The new Ecodesign Directive, which came into effect in July 2015, sets out specific design standards for new transformers that are intended to improve energy efficiency and operational performance.

As part of the EU’s drive towards environmentally friendly design, the directive aims to reduce energy consumption and conserve raw materials by defining various technical performance specifications for small, medium and large transformers coming onto the market.

The new directive makes it clear that the new mandatory requirements apply to transformers being placed on the market for the first time. Initially the new measures caused some confusion in the transformer sector, particularly in relation to remanufactured transformers.

The remanufacture of transformers, switchgear and associated equipment in the power and distribution industry has been well established for decades.

In fact, as well as supplying new transformers, a significant proportion of Slaters business has involved the remanufacturing of power distribution equipment, and the issue of compliance with the Ecodesign directive was therefore of paramount importance.

The remanufacturing process is cost effective and environmentally friendly as it re-uses resources that would have otherwise become industrial waste. The practice also reduces the need to manufacture new equipment which is a resource and an energy intensive process.

On this basis we have consulted widely with the government agency responsible for enforcing the legislation in the UK. In response, it has now been formally confirmed that refurbished transformers are outside the scope of the directive.

This clarification means that the electrical power engineering sector can continue to consider remanufactured transformers alongside new products whenever replacement equipment is required, and with total confidence that they are fully compliant with EU regulations.

Although the time to remanufacture a transformer unit can vary from as few as 8h to as many as 400, the typical turnaround time involved is 40h. As a result, remanufactured equipment can be available more quickly than new equipment – important when a replacement is needed in an emergency situation.

Of course some distinction needs to be made between remanufactured units and second-hand equipment. Remanufacturing power distribution equipment involves a thorough process that involves inspection, replacement of damaged components, comprehensive testing against relevant standards and specifications and full quality control checks, as well as re-painting and finishing. 

As a result, effective remanufacturing involves the production of fully functioning equipment that has been returned to its original performance. In addition, for end user reassurance the supply of remanufactured units invariably come with a warranty period that is longer than those provided for new equipment.

As part of the remanufacturing process, around 85% of the material in a transformer and 75% of the components in switchgear are retained and this means that the equipment can be 35 to 40% cheaper than a brand new unit.

Remanufacturing also allows equipment to be re-built to a customer’s own specification, and may involve the renovation or reconditioning of a transformer supplied by a customer and then returned to them for continued use.

This is particularly relevant where only one unit in a bank of equipment needs replacing and means that a similar remanufactured unit can be installed into the existing set up without the need of replacing all units in the network.

There are balances to be taken into account in terms of environmental impact. For example, while new products supplied under the Ecodesign Directive are likely to have improved energy efficiency characteristics, remanufacturing has the advantage of not requiring the use of new raw materials and also eliminates the impacts of disposal and recycling.

As a result, the continuing availability of remanufactured transformers and switchgear means that end users can continue to weigh up the purchase options available to them. 

Despite the introduction of the Ecodesign Directive, there remains a cost efficient alternative to buying new equipment and this does not necessarily mean that the environment is the loser.