We Buy Transformers From Single Units to Whole Yards
We buy electrical transformers from contractors, facility managers, utilities, developers and property owners throughout New York State. A single transformer removed during a building renovation is worth sending for review, as is a yard containing multiple units from a shutdown or replacement project. Tell us how many units you have and where they are located.
We buy new surplus equipment still in its crate, used transformers, removed-from-service and decommissioned units, and damaged, failed or scrap equipment. Keep those conditions separate when describing a lot: an unused spare and a failed transformer need different information for our review. Our pages for new surplus transformers and used transformer sales explain those situations in more detail.
For multiple units, send a simple inventory with each unit's kVA or MVA rating, voltages and condition. Match each inventory entry to its nameplate photo. If some units are still connected and others are staged outdoors, identify that difference so we can account for removal status and loading access.
What we buy
New surplus, used, decommissioned and failed units, from about 15 kVA to 20 MVA and up. One transformer or a whole yard.
Padmount, Dry-Type and Larger Power Transformers
We buy padmount transformers in single-phase and three-phase configurations, along with pole-mount equipment and larger substation units. For outdoor liquid-filled equipment, include photos of the tank, bushings, terminal compartments and any visible leaks or damage. Our padmount transformer buying page covers the details useful for that category.
For indoor installations, we review low- and medium-voltage dry-type transformers, including cast coil and cast resin designs. Send the enclosure condition, winding information shown on the nameplate and photos of accessible terminals. See our dry-type transformer page for that equipment.
We also review unit-substation and MVA power transformers, including step-up units used in solar and battery storage projects. Larger assemblies need clear identification of the transformer being sold and any attached sections. Our substation transformer page addresses these units. For other configurations, including network or vault equipment, use our transformer types we buy page and send the nameplate rather than guessing the design.
Sizes, Voltages, Brands and Insulating Fluids
Our buying range runs roughly from 15 kVA to 20+ MVA. That includes small facility distribution transformers, commercial padmount equipment and larger power transformers. The nameplate rating is the starting point; cabinet dimensions alone do not tell us capacity. Our transformer size guide helps you identify the rating to send.
Send both primary and secondary voltages, the phase, frequency and any listed taps. Common nameplate voltages include 208, 240, 480 and 600 volts on low-voltage equipment, and 4,160, 12,470, 13,200 or 13,800 volts on medium-voltage equipment. These are examples, not purchasing limits; we review the actual configuration shown on your unit.
For liquid-filled transformers, identify mineral oil, FR3 or another natural ester, or silicone fluid from the nameplate or records. Include PCB status and supporting documentation when available. Fluid identity and PCB status are separate details. Send the manufacturer, model and serial number as well; our transformer brands page provides another way to describe what you have.
Condition Details and Equipment We Cannot Accept Blindly
We buy used transformers with service history, but we also review failed and scrap units. Tell us plainly about overheating, leaks, damaged bushings, missing components, fire exposure or a known electrical failure. If you have test reports, maintenance records or a removal date, include them. These details help us distinguish reusable equipment from a unit being evaluated for scrap.
For new-in-crate equipment, photograph the nameplate or factory documentation and the crate labels. For stored equipment, describe where it has been kept and any visible deterioration. Our guide to transformer photos shows the views that help us review a unit before arranging transportation.
We cannot treat every transformer on a property as the owner's equipment to sell. Utility-owned transformers belong to the utility, and property owners cannot sell them. If ownership, identity or fluid status is unclear, we need that resolved before agreeing to a purchase. PCB handling requirements depend on the equipment and circumstances; confirm current requirements with the appropriate professionals.
What Goes Into Our Written Offer
Our review considers transformer type, kVA or MVA rating, primary and secondary voltages, age, condition, fluid and PCB status, and test data when available. A complete nameplate and a clear condition description give us a useful starting point. For a yard lot, we review the inventory rather than treating every unit as identical.
Loading and transportation also need to be understood before pickup. Tell us if the transformer is inside a building, on a concrete pad, in a vault or already staged for loading. Include its listed weight if available, access restrictions and any lifting or loading equipment at the site. Use documented weights for planning rather than estimating from appearance.
We give you a written offer after reviewing the information. Payment is by check, ACH or wire under the agreed terms. Confirm the payment method and timing as part of the agreement, along with the equipment included and loading responsibilities. At pickup, we make a quick inspection to confirm that the unit matches the photos and description.
Arrange Pickup Anywhere in New York State
We coordinate pickup across New York State, including New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, the Capital Region, Central New York, the North Country and Western New York. We do not have a public storefront or drop-off yard in New York. We come to the seller, so start with the equipment's current location rather than planning a delivery to us.
Depending on the unit and site, we coordinate rigging, forklift or crane support, and flatbed, step-deck or lowboy trucking. You can load the transformer if you prefer; we agree on that responsibility before scheduling. Tell us about narrow entrances, indoor removal routes, overhead obstructions or restricted loading hours. Connected equipment must be safely disconnected by qualified personnel before pickup.
Call or text 951-403-5738, or use our online transformer offer form. Send nameplate photos, overall views, quantity, condition, fluid information and the pickup location. We review those details, provide a written offer and arrange the loading and transportation plan once the terms are agreed.
Questions sellers ask about We Buy Transformers
Do you buy used transformers that no longer work?
Yes. We buy used transformers, including damaged, failed and scrap units, subject to review. Send the nameplate, photos and a description of the failure or damage. Include known leaks, missing parts, fluid information and PCB documentation when available. We use those details to evaluate the unit and plan pickup.
What size electrical transformers do you buy?
We review electrical transformers ranging roughly from 15 kVA to 20+ MVA. Send the actual nameplate rating, primary and secondary voltages, phase and transformer type. We consider the configuration and condition along with size, so the rating alone is not enough to establish an offer.
Can I sell the utility transformer on my property?
Only if you own the transformer and have authority to sell it. A utility-owned transformer belongs to the utility even when it sits on private property. Confirm ownership through your records or the utility before offering it for sale. We need ownership clarified before agreeing to buy the equipment.
How do you pay for transformers, and do you pick them up?
We pay by check, ACH or wire under the agreed terms and coordinate pickup anywhere in New York State. The agreement covers payment timing and loading responsibilities. We can coordinate rigging and trucking, or you can load if preferred. At pickup, we inspect the equipment to confirm it matches the submitted photos.