How to Choose a Reliable VCB Factory

The first step to choose a dependable factory for VCBs is to authenticate their qualifications and certification. Per GPSwitchgear, a professional platform for electrical equipment, VCB factory qualifications should include having both international and domestic certifications, such as ISO 9001 (Quality Management System), IEC standards (for the safety of electrical equipment), and other local endorsements for electrical equipment (CE in Europe or UL in the US). These certifications indicate that the factory's standards of production processes and value of their products have met certain safety and quality guidelines. For instance, having an ISO 9001 certification means that a factory is able to maintain the quality of its products, owing to the fact that it has processes that are governed by a standardised management system in place. Furthermore, the factory’s business license and production permits are fundamental to its legal operation status. These Certifications are meant to avoid partnerships with factories that are deemed to be unqualified and are presumed to manufacture poor quality VCB products.  

Assess the production capacity and technical competency of the factory.  

The VCB factory should have enough production capacity and high technical competency. GPSwitchgear recommends examining two areas. First is the scale of the factory production, which has to do with the physical area of the production workshop, the number of advanced production equipment (CNC machines, vacuum interrupter assembly lines, etc.), and the monthly output. A factory that has a large production capacity is likely to satisfy an urgent or large order, thus making it possible to avoid delays.

Second is having strong, technical skills, which includes having R&D engineers, the ability to modify VCB products to accommodate unique voltage or current needs, and the frequency of product upgrades, which is demonstrated, for example, in having a factory that can independent develop newer models for VCBs with lower energy consumption. Such a factory would have strong technical capabilities and would ensure long term cooperation.

Check the VCB factory for the quality control system. 

An equally important factor in the selection of a VCB factory is the quality control. Factory with high quality control systems guarantee that every unit of VCB produced is of a certain quality. GPS Witchgear recommends assessing how the factory approaches quality assessment of the raw materials such as copper conductors and vacuum interrupters. Examination of production quality such as welding and real time quality control is fundamentally important. Good VCB factories will provide quality reports per formed batch, which surpass minimum requirements, and test standards. That is the insulation level, breaking, and even mechanical life tests. These reports confirm the quality control of the VCBs that the factory produced. The quality control workshop can confirm its integrity through a factory visit, or through online video tours, which is more common.

Check the VCB factory for the quality control system. 

The responsibility and confidence of the VCB factory in the products shown is well-illustrated in the warranty policy and the reliable after sales service.

GPSwitchgear stresses that a good factory should provide after sales services that include installation supervision, employee training, and maintenance assistance in case the VCB encounters any issues. The period the warranty covers is crucial, too, as solid factories offer between 1 to 3 years warranty that protects users from any issues with faulty materials and workmanship. A case in point is a VCB that malfunctions due to quality issues within the warranty period. The factory is mandated to provide free replacement parts or repair services with no charge applicable. Steer clear of factories that provide vague after sales services or those that do not offer warranty support as that will guarantee expensive maintenance in the future.  

Research the VCB factory's customer testimonials and collaboration history  

These customer testimonials and collaboration history will shed some light on the reliability of the VCB factory. GPSwitchgear suggests that people use one of two methods to find this information. The first method is to search for testimonials on industry review platforms or social networks. Take note of the comments as they relate to product quality, the delivery period, and the after sales services rendered.

Next, request the factory for the collaboration cases that pertain to well known companies or significant projects like power plants, industrial parks, or municipal works. A factory that has supplied VCBs to large power plants will always be more reliable than one that has nil major cooperation experience. Also, talking to the factory’s customers about the factory’s cooperation experience can mitigate the risks associated with selecting that factory.  

Assess the cost effectiveness of the VCB factory’s products.  

GPSwitchgear recommends taking into account the cost effectiveness of the factory’s products especially their VCBs. A reminder that “lower price” doesn’t mean “higher cost effectiveness”. Also, VCB factories might lack the proper investment in their products and subsequently the quality will suffer. This will also be evident in the neglect to check VCBs after sales service as well. Consider the example where two factories have VCBs with similar pricing. One factory with the VCB with a price also has a 2 year warranty and complimentary training, the other factory with the 6 month warranty on VCBs has lower value. In the long run, the other factory has higher cost effectiveness. The same can be said for indirect or hidden costs like, low maintenance and the VCB’s energy costs. A relatively more expensive VCB that is energy efficient will be more beneficial to the user, in the long run.

Covering quality and price both ensures you obtain dependable products without spending too much money.