Can you check an automation components history?

[Martin_1972]

Does anyone have experience of buying surplus/second hand components?

I have found some unused Siemens automation components, namely Motor Modules, Inputs/Output modules, CPU, Screen.

They are obviously low in price, and they appear to be genuine having scanned the QR codes on the Siemens App.

My question is, is there a way in which I can search into the history/previous ownership of these components? Using the serial numbers for example? I’m unsure if it is possible, but would like to find out if they have been sold on previously, and who the original purchaser was.

Thank you in advance for any information.

 

[binky]

I seriously doubt that's possible. I would tend to look at the age of the gear. Siemens has a good reputation for reliability, so if say the gear is roughly 5 years old, it's probably got some decent life left in it.

 

[Martin_1972]

I seriously doubt that's possible. I would tend to look at the age of the gear. Siemens has a good reputation for reliability, so if say the gear is roughly 5 years old, it's probably got some decent life left in it.

Thank you for the reply.

My concern is not about the parts having use left in them, as I am buying unused parts. This is my first time buying second hand unused parts, the reason I’m cautious is because they are in the £1000’s.

Am I overthinking things, when I consider the parts could have been previously stolen? I don’t want to have trouble selling them on if I do not end up using them.

Thanks again

 

[binky]

I think you are over thinking things.

 

[Andy™]

is there a way in which I can search into the history/previous ownership of these components?

no

 

[Martin_1972]

Really?

 

[Martin_1972]

What if I buy them then find out that the person Who sold them to me stole them? It just doesn’t make sense to me that it should be difficult to find that out

 

[Andy™]

have you got stolen goods youre trying to sell but wanting to make sure they cant be traced back to you?

 

[Martin_1972]

have you got stolen goods youre trying to sell but wanting to make sure they cant be traced back to you?

Fortunately that isn’t the case. I assume I’m coming across too keen to make sure everything is legitimate when parting with this much money.

The parts new would probably amount to around £15,000, but as it is advertised as surplus stock I will be paying roughly £2500.

With this being the first time I will have purchased second hand equipment, I am wary of going ahead until I have addressed my concerns.

 

[binky]

Lots of people end up with surplus parts for a whole host if reasons. The back of my van, is full of surplus gear.

 

[Andy™]

Lots of people end up with surplus parts for a whole host if reasons. The back of my van, is full of surplus gear.

i hope you have a log of everything, inc how many miles its done in the back and total number of trips

 

[Martin_1972]

i hope you have a log of everything, inc how many miles its done in the back and total number of trips

Assume this was to mock me.

I reached out as I thought it was a friendly environment to ask advice.

 

[binky]

Assume this was to mock me.

I reached out as I thought it was a friendly environment to ask advice.

It's his northern sense of humour, you get used to it, but it takes a while

 

[binky]

i hope you have a log of everything, inc how many miles its done in the back and total number of trips

Took it all out yesterday, I'm getting 5 mpg more now

 

[Martin_1972]

It's his northern sense of humour, you get used to it, but it takes a while

Sorry, new here obviously!

 

[Martin_1972]

I am known to be a worrier, so that’s why I thought it best to try and get my concerns addressed. I have taken on board everything you’ve all said.

I get the impression from all of your replies that shouldn’t really question the history of the components or how they were obtained. If I am getting the part cheap that I need, along with other spares they would like to sell as a lot, then I should just go for it.

Right now I am leaning towards buying them.

 

[Richard-the-Ninth]

Just asking....................suppose you do buy them, what are you going to do with the stuff you don't want/need?

And, if it is "automation parts" are they a very recent version/model?

 

[Martin_1972]

I would probably attempt to sell them on Ebay would be probably the best option, or to come onto here and advertise if allowed.

For example one item was a Sinamics S120 36KW Module. Dated on the packaging as 04/2015.

 

[binky]

I am known to be a worrier, so that’s why I thought it best to try and get my concerns addressed. I have taken on board everything you’ve all said.

I get the impression from all of your replies that shouldn’t really question the history of the components or how they were obtained. If I am getting the part cheap that I need, along with other spares they would like to sell as a lot, then I should just go for it.

Right now I am leaning towards buying them.

You will never really know the truth if a parts origin, but being specialist sort of gear, I would say it's less likely to have been stolen as it's not an everyday item. I've still got a pile of solar roof hooks in the garage, I stopped installing solar about 4 years ago. A lot of the spare gear went for scrap. I could have sold some of it on eBay or the like, but not having enough spares for a full set of panels, I never bothered, plus the weight makes them expensive to post.

 

[Martin_1972]

Just asking....................suppose you do buy them, what are you going to do with the stuff you don't want/need?

And, if it is "automation parts" are they a very recent version/model?

Why do you ask?