Based in Houston, TX. Serving Industrial Customers Across Texas & the United States.

Answers to the Questions We Actually Get Asked

From tracking down obsolete parts to understanding what “reconditioned” really means: here’s what you need to know before you call or send an RFQ.

Sourcing & Supply
Obsolete & Discontinued
Custom Fabrication
Oilfield Electrical
Houston, TX
Sourcing & Obsolete Parts
Can you find parts that have been discontinued by the manufacturer?

Yes, this is a significant part of what we do. When a product line is discontinued, existing inventory doesn't disappear overnight. It ends up in distributor overstock, plant maintenance rooms, decommissioned facilities, and specialty surplus channels. We have long-standing relationships with suppliers across those networks and can locate parts that OEM distributors have had on back-order for years.

Send us the full part number, manufacturer name, and quantity needed. The more specific the better, even old catalog cuts or photos help when part numbers have changed over time.

How do I know if a part I need has been discontinued?

The clearest signs are: the manufacturer's website returns no results for the part number, your normal distributor says it's on indefinite back-order, or you're getting quotes for a "new replacement model" that isn't physically compatible with your existing installation. If any of those sound familiar, contact us with the original part number. We'll tell you what we can find and whether NOS (new-old-stock) or tested surplus is a realistic path.

What types of electrical equipment do you source?

We focus on industrial and commercial electrical equipment, primarily:

  • Circuit breakers: molded case, insulated case, air frame (ACBs)
  • Switchgear: low and medium voltage assemblies and components
  • Motor control centers (MCCs) and individual MCC buckets
  • Transformers: dry-type distribution, control, isolation
  • VFDs and soft starters
  • Contactors, overloads, and motor starters (NEMA and IEC)
  • Disconnect switches, fusible equipment, and power distribution components

If it's industrial electrical and you can't find it through normal channels, it's worth asking.

Do you have inventory in stock or do you only source on demand?

Both. We carry rotating stock of common items (particularly surplus and NOS circuit breakers, contactors, and transformer components) and we also source to order when a specific part number or specification is needed. Items on our Featured Equipment page are confirmed in-house and available for immediate sale.

What's the difference between you and a regular electrical distributor?

A typical electrical distributor is a franchised stocking dealer for one or more manufacturers. They sell what those manufacturers currently produce and ship. We are not a franchise operation, we work across brands and product lines, including items that manufacturers no longer support. Our value is in finding what the standard supply chain can't or won't provide, and in being direct and straightforward about what we actually have.

Condition & Surplus Terms
What do "NOS," "surplus," and "reconditioned" actually mean?

These terms get used loosely in the industry, so here's how we use them:

New / Current New Old Stock (NOS) Tested Surplus Reconditioned
  • New / Current: Current production, sourced through authorized channels. Full manufacturer warranty applies.
  • New Old Stock (NOS): Unused equipment, still in original packaging or with no evidence of field installation. The product line may be discontinued, but the unit itself has never been put into service.
  • Tested Surplus: Previously installed equipment that has been removed from service, tested, and confirmed operational within spec. Condition is disclosed. No manufacturer warranty, but fully functional.
  • Reconditioned: Equipment that has been disassembled, cleaned, worn parts replaced, reassembled, and tested. Appropriate for non-critical applications or budget-sensitive projects.

We always state condition clearly before any transaction. If we don't know the full history of a unit, we say so.

Is surplus electrical equipment safe to install?

Properly sourced and tested surplus equipment from reputable suppliers is widely used in industrial facilities across the country. The key factors are: accurate condition disclosure, evidence that the unit was not in a fault condition when removed, and appropriate testing before installation. We provide what we know about each item's history and test results, and we don't sell equipment we would not put in front of a client's inspector.

For safety-critical applications or installations requiring certifications, we recommend consulting with your EPC or licensed electrician on whether surplus is appropriate for that specific use case.

Do you test equipment before selling it?

For surplus and reconditioned items, yes. We verify operation, check for visible damage, and test functionality before listing or selling. For NOS items in sealed original packaging from manufacturers we trust, we rely on the packaging integrity and supplier provenance rather than opening and testing the unit. We disclose which applies to each item.

Can I return equipment if it doesn't work?

We stand behind what we sell. If an item fails to perform as described within a reasonable period after delivery, contact us and we'll work it out, replacement, credit, or refund depending on the situation. We're a small business and our reputation matters more than any single transaction. Call or email us directly and we'll get it handled.

Quotes & Orders
What information do I need to submit a quote request?

The more you can provide, the faster and more accurate the quote. At minimum we need:

  • Manufacturer name and full part number or catalog number
  • Quantity needed
  • Acceptable condition (new only, NOS acceptable, tested surplus acceptable, etc.)
  • Timeline: when do you need it and is that hard or flexible?

For fabrication quotes, we also need: enclosure type and rating, circuit count and breaker sizes, any special features (metering, pilot lights, door-mounted controls), and whether drawings or submittals are required. Our quote form walks through all of it.

How quickly can you respond to an RFQ?

For parts we have in stock or can locate quickly, same-day or next-business-day response is typical. For complex sourcing requests or custom fabrication quotes, allow 24–72 hours. If your timeline is urgent, say so when you submit, we prioritize accordingly. You can also call or text us directly for faster turnaround on time-sensitive items.

Do you require a minimum order?

No formal minimum order requirement. We work with everything from single circuit breakers for emergency plant repairs to multi-line orders for project procurement. Some very small orders on hard-to-source items may not be economically viable to pursue, and we'll tell you that upfront rather than take your time, but we don't turn away orders based on dollar amount alone.

Can you support a large procurement list for a project?

Yes. We work with EPCs, general contractors, and facility managers on multi-line procurement packages. Send us the full bill of materials, we'll go line by line and provide availability, condition, and pricing for each item. Items we can't source we'll flag clearly so you can go elsewhere for those without wasting time.

For large project procurements: Email your BOM to sales@edmundsonindustrial.com with your project name and required delivery date. We'll confirm receipt and give you a realistic timeline for the full quote.

Custom Fabrication
What kinds of panels and enclosures do you fabricate?

We build custom electrical panels, control panels, distribution boards, pump panels, and specialty enclosures for industrial applications. Common builds include lighting and receptacle panels, motor control panels, transfer switch assemblies, combination starter panels, and custom-spec distribution panels for facilities that need something the standard catalog doesn't cover. We work with NEMA 1, 3R, 4, 4X, and 12 rated enclosures depending on environment.

How long does custom panel fabrication take?

Lead time depends on scope and component availability. Simple panels with standard stocked components typically run 1–2 weeks from final design approval. Larger or more complex builds, or those requiring special-order components, can run 3–5 weeks. If you need submittals or engineered drawings for permitting or client approval, account for that cycle time as well. Give us your project date early and we'll tell you whether the timeline is achievable.

Can you work from a customer's drawings or specifications?

Yes. We can build from customer-supplied drawings, one-lines, or written specifications. We can also develop drawings from a verbal or written description of what you need, useful when a customer needs a replacement for an existing panel that has no documentation. If submittals are required for your project, we can provide as-built drawings with the panel.

Do you fabricate explosion-proof or hazardous location panels?

We work with explosion-proof and ATEX/NEC-rated components for Class I Division 1 and Division 2 environments, which are common in the oilfield and petrochemical work we support. Panel configurations for hazardous locations require careful component selection and compliance verification, we treat these builds with the documentation and care they require. See our Oilfield Electrical page for more specifics.

Documentation & Compliance
What documentation can you provide with a purchase?

It depends on what's available for the specific item, but for large EPCs and contractors who need a full documentation package, we typically can provide some combination of:

  • Manufacturer data sheets and specification sheets
  • Test reports or inspection records (for tested surplus)
  • Photos of actual equipment (front, back, nameplate, any visible wear)
  • Original packaging photos (for NOS items)
  • As-built drawings (for fabricated assemblies)
  • Certificate of conformance (where applicable)

Our Featured Equipment page lists exactly which documentation is available for each in-stock item so you know before you ask.

Can you provide photos of the actual equipment before I buy?

Yes, and for most items we do this proactively. We don't use stock photos for surplus or used equipment. If you're making a decision on a specific unit, you should see photos of that specific unit, nameplate, condition details, any marks or wear. For items not already pictured, request photos when you submit your RFQ and we'll send them before you commit.

Do you provide a material traceability or chain of custody document?

For clients who require it (particularly on large projects or installations in regulated industries) we document what we know about the sourcing chain for each item. For NOS equipment from known-origin suppliers, traceability documentation is available. For equipment sourced through secondary markets, we're transparent about the provenance chain and what's verifiable. Ask about this specifically when requesting a quote and we'll tell you what's available for that item.

Shipping & Lead Time
Where do you ship?

We ship anywhere in the continental United States. We're based in Houston, TX, which puts us near major Gulf Coast industrial markets and gives us convenient freight access to the rest of the country. For large or heavy equipment, we arrange freight freight shipping, we'll include that in your quote. For smaller items, we use FedEx or UPS Ground or overnight as needed.

How fast can you get a part to me in an emergency?

For in-stock items, same-day shipment is possible if the order is confirmed before early afternoon. Overnight freight is available for critical plant situations. If you're facing an unplanned outage and need something immediately, call us directly, we'll tell you honestly what's possible. We're not going to promise what we can't deliver, but we'll push hard when the situation calls for it.

Can I pick up locally in Houston?

Yes. Houston-area customers can arrange local pickup, coordinate with us when you place your order. This is sometimes the fastest option for urgent needs and avoids freight costs on heavy or fragile equipment.

Oilfield & Hazardous Locations
Do you supply equipment for oil and gas field sites?

Yes. Oilfield electrical supply is a core part of our business. We stock and source components commonly needed on production and drilling sites: explosion-proof motor starters and disconnects, wellhead control panels, Class I Div 1 and Div 2 rated equipment, submersible pump controls, VFDs for pump and compressor applications, and lighting equipment rated for classified areas. See our Oilfield Electrical page for a full breakdown.

What does "Class I Division 1" or "Class I Division 2" mean?

These are NEC hazardous location classifications for areas where flammable gases or vapors may be present. Class I Division 1 areas are those where hazardous concentrations are present continuously or intermittently under normal operating conditions. Division 2 areas are those where flammable concentrations are present only in abnormal conditions, such as a leak or equipment failure. Equipment installed in these areas must be specifically rated and certified for the classification. Using standard (non-rated) equipment in these areas is a code violation and a safety risk. We only supply appropriately rated components for classified area applications.

Can you source parts for older rigs or legacy production equipment?

This is a common request and an area where our sourcing network adds real value. Older rigs often use electrical equipment that has been out of production for decades, GE, Westinghouse, ITE, Federal Pacific, older Cutler-Hammer catalog numbers. We can locate replacement components, compatible substitutes, and in some cases refurbished original equipment for legacy platforms. Give us the manufacturer, catalog number, and as much nameplate data as you have.

Brands & Compatibility
What brands do you carry?

We work with all major industrial electrical brands including Eaton, Square D (Schneider Electric), Siemens, Allen-Bradley (Rockwell), ABB, General Electric, Westinghouse, ITE/Gould, Hammond Power Solutions, Cutler-Hammer, and others. We're not a franchised dealer for any single brand, which means we can source across manufacturers based on what you actually need, not what a distribution agreement requires us to sell. See our Brands & Manufacturers page for a more complete list.

Can you help me find a compatible substitute for a part I can't source?

Sometimes, yes. But we're careful about this. A "compatible substitute" can mean different things, and the answer matters a lot depending on the application. In some cases, a direct electrical equivalent from a different manufacturer is appropriate. In others (particularly breaker-panel systems where the manufacturer void-of-warranty conditions are in play, or UL-listed assemblies) substituting in a non-listed replacement can have real implications. We'll tell you when substitution is reasonable and when it's not, and we won't push a substitute just to close a sale.

Why does a part number I have show no results anywhere?

Several common reasons: the manufacturer has been acquired and the part number system changed (Westinghouse → Eaton/Cutler-Hammer, for example), the part has been discontinued and removed from online catalogs, or the part number is a customer-specific or OEM catalog number rather than a standard distributor SKU. If you can share a photo of the nameplate along with the part number, we can usually identify the item and find the correct replacement or equivalent number in use today.

Didn’t Find Your Answer?

Call, email, or send an RFQ. If it’s industrial electrical, we’ve probably dealt with it before.