Transformers are the heavy hitters of the electrical surplus market. Because they contain significant amounts of copper and specialized oil or insulation, their value remains high even after years of use. For electrical contractors, knowing when and how to sell these units is key to project profitability. Whether you are dealing with dry-type units or massive pad-mounted oil transformers, R&S Surplus provides the infrastructure to turn these heavy weights into light cash.

Dry-Type vs. Oil-Filled: What’s the Value?

• Dry-Type Transformers: These are common in indoor industrial settings. R&S Surplus buys all varieties, including VPI and cast coil. These are valued for their immediate re-usability in commercial buildings.
• Pad-Mounted Transformers: These are the large green boxes you see outside. They are significantly more complex to move but have a very high resale value if they are in good condition and leak-free.

Don't Forget the "Small" Stuff: Power Lugs and Connectors While a transformer is a big-ticket item, the electrical components that connect them—like 3-phase power lugs and heavy-duty connectors—should not be overlooked. Contractors often have buckets of these after a major install. R&S Surplus buys these components in bulk, ensuring that every piece of your excess inventory is accounted for.

NIB vs. Used: The Pricing Spectrum It is a common misconception that buyers only want "New in Box" (NIB) equipment. While NIB fetches the highest price, there is a massive market to buy used electrical equipment  that is in "good" or "refurbishable" condition. R&S Surplus has the technical staff to test and certify used gear, which allows them to offer you a better price than a buyer who is just going to flip the item as-is.

Nationwide Pickup: No State Too Remote One of the unique aspects of R&S Surplus is their commitment to all 50 states. If you have a transformer in a remote mining site in Nevada or a factory in rural Maine, they have the logistics network to reach you. This eliminates the "local buyer" disadvantage where you are forced to take a lower price because of your location.

Conclusion Transformers shouldn't be a burden at the end of a project. By understanding the market for used power equipment, you can turn a logistical headache into a financial win. R&S Surplus makes it easy, handling everything from the initial valuation to the final truck loading.