What to Know Before Buying Refurbished PLCs, HMIs, and VFDs

When sourcing automation components, refurbished products can offer real value — if you know what to look for. For many plants, buying refurbished PLCs, HMIs, or VFDs is the most cost-effective way to maintain uptime, especially for legacy systems. But not all refurbished parts are created equal. Quality, testing, and warranty coverage vary widely between suppliers, which can make or break your investment.

Why Refurbished Automation Equipment Is Still in Demand

Industrial automation hardware often outlives its production lifecycle. OEMs may discontinue certain product lines, leaving companies to rely on aftermarket or refurbished replacements. Buying refurbished components allows manufacturers to:

• Reduce costs: Save 30–70% compared to new OEM prices.
• Maintain legacy systems: Keep existing equipment operational without costly upgrades.
• Prevent downtime: Replace failed components quickly when factory lead times are long.
• Support sustainability: Extend the useful life of components through reconditioning and testing.

For many procurement teams, refurbished parts aren’t a compromise—they’re a strategic solution for maintaining operations efficiently.

The Difference Between Used and Refurbished

Used parts and refurbished parts are not the same. “Used” simply means a component has been pulled from service and sold as-is. “Refurbished,” however, implies a complete inspection, cleaning, and functional testing process to verify performance and reliability.

• Used: Sold in the condition it was removed—no testing, no warranty, and unknown lifespan.
• Refurbished: Professionally restored, tested, and often backed by a warranty.

When buying for critical equipment like PLCs and drives, refurbished is the only option that provides peace of mind.

Key Factors to Evaluate Before You Buy

1) Testing and Certification

Ask how the supplier verifies functionality. At Industrial Automation Co., every PLC, HMI, and VFD undergoes functional testing that replicates real-world conditions. For drives, we perform dynamic load tests; for PLCs, logic and communication checks ensure the hardware performs as intended.

2) Warranty Coverage

A strong warranty is the best indicator of confidence in product quality. All refurbished components from Industrial Automation Co. include a 2-year warranty—double the industry standard—covering defects and performance issues.

3) Source Transparency

Know where your part came from. Reliable refurbishers source from verified channels, not untested secondary markets. Each product we sell is traceable, inspected, and approved before it enters our warehouse inventory.

4) Compatibility and Firmware

Ensure the refurbished model matches your existing hardware and firmware requirements. Even minor version differences can affect communication or integration. Our sales team assists customers in cross-referencing part numbers and revisions before purchase.

5) Return Policy

Even with proper vetting, unforeseen issues can arise. A clear, hassle-free return policy is essential. Industrial Automation Co. offers easy returns and exchanges if a part doesn’t meet your expectations or system requirements.

Common Myths About Refurbished Automation Parts

• Myth #1: Refurbished means unreliable. In reality, many refurbished parts are functionally identical to new. When tested and verified properly, they can last for years in continuous operation.
• Myth #2: Refurbished parts void system warranties. For most plants, refurbished components are used outside OEM service agreements and do not affect compliance. They can be an essential part of maintenance strategies after official support ends.
• Myth #3: There’s no way to verify quality. Reputable suppliers like Industrial Automation Co. provide detailed documentation, testing reports, and warranty coverage for accountability.

When Refurbished Makes the Most Sense

Refurbished PLCs, HMIs, and drives are ideal for:

• Legacy equipment: When OEMs no longer support your model.
• Emergency replacements: When downtime costs far exceed the part price.
• Budget constraints: When new components are cost-prohibitive or on long backorder.
• Maintenance stock: When you want tested spares on hand for future failures.

In these situations, refurbished parts deliver the best balance of price, performance, and peace of mind.

How Industrial Automation Co. Ensures Quality

Our refurbishment process focuses on one thing—reliability. Every item is cleaned, inspected, and tested before it leaves our facility. PLCs are checked for I/O integrity, HMIs are powered on and verified for touch response and display clarity, and VFDs are dynamically tested under load.

Once approved, parts are sealed in anti-static, shock-resistant packaging and backed by a two-year warranty. This approach gives customers full confidence in the components they install.

Final Thoughts

Buying refurbished doesn’t mean taking risks—it means making smart, budget-conscious decisions with the right supplier. With verified testing, strong warranty protection, and knowledgeable support, refurbished automation hardware can perform just as dependably as new.

Contact Industrial Automation Co. to learn more or request a quote on refurbished PLCs, HMIs, and VFDs today.

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