Dorman Smith Switchgear
Dorman Smith Switchgear Limited is a UK independent manufacturer of Low Voltage (LV) electrical distribution products, ranging from 63A consumer units to 3,200A switchboard systems. Founded in the 1890s, it serves electrical contractors, M&E contractors, and electrical wholesalers across the UK and Middle East via wholly-owned manufacturing and assembly operations.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1890
- HeadquartersBraintree, United Kingdom
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Dorman Smith Switchgear does
Dorman Smith Switchgear Limited is a UK independent manufacturer of Low Voltage (LV) electrical distribution products, founded in the 1890s by Charles Mark Dorman and Reginald Arthur Smith. The company designs and produces a full LV distribution product range from 63A SP&N (single-phase and neutral) consumer units through to 3,200A switchboard systems, including distribution boards (LoadPro, Loadlimiter series), panel boards (Loadbank YB1, Loadbank 200, Loadbank 250), and switchboards (Modis 12 Ultra, Modis 25, Modis 32), plus factory-built assemblies and circuit protection devices (MCBs, RCCBs, MCCBs, RCBOs, AFDDs, ACBs, surge protection). Core technology includes a patented busbar connection system with clamped (no-drill) connections, ASTA-certified busbars rated up to 80kA for 1 second, and bespoke modular switchboard configurations. The company is headquartered in Braintree, Essex (manufacturing, customer service, finance, distribution), with a technical and design centre in Preston, Lancashire, and a wholly-owned metalwork division (A&R Engineering) in Clacton-on-Sea supplying in-house sheet metal fabrication.
The company operates a sales-led go-to-market model with specification engineers who work with clients and installers to specify products for projects, supported by regional Key Account Managers covering Central England, North of England & Scotland, and Southern regions. Products are distributed primarily through authorized electrical wholesalers and distributors across the UK, with international operations through Dorman Smith Switchgear LLC (Dubai, MENA HQ) and representative offices in Qatar, Oman, and a Bangladesh agent (Corona Engineering). Revenue is generated through one-time product sales of switchgear and circuit protection devices, plus bespoke Factory Built Assembly (FBA) services that include CAD design, metering, surge protection, testing, certification, and delivery. Key customer segments are electrical contractors, M&E contractors, electrical wholesalers, and end-user verticals including education, healthcare, commercial real estate, residential developers, hospitality, and leisure. The company is privately held, ISO 9001:2015 certified, and led by CEO Tony Curtis.
Dorman Smith Switchgear firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Dorman Smith Switchgear
- Legal name
- Dorman Smith Switchgear Limited
- Website
- https://dormansmithswitchgear.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1890
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Dorman Smith Switchgear Limited is a UK independent manufacturer of Low Voltage (LV) electrical distribution products, ranging from 63A consumer units to 3,200A switchboard systems. Founded in the 1890s, it serves electrical contractors, M&E contractors, and electrical wholesalers across the UK and Middle East via wholly-owned manufacturing and assembly operations.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Dorman Smith Switchgear industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Low Voltage Switchgear
- NAICS
- Switchgear and Switchboard Apparatus Manufacturing (335313), Electrical Equipment Manufacturing (3353), Relay and Industrial Control Manufacturing (335314)
- SIC
- Switchgear & Switchboard Apparatus (3613), Electrical Industrial Apparatus (3620)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Low-Voltage Switchboards & Panelboards (LV distribution panels, MCCs, switchboards) (IMAGAEAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Switchgear & Switchboards (HV/MV/LV, GIS/AIS) (IMAGAAAB), Circuit Breakers, Disconnectors, Earthing Switches & Switchgear Components (EUADACAH)
Keywords
Where Dorman Smith Switchgear is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Braintree
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices7 records
Markets served
Dorman Smith Switchgear business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Switchgear Product Sales: One-time sales of Low Voltage switchgear products including distribution boards, panel boards, switch boards, circuit protection devices, and fuse combination units. Products range from consumer units to 3200A switchboard systems.
- Factory Built Assemblies (FBA): Bespoke LV switchboards and panels built to customer specifications, including CAD design, metering, surge protection, testing, certification, and delivery for on-site installation.
- Accessories and Components: Sale of associated components including MCBs, RCCBs, MCCBs, RCBOs, AFDDs, surge protection devices, meters, and installation accessories.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Minimum Order Policy |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Next Day Delivery Options |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels4 records
Dorman Smith Switchgear product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Dorman Smith Switchgear is a UK independent manufacturer of Low Voltage (LV) electrical distribution products, offering a full product range from 63A SP&N through to 3200A switchboard systems. The portfolio includes Distribution Boards (LoadPro Consumer Units, Loadlimiter series), Panel Boards (Loadbank YB1/200/250), Switch Boards (Modis 12 Ultra, Modis 25, Modis 32), Circuit Protection devices, Fuse Combination Units, Surge Protection, and bespoke Factory Built Assemblies designed, manufactured, assembled, and tested in the UK.
Product overview
Dorman Smith Switchgear is a UK independent manufacturer of Low Voltage (LV) electrical distribution products with a 130+ year history. The product portfolio spans Distribution Boards (LoadPro Consumer Units, Loadlimiter 63 SP&N/TP&N, Loadlimiter 63M Ultra SP&N/TP&N), Panel Boards (Loadbank YB1, Loadbank 200, Loadbank 250), and Switch Boards (Modis 12 Ultra, Modis 25, Modis 32) ranging from 63A SP&N through to 3200A Switchboard systems. Additional offerings include Factory Built Assemblies for bespoke solutions, Circuit Protection devices (MCBs, RCBOs, MCCBs, AFDDs, ACBs), Fuse Combination Units (Loadswitch skeleton and housed fuse switches), and Surge Protection. Products comply with BS EN 61439-3, BS EN 60947-2, BS EN 60947-3 and other relevant standards. The company operates UK manufacturing facilities in Braintree (headquarters/manufacturing), Preston (design/technical), and Clacton (A&R Engineering metalwork division), with global operations through Dorman Smith Switchgear LLC in Dubai and offices across the GCC.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- A&R Engineering: Metal work fabricators operating from Clacton, producing sheet metal parts for Dorman Smith products.
- LoadPro
- Loadlimiter
- Loadbank
- Modis
- Loadswitch
Products and services
- LoadPro Consumer Units Consumer units rated at 100A for domestic and light commercial/industrial applications. Available as standard boards, with surge suppression, or with metering. Features 100A rated comb busbar, epoxy powder coating in Traffic White RAL9016, and can house AFDD devices directly on busbar.
- Loadlimiter 63 SP&N Distribution board system rated at 125A incoming supply and up to 63A outgoing capacity. Designed for single-phase applications with modular devices such as surge protection and metering housed in matching service centres.
- Loadlimiter 63 TP&N Distribution board system rated at 250A incoming supply and up to 63A outgoing capacity for three-phase applications. Features ASTA certified busbar system at 10kA for 250mS at 250A with IP4X ingress protection. Factory Built Assembly department offers bespoke L2 compliant Power & Lighting board system.
- Loadlimiter 63M Ultra TP&N Distribution board system rated at 250A incoming and up to 63A outgoing capacity for three-phase applications. Designed for new MAR Series AFDDs to mount directly on busbar. KAR Series 10kA 3-module AFDD devices housed in matching Service Centre.
- Loadbank YB1 Compact MCCB panel board system rated at 250A or 400A incoming supply and up to 125A outgoing capacity. Features ASTA certified busbars at 25kA for 1 second. Manufactured, assembled and tested in the UK as part of onshoring strategy.
- Loadbank 250 MCCB panel board system rated up to 800A incoming supply and up to 250A outgoing capacity. Features 400A busbar rated at 36kA for 1 second and 800A busbar at 50kA. Available in hybrid version accepting both thermal/magnetic and electronic MCCBs. UK manufactured.
- Loadbank 200 Fuse switch panel board system rated up to 800A incoming supply and up to 200A outgoing capacity. Uses Dorman Smith Loadswitch fuse switches assembled and tested at UK factory. Form 2b Type 2 standard, Form 4a Type 2 available.
- Modis 12 Ultra Flexible modular switchboard concept up to 1250A applications. Uses MCB, MCCB and fuse combination unit technology with extensive range of incomers, busbars, interconnections, MCCB panel boards, service centres, and MCB distribution boards. ASTA certified busbars at 25kA for 630A and 50kA for 1250A.
- Modis 25 LV switchboard system with modular frames in multiple heights, widths and depths. Busbar systems 4-pole rated at 800A, 1250A, 1600A and 2500A. Features ASTA certified horizontal busbars up to 2500A with fault ratings up to 80kA for 1 second. Form 4b Type 2 and Type 6 options.
- Modis 32 LV switchboard system with modular frames for bespoke designs. Busbar systems 4-pole with fully rated neutral available up to 3200A. Features ASTA certified horizontal busbars up to 3200A with fault ratings up to 80kA for 1 second or 50kA for 3 seconds. Z3 ACB up to 3200A.
- Factory Built Assemblies Bespoke low voltage switchboards and panels built in Braintree, offering CAD design, metering, surge protection, and delivery with all units tested and certified for on-site installation.
- Circuit Protection Devices Full range of circuit protection devices including MCBs, RCCBs, MCCBs, RCBOs, AFDDs, ACBs, and surge suppression devices designed for use with distribution boards and panel boards.
- Loadswitch Fuse Combination Units Skeleton switches, housed switches and switch disconnectors from 32A to 800A that exceed BS EN 60947-3 requirements. Utilisation category AC23A with short-circuit capacity of 80kA. Available in sheet steel enclosures with light grey RAL 7035 epoxy powder coating.
- Surge Protection Devices (IC TVSS) Type I and Type II surge protection devices (IC TVSS) for protecting all boards including floor standing LV switchboards. Includes DSP-600 Series, DSPM, and DSPT models.
Quantifiable outcome
- Reduction in lead times for UK Assembled products
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Dorman Smith Switchgear
Customer profileNamed customers24 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Dorman Smith Switchgear technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Dorman Smith Switchgear partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Dorman Smith Switchgear LLCcoreAssociated partner of Dorman Smith UK operating for over 30 years in the Middle East. Headquartered in Dubai with representative offices across the GCC. Designs, manufactures, assembles, performs routine tests, and supplies a complete range of Low Voltage Switchgear products for the Middle East market.
- Corona Engineering LtdminorUK Agent for Dorman Smith products in Bangladesh, providing sales support and market access for the Bangladeshi electrical industry.
- A&R EngineeringcoreMetal work fabricators in Clacton acquired by Dorman Smith to streamline supply chain in production of metal parts. Now part of the Dorman Smith Group as the Metalwork Division, producing sheet metal components for Dorman Smith switchgear products.
- The Wastepack Group LtdminorNominated waste disposal company providing Business 2 Business Take Back Scheme for WEEE electrical equipment recycling in compliance with Waste Electrical or Electronic Equipment Directive.
- TrumpfminorEquipment supplier providing manufacturing machinery including TruPunch 3000 automated sheet metal punch machine and TruBend 5130 press brake, supporting Dorman Smith's UK manufacturing capabilities.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves10 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Dorman Smith Switchgear competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- ABB: Global electrification leader with extensive LV switchgear, distribution panel and motor control offerings. Competes with Dorman Smith in commercial, infrastructure and industrial LV distribution projects, particularly through its System pro M and SmiSSline ranges.
- Legrand: Global specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructure with extensive LV distribution board and consumer unit ranges (e.g. HX³). Overlaps directly with Dorman Smith's LoadPro, Loadlimiter and Modis ranges in UK and international construction markets.
- Lucy Electric: UK-based privately held manufacturer of LV and MV switchgear with significant Middle East operations. Highly comparable to Dorman Smith in size, heritage, UK roots, GCC footprint and build-to-order switchboard model, making it the closest direct competitor.
- Hager Group: German-owned European specialist in LV distribution boards, consumer units and circuit protection with strong UK presence. Closest mid-market European peer to Dorman Smith in heritage, scale and product breadth, competing head-to-head on distribution boards and consumer units.
- Siemens: Major LV switchgear manufacturer with SENTRON distribution boards and Sivacon switchboards. Direct competitor in UK and Middle East markets, with the legacy Crabtree brand historically head-to-head with Dorman Smith in UK panel boards.
- Schneider Electric: Global leader in energy management and automation with a comprehensive LV switchgear and distribution board portfolio (Acti9, Prisma). Directly competes with Dorman Smith across commercial, industrial and infrastructure projects in the UK and Middle East.
- Eaton: Global power management company offering a full LV switchgear range including Memshield distribution boards and switchgear assemblies. Competes with Dorman Smith in UK commercial, healthcare and industrial LV distribution projects.
Broad incumbents
- Rockwell Automation: Global industrial automation leader with LV motor control and power distribution offerings that overlap with Dorman Smith's Loadbank MCCB and Modis switchboard ranges in industrial and process applications.
- Mitsubishi Electric: Broad industrial automation and electrical equipment major with LV air circuit breakers and power distribution products. Larger portfolio breadth than Dorman Smith but with overlapping LV switchboard component technology.
Emerging players
- Terasaki Electric: Japanese specialist in LV circuit breakers, MCCBs and power distribution products. Overlaps with Dorman Smith's Loadbank and Modis panel board ranges through TemPower MCCBs and partner integration into Western LV switchboard assemblies.
Market position
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Dorman Smith Switchgear social profiles
Digital presenceDorman Smith Switchgear compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Dorman Smith Switchgear financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Dorman Smith Switchgear leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles15 records
Dorman Smith Switchgear subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Dorman Smith Switchgear funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Dorman Smith Switchgear M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Dorman Smith Switchgear
What does Dorman Smith Switchgear do?
Dorman Smith Switchgear is a UK independent manufacturer of Low Voltage (LV) electrical distribution products, offering a full product range from 63A SP&N through to 3200A switchboard systems. The portfolio includes Distribution Boards (LoadPro Consumer Units, Loadlimiter series), Panel Boards (Loadbank YB1/200/250), Switch Boards (Modis 12 Ultra, Modis 25, Modis 32), Circuit Protection devices, Fuse Combination Units, Surge Protection, and bespoke Factory Built Assemblies designed, manufactured, assembled, and tested in the UK.
Is Dorman Smith Switchgear a public or private company?
Dorman Smith Switchgear is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Dorman Smith Switchgear founded?
Dorman Smith Switchgear was founded in 1890. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Dorman Smith Switchgear based?
Dorman Smith Switchgear is headquartered in Braintree, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Dorman Smith Switchgear make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Switchgear Product Sales are the primary driver. The others are factory Built Assemblies (FBA) and accessories and Components.
Who are Dorman Smith Switchgear's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are ABB, Legrand, Lucy Electric, Hager Group, Siemens, Schneider Electric and Eaton. Broad incumbents are Rockwell Automation and Mitsubishi Electric. Terasaki Electric is listed as an emerging player.
Does Dorman Smith Switchgear have an API?
No public API is recorded for Dorman Smith Switchgear.
What industry is Dorman Smith Switchgear in?
Dorman Smith Switchgear's product category is Low Voltage Switchgear. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAGAEAA, Low-Voltage Switchboards & Panelboards (LV distribution panels, MCCs, switchboards), with a secondary code of IMAGAAAB, Switchgear & Switchboards (HV/MV/LV, GIS/AIS). Its NAICS code is 335313 and its SIC code is 3613.