What AF Switchgear Ltd does

AF Switchgear Ltd is a UK-based, privately-held manufacturer of bespoke low voltage (LV) power distribution equipment, founded in 1974 and headquartered in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire. The company designs, builds, type-tests, and commissions LV switchgear (up to 6300A, type-tested to 100kA Icw), package substations (integrating 11kV-to-400VAC transformation with cast resin transformers up to 4MVA), power distribution units, panel boards with automatic transfer switches, modular switchgear, and power factor correction systems. Its wholly-owned subsidiary AF Preedcrete extends the portfolio into IP55 and IP68 busbar systems. The business holds the Schneider Electric EcoXpert Critical Power Master certification (one of only three holders in Europe) and is ISO 9001:2015 certified by BSI.

The company serves mission-critical and high-availability end markets — primarily data centres, corporate buildings, industrial facilities, and healthcare — with secondary exposure to government, transport, and education. Reference projects include the London 2012 Olympics communications hub, the Walkie Talkie building (13 substations, 51 switchboards), Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Derby Arena, and the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome. Manufacturing is supported by in-house automated fabrication (TruPunch machines, Radan CAD/CAM) and a 40+ year apprenticeship programme delivered jointly with Vision West Nottinghamshire College.

Revenue is generated through bespoke, quote-based hardware sales of switchgear and substations, complemented by professional services revenue from installation, commissioning, 24/7/365 maintenance, surveys, extensions, and control and monitoring contracts. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; all projects are tendered directly to enterprise clients, electrical engineers, contractors, and programme managers through a UK-only direct enterprise sales motion with no reseller or distribution intermediary. The company employs 251–500 people and reports annual turnover of approximately £100 million.

Name

AF Switchgear Ltd

Legal name

AF Switchgear Limited

Website

https://afswitchgear.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1974

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

AF Switchgear Ltd is a UK-based, privately-held manufacturer founded in 1974 that designs, builds, and commissions bespoke low voltage switchgear, package substations, and busbar systems for enterprise customers, primarily serving data centres, commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and healthcare across the United Kingdom.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Low Voltage Switchgear Manufacturing

NAICS

Switchgear and Switchboard Apparatus Manufacturing (335313), Power, Distribution, and Specialty Transformer Manufacturing (335311)

SIC

Switchgear & Switchboard Apparatus (3613), Power, Distribution & Specialty Transformers (3612)

akta.pro primary industry

Switchgear & Switchboards (HV/MV/LV, GIS/AIS) (IMAGAAAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Substation Systems & Integration (EPC, Engineering, Protection, Commissioning) (IMAGAAAC), Medium-Voltage (MV) Distribution Substations & Switchgear (EUADACAB), High-Voltage Electrical Systems (Switchgear, Transformers, Protection & Control) (EUAEAFAA)

Keywords

• Low voltage switchgear
• Package substations
• Power distribution equipment
• Busbar systems
• Electrical switchgear manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Sutton In Ashfield

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Switchgear Manufacturing: Design, manufacture and sale of bespoke LV switchgear, package substations, busbar systems, panel boards, and power distribution units. Products are custom-built to customer specifications for industrial and commercial applications.
2. Service and Support: Comprehensive service offerings including surveillance, maintenance, and 24/7/365 emergency call-out service. Also includes power factor correction services, control and monitoring solutions, surveys, and extensions.
3. Installation and Commissioning: On-site installation and commissioning of package substations and switchgear systems, including site surveys, delivery, and system validation.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

AF Switchgear Ltd designs, manufactures, and tests bespoke low voltage (LV) power distribution solutions, including LV switchgear (400V three-phase), package substations that transform 11kV to 400VAC, and busbar systems (IP55/IP68). The company delivers turnkey solutions from design through installation and commissioning, complemented by ongoing maintenance, surveillance, power factor correction, and 24/7/365 emergency call-out services.

Product overview

AF Switchgear Ltd is a manufacturer of bespoke LV (low voltage) power distribution solutions established in 1974. The product portfolio centers on LV Switchgear (400V three-phase switchboards with circuit breakers and isolators), Package Substations (transforming 11kV to 400VAC with cast resin transformers), and Busbar Systems (IP55 and IP68 variants for power distribution). These core products are complemented by Power Distribution Units, Panel Boards with Automatic Transfer Switches, and Power Factor Correction systems. AF Preedcrete, a subsidiary, specializes in busbar solutions. The company also offers control and monitoring services, maintenance, surveys, and extensions. The portfolio represents a vertically integrated approach to power distribution from high-voltage intake through transformation and sub-distribution to final circuits.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AF Preedcrete: A subsidiary specializing in busbar industry with over 30 years' experience, offering IP55 & IP68 Busbar Systems design, manufacture, installation and testing.
• AF Academy
• AF irm

Products and services

• LV Switchgear Low voltage switchgear for distributing 400V three-phase power safely and effectively in industrial and commercial buildings. Features circuit breakers, isolators, and copper conductors in steel housings. Type tested up to 100kA Icw, handling up to 6300A.
• Package Substations Transforms high-voltage electricity (typically 11kV) into 400VAC for power distribution. Includes RMU or HV switch, cast resin transformer up to 4MVA, transformer housing, and main LV Switchboard in a pre-engineered enclosure.
• Modular Solutions Flexible and economic modular power distribution solutions for switchgear and control applications.
• Power Distribution Units (PDU) Controls electrical power in data centres and facilities by providing standard electrical outlets for power distribution to equipment.
• IP55 Feeder Bar IP55-rated busbar system providing protection against limited dust and water spray for feeder applications in commercial and industrial settings.
• IP55 Riser Bar IP55-rated busbar system designed for vertical power distribution in riser applications.
• IP68 Cast Resin Busbar IP68-rated busbar system that is fully dust-tight and protected against long periods of immersion, using cast resin encapsulation.
• Panel Boards and Automatic Transfer Switches Sub-distribution switchboards with automatic transfer switches for seamless power source switching during mains power failure.
• Power Factor Correction (VAR Services) Systems to improve power factor by reducing reactive power through capacitors and inductors, lowering electricity costs and reducing component wear.
• Control and Monitoring Monitoring systems and energy management technology integrated into power distribution solutions, including surveillance and control offerings.
• Maintenance and 24/7/365 Emergency Call-Out Comprehensive maintenance and 24/7/365 emergency call-out service for installed LV switchgear, package substations, and associated power distribution equipment.
• Installation and Commissioning On-site installation and commissioning of package substations and switchgear systems, including site surveys, delivery, and system validation.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 275,000 kWh generated from company's own solar installation

Named customers6 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Vision West Nottinghamshire CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey partner in delivering apprenticeship programme. AF Switchgear works in conjunction with the college for their apprenticeship scheme, with the college providing academic training alongside workplace experience. The partnership has been running for over 40 years.
• Schneider ElectricflagshipTechnology or IntegrationAF Switchgear is accredited as an EcoXpert Critical Power Master by Schneider Electric - one of only three system integrators in Europe to achieve this highest Master level of accreditation. They also purchase cast resin transformers from Schneider Electric for package substations.
• LegrandcoreTechnology or IntegrationSupplier of cast resin transformers for package substations.
• SGBcoreTechnology or IntegrationSupplier of cast resin transformers for package substations.
• Group MetropolitanminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosted roundtable event during National Apprenticeship Week 2026 bringing together apprentices, government representatives and industry leaders to discuss skills development.
• GeN+1 (Generation Plus One)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAF Switchgear is an 'Impact' sponsor of the GeN+1 Conference, which focuses on careers and opportunities for young people in the switchgear and electrical industry.
• BSIcoreOthersAF Switchgear is certified to ISO 9001:2015 by BSI for their Quality Management System.
• ImtechcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing client partnership for projects including the JCB Academy. Imtech works as a main contractor with AF Switchgear providing LV switchgear and control panels.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• Cudis (Cudis Group): UK-based manufacturer and supplier of LV switchgear, distribution boards and bespoke power solutions. Closely comparable in size, geography and product scope to AF Switchgear's UK commercial and industrial business.

Broad incumbents

• ABB: Global manufacturer of LV and MV switchgear, substations and power distribution products. Competes with AF Switchgear in industrial, data centre and commercial building segments via a much broader portfolio.
• Legrand: Global electrical and digital building infrastructure group with a strong UK switchgear and distribution board offering. Also a supplier partner of AF Switchgear for cast resin transformers in package substations.
• Hager Group: European manufacturer of commercial and industrial LV distribution boards, panel boards and modular power solutions. Overlaps with AF Switchgear's panel board and distribution product lines, particularly in commercial buildings.
• Eaton: Global power management company with extensive LV switchgear, panel boards and power distribution product lines. Targets the same data centre, commercial and industrial verticals as AF Switchgear.
• Schneider Electric: Global leader in electrical distribution, switchgear and energy management. Direct overlap with AF Switchgear's LV switchgear and package substations; also a flagship partner via the EcoXpert Critical Power Master programme.
• Siemens: Global switchgear and electrical infrastructure provider with strong UK presence in commercial buildings and industrial markets. Direct product overlap with AF Switchgear's LV distribution and substation offerings.
• Siemens Energy: Energy-focused arm of Siemens with substations, switchgear and grid infrastructure offerings. Comparable in package substations and high-voltage-to-LV transformation, the core of AF Switchgear's substation business.

Direct peers

• Triton Switchgear: UK-based bespoke LV switchgear manufacturer serving industrial and commercial customers. Direct competitor in the same UK market, with similar custom-engineered switchboard product offering and customer verticals.
• Lucy Electric: UK-based manufacturer of switchgear and package substations for utility, industrial and commercial customers. Directly comparable to AF Switchgear in product scope (LV/MV switchgear, package substations), customer verticals and bespoke engineering model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/afswitchgearltd
• Facebookfacebook.com/AFSwitchgearLtd
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/af-switchgear-limited
• Instagraminstagram.com/afswitchgearltd

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about AF Switchgear Ltd