Switchgear procurement

How Long Switchgear Lead Times Can Hold Up a Construction Schedule

Switchgear lead times of 11 to 20 weeks can delay energization and every trade that follows. Here is how contractors can plan around them.

4 min read

Commercial building under construction in the desert Southwest

Switchgear lead times of 11 to 20 weeks can hold up energization, inspections, and every trade scheduled after permanent power. Planning procurement early — or sourcing in-stock equipment — keeps the schedule intact.

Why switchgear sits on the critical path

On most commercial projects, permanent power depends on the switchgear being delivered, set, and connected. Until that happens, temporary power carries the job, and temporary power has limits.

When a switchgear order carries an 11 to 20 week lead time, a late order can push energization past the date every downstream trade was scheduled around.

What contractors can do about it

Order as early as the design allows, and track the equipment schedule alongside the construction schedule rather than treating it as a separate conversation.

When the timeline is already tight, in-stock switchgear is a practical alternative. IJ Switchgear buys and sells JMT Electric switchgear with 400A, 600A, and 800A units available now, subject to current availability.

Check availability for your project

See our 400A switchgear or request a quote. Call (480) 220-3939 to confirm current inventory with Jason Briggs.

Frequently asked questions

How long are typical switchgear lead times?

Typical lead times run 11 to 20 weeks. In-stock inventory can skip that wait, subject to availability.

What switchgear does IJ Switchgear carry?

400A, 600A, and 800A JMT Electric switchgear.

Learn about 400 Amp Switchgear

Need switchgear without the wait?

In-stock 400A, 600A, and 800A switchgear across AZ, NV, CO, and CA — subject to availability.