Costs Between National and Imported Switchgears.
- Grupo Edmar
- Oct 9
- 4 min read
October 9, 2025 - Costs Between National and Imported Switchgears.
Costs Between National and Imported Switchgear.
Currently, the electrical market offers a wide variety of Switchgear, both domestically and imported. However, beyond the initial price, there are factors that determine which is the best option: maintenance costs, availability of spare parts, quality of materials, and delivery time.
Choosing the right one can make a significant difference in the profitability and reliability of an electrical project, especially when it comes to medium and high voltage networks .
General Differences between National and Imported Disconnectors.
National Switchgears are designed based on the environmental conditions and regulations of Mexico, such as NOM-002-SEDE and NMX-J-118 , in addition to complying with international standards such as IEC . This makes them ideal for operating under the variations in voltage, humidity and temperature that may occur in different regions of the country. On the other hand, imported switchgear usually come with standardized designs intended for other markets, so they sometimes require technical adaptations to function properly.
Additionally, many Mexican manufacturers offer customized configurations (e.g., different types of insulators, contact materials, or operating mechanisms), something that isn't always possible with imported equipment.
In short , domestic switchgear offer an advantage in local adaptation and support, while imported ones may excel in automation or aesthetics, but at a higher logistical cost.
Initial Costs, What's Best?
At first glance, imported equipment often seems more attractive due to its brand name or international prestige, but the final price increases due to factors such as:
Import duties and tariffs.
International transport and domestic freight.
Exchange rate fluctuations.
Customs and storage costs.
On the other hand, domestic Switchgears eliminate all these costs and offer a very competitive price-quality ratio. Furthermore, local companies can manufacture to order, adjusting specific features without increasing the final cost. On average, a domestic switchgear can be 20% to 30% cheaper than an equivalent imported one, with the same reliability and lifespan.
Availability and Delivery Times.
One of the biggest challenges in electrical projects is maintaining execution times , especially when it comes to industrial works or substations where each day of delay represents economic losses. National sectionalizers usually have much faster deliveries , since the manufacturing, assembly and shipping process is carried out within the same country. On the other hand, imported ones depend on availability in the country of origin, maritime or air transport, and customs processes.
This can mean delays of 6 to 12 weeks , compared to 2 or 3 weeks for a domestic manufacturer.
Furthermore, in the event of an emergency or urgent order, local manufacturers can produce or deliver more quickly, adapting to customer needs without compromising quality.
Technical Service and Spare Parts.
Preventive maintenance and spare parts availability are key to ensuring the operational continuity of any electrical system. National switchgear offer the advantage of local technical service , allowing immediate attention to any failure, inspection, or adjustment.
With imported equipment, however, obtaining spare parts or technical support can take days or weeks, especially if they rely on third-party distributors. Accessible and rapid technical support can mean the difference between a short downtime and a costly interruption.
Additionally, Mexican manufacturers offer technical support during installation and commissioning, providing confidence to the end customer and ensuring proper equipment operation. Sustainable operations and competitive prices, even during periods of high volatility.
Regulations and Compatibility.
One of the most important points is electrical compatibility with local networks. Domestic switchgear are manufactured with the nominal voltage, frequency, and insulation levels required by the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) and Mexican standards. Imported switchgear, on the other hand, may be calibrated for other electrical systems (for example, with voltages of 11, 22, or 33 kV instead of the 13.2, 23, or 34.5 kV common in Mexico).
This can not only complicate the installation, but also require modifications that increase the cost of the project and jeopardize electrical safety if not done correctly.
Therefore, before choosing an imported switchgear, it is essential to verify that it complies with applicable Mexican standards and that its maintenance can be performed with spare parts available in the country.
Durability and Manufacturing Materials.
In terms of mechanical and electrical resistance , Mexican manufacturers have significantly improved the quality of their materials. Today, national switchgear use hot-dip galvanized steel , high-resistance porcelain or polymer insulators , and copper or conductive alloy contacts that guarantee a long service life even under severe conditions. In addition, its modular design facilitates maintenance and replacement of components without disassembling the entire equipment.
Meanwhile, imported equipment may offer high-quality materials, but its durability depends greatly on transportation, storage, and installation. Domestic equipment, being designed for the local climate and conditions, typically performs better outdoors, in coastal areas, or in areas with high humidity.
Impact on the Local Economy.
Beyond the technical aspects, choosing domestic manufacturers boosts Mexican industrial development, fosters job creation, and strengthens the electrical sector's value chain. Each switchgear produced in Mexico generates an economic benefit that benefits local suppliers of steel, copper, insulation, and engineering services. Furthermore, by promoting the consumption of domestic products, local technological innovation is stimulated and dependence on the international market is reduced.
Investing in national teams is not only a smart technical decision, but also a direct contribution to the country's economic growth.
At Grupo Edmar , we are proud to contribute to the development of the nation's electrical infrastructure. We offer a wide range of switchgear, medium- and high-voltage transformers, as well as comprehensive solutions for power distribution and control.
We stand out for providing high-quality equipment, competitive delivery times, and affordable prices , as well as personalized advice for each type of project. Our commitment is to guarantee safety, efficiency, and operational continuity , supporting our clients at every stage: from design to installation.
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