Managing switchgear lead times in the current supply chain

The current lead-time landscape

Lead times we’ve been seeing on Texas commercial and industrial projects (subject to manufacturer and configuration):

• MV metal-clad switchgear (15kV, 25kV class) — Typically 40-60 weeks for standard configurations. Custom configurations can run 60+ weeks. Eaton, Square D, ABB, and Siemens all have similar windows.
• Large power transformers (5MVA+) — 40-60+ weeks, sometimes longer for non-standard ratings. Distribution transformers under 1,500kVA run shorter, often 16-30 weeks.
• LV switchgear (UL 1066) and switchboards (UL 891) — 30-50 weeks for larger configurations.
• Standby generators (1MW+) — 40-60 weeks for new orders from Caterpillar, Cummins, MTU. Smaller generators (under 500kW) run shorter.
• Static UPS systems (large, 500kVA+) — 30-60 weeks depending on configuration and manufacturer.
• Paralleling switchgear (ASCO 7000, Russelectric) — 40-60 weeks for configured systems.
• MV cable (15kV, 25kV class) — Lead times have improved from 2022 peaks but still run 8-16 weeks for larger quantities.

These windows are typical. Specific projects with standard configurations may run shorter. Custom configurations, larger sizes, or supply chain disruptions can extend them.

Why lead times are long

Several factors compounding:

• Hyperscale data center demand surge. AWS, Microsoft, Google, Meta, and the colocation operators serving them are buying massive volumes of MV switchgear, transformers, and generators. Manufacturer capacity is significantly committed to these orders.
• Reshoring and industrial expansion. Semiconductor fabs (Samsung Taylor, Intel Ohio, TSMC Arizona), EV battery plants, and broader industrial reshoring all require substantial MV equipment.
• Specific component shortages. Certain components used across the industry have intermittent shortages: vacuum interrupters, microprocessor relays, specialty steel for transformer cores.
• Domestic content requirements. Build America Buy America requirements on federally-funded projects narrow the supplier pool for some applications.

How to manage long lead times on your project

1. Engage during design development, not after CDs

The single most effective lead-time mitigation: release procurement on long-lead items during design development with owner approval, rather than waiting for construction documents. Six months earlier release means six months earlier delivery.

2. Lock equipment specifications early

Vague or evolving specifications create reorder situations. Once you commit to a manufacturer and configuration, stay with it. Late spec changes can cost 6-12 weeks of additional lead time.

3. Use design-build delivery where possible

Design-build allows the electrical contractor to release procurement during design without owner-side procurement cycles. Plan-and-spec procurement typically adds 4-8 weeks to the release timeline.

4. Consider multi-manufacturer specifications

Specifying "Eaton or equivalent" rather than only one manufacturer gives procurement flexibility when one supplier’s lead time is longer than another’s. The trade-off is that "equivalent" specifications require contractor and EOR coordination on what actually counts as equivalent.

5. Pre-purchase critical components

For projects with extreme schedule sensitivity, owner-direct purchase of long-lead equipment before contractor engagement can save time. The complication is warranty, delivery coordination, and storage during construction. Worth evaluating case by case.

6. Build float into the project schedule

Realistic project schedules acknowledge that long-lead equipment is on the critical path. Schedules that promise 18 months from NTP to energization for a project with 60-week switchgear lead time are unrealistic.

What to ask manufacturers and contractors

• What is your current lead time on the specific configuration we’re considering?
• Is the lead time firm or subject to change?
• Are there configuration choices that would reduce lead time?
• What’s your delivery commitment if we order today, vs. order in 60 days?
• Are there pre-built or stock configurations available?
• What components are currently constrained?

What the next 12-24 months may look like

Capacity expansion at major manufacturers is in progress but takes time. We expect lead times to improve gradually through 2026 and 2027, but not return to pre-2022 levels for several years. Plan for the current reality, not for what lead times used to be.