspection information
4. 04Traceability records

Each completed IPS ReCert™ unit is also backed by a two-year post-certification warranty.

Why Consider IPS ReCert™?

For the right application, IPS ReCert™ can address several project requirements at once.

Schedule: Turnaround measured in weeks, not months, provides an alternative when equipment availability and project schedules matter.

Capital: Recertification can provide a lower-cost alternative to equivalent new equipment, allowing capital to be directed toward other project priorities.

Certification: Qualifying equipment undergoes the defined UL891 testing and third-party Intertek certification process.

Documentation: Customers receive supporting records providing traceability and evidence of the work performed.

Warranty: Each completed IPS ReCert™ unit carries a two-year post-certification warranty.

Understanding the Difference: New, IPS ReCert™, and Reconditioned

Not every project requires the same equipment solution.

New UL891 Switchboards

Custom-engineered and manufactured to meet specific application requirements. New equipment may be appropriate for greenfield construction, facility expansions, modernization projects, and end-of-life replacement.

IPS ReCert™

Qualifying existing switchboards undergo a defined reconditioning, testing, and third-party certification process to the UL891 standard, supported by documentation and a two-year post-certification warranty.

Reconditioned

Cost-effective solutions that restore existing equipment and improve reliability when recertification is not required. Reconditioned equipment is backed by a 12-month warranty from shipment.

Understanding the certification requirements, equipment condition, project schedule, and intended application helps determine which solution is most appropriate.

A Practical Alternative for Qualifying Equipment

New equipment continues to play an important role in electrical distribution projects, particularly when custom configurations or new system requirements are involved.

However, when existing switchboards meet the necessary eligibility requirements, IPS ReCert™ provides another option.

By combining equipment reconditioning with applicable UL891 testing, Intertek certification, supporting documentation, and warranty coverage, the program offers a defined path for qualifying equipment to return to service.

The Bottom Line

Sometimes the right equipment strategy is new.

Sometimes the right strategy is making better use of an existing asset.

IPS ReCert™ provides customers with an additional option, supported by a defined testing, certification, documentation, and warranty process.

Have an existing switchboard or upcoming replacement requirement?

Request an IPS ReCert™ evaluation to determine whether your equipment may qualify for the program.