Spike Electric’s Most Recent Posts
Why Most Switchgear Upgrade Quotes Miss the Mark—And How to Get It Right
Not all switchgear quotes are created equal. In fact, most quotes you’ll get from general contractors or service firms leave out critical elements—engineering design, testing, certification, and long-term reliability. That can lead to major cost overruns, delayed...
Top Questions We Hear From Local Refineries During Switchgear Upgrades
Every week, we hear from refinery engineers, maintenance leads, and procurement teams who are trying to solve tough switchgear issues—and they all ask the right questions. These facilities can’t afford failure, downtime, or liability, and neither can we. That’s why...
Does Your Switchgear Pass Modern Safety Standards? Here’s How to Find Out
Many industrial facilities operate with switchgear that was installed 20, 30, or even 40 years ago—gear that may have been safe and compliant when installed but no longer meets today’s safety standards. While these systems may still function, aging equipment combined...
Do I Need a Breaker Compartment Adapter? Here’s What You Need to Know
Modern breakers are built for new technologies, updated safety standards, and faster response times—but that means they often don’t fit into older switchgear lineups. That’s where compartment adapters—also known as breaker compartments, breaker cradles, breaker...
What Is a Switchgear Retrofit—and When Does Your Facility Need One?
Retrofitting switchgear is a cost-effective way to modernize outdated systems without ripping out and replacing entire electrical lineups. But how do you know when a retrofit is the right move—and what’s at stake if you get it wrong? Switchgear retrofits reuse key...
Understanding IEEE C37.59-2018: An Introduction to Power Switchgear Conversion
When it comes to electrical infrastructure, reliability, safety, and compliance are paramount. Organizations across industries rely heavily on switchgear systems to distribute and control electrical power safely and efficiently. However, as infrastructure ages,...
Safety First: Essential Design Verification in Switchgear Conversions
Understanding Why IEEE C37.59-2018 Treats Design Testing as Non-Negotiable When it comes to electrical infrastructure upgrades, cutting corners is never worth the risk. This is especially true for switchgear conversions, where even minor miscalculations can lead to...
Types of Power Switchgear Conversions and Their Applications Understanding What Can Be Upgraded — and Why It Matters
Modern electrical systems are expected to deliver safety, reliability, and performance even under evolving loads and aging infrastructure. Yet for many facilities, the backbone of their power distribution — the switchgear — is decades old. Replacing it outright is...
Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Switchgear Conversion Projects
Lessons Learned from the Field and How to Do It Right the First Time In the realm of power distribution, switchgear conversions are a strategic approach to modernize aging infrastructure without the extensive costs and disruptions associated with complete...
Testing Requirements Explained: Ensuring Your Switchgear Conversion Meets Standards
How to Validate Performance, Compliance, and Safety the Right Way In the high-stakes world of electrical infrastructure, upgrading switchgear through conversion is only half the battle. The real test comes when it's time to energize. And the only way to ensure your...