Apartment & Multi-Family Electrical Panel & Main-Service Upgrades
Los Angeles’ turnkey solution for replacing Federal Pacific, Zinsco, Sylvania, Challenger & Pushmatic panels and upsizing main services up to 800 A—without leaving tenants in the dark.
We handle LADWP/SCE applications, LADBS plan-check and cut-over logistics.
Smart scheduling limits power‑off to just minutes.
Written letter of compliance upon completion.
Why Act Now? – Problem Snapshot
| Pain Point | Impact on Apartment Owners |
|---|---|
| Insurance non-renewal letters for unsafe panels | Average premium hike: +32% or outright denial within 30 days. |
| 1960-80 era infrastructure | 65% of LA County’s multifamily stock was built before 1975—panels & feeders are beyond design life. |
| Electrification demand | Heat pumps, EV chargers & solar require 2-4× more service capacity. |
| Utility & permit bottlenecks | LADWP queues >400 A service requests 6-12 weeks; early submission avoids project stalls. |
Sources: California Housing Partnership 2024 report; Apartment Owners Assoc. insurer survey 2025.
Identify the Risky Panel Brands
Federal Pacific (Stab-Lok)
- Breakers often fail to trip; studies show a 25%+ chance of overheating under normal load.
- Flagged by every major insurer; replacement breakers lack UL listing.
Zinsco / GTE-Sylvania
- Aluminum bus bars corrode and lose tension, leading to dangerous arcing.
- Breakers can weld in the ON position, eliminating overload protection.
Sylvania “Zinsco-Type”
- Same stab-design as Zinsco; typically installed 1973-1978.
- Labels vary—visual inspection required.
Challenger / Eaton-Challenger
- Bus stabs overheat when multiple HVAC or appliance loads cycle.
- Subject of a 1988 CPSC breaker recall; many originals remain in service.
Pushmatic / I-T-E
- Uses a mechanical trip spring that fatigues over time.
- Replacement parts discontinued since 1983, making safe repairs impossible.
How Our Turnkey Upgrade Process Works
Load Study & Panel Inspection
Load calculation and single line diagram.
Utility Service Application
We file LADWP/SCE Form 480-02 for >400 A or 3-phase requests.
LADBS Plan-Check & Permit Pull
Building & Safety Department permit.
Tenant Notification & Scheduling
Scheduling with landlords & property managers.
Temporary Power & Cut-Over Day
Limited power shut off.
Panel + Meter Bank Replacement
UL-listed switchgear, copper feeders, breakers.
Final Inspection & Insurance Letter
We guarantee to pass electrical inspection.
Why Upgrading Pays Off
Avoids Emergency Repairs
Prevents $25K–$60K emergency fire repairs.
Insurance Savings
Premium savings average $1,800–$3,600/yr.
Future-Ready Infrastructure
Positions building for EV charger & solar incentives worth up to $2,000 per unit.
Recent Projects – Case Studies
Huntington Beach | 232 Units | 400 A Switchgear + Sub Panel Replacement
West Hollywood | 10 Units | 400 A Service + Sub Panel Replacement
Silver Lake | 12 Units | New 400AMP Electrical Service & Sub Panel Replacement
Why Branover Contractors?
Licensed & Certified
C-10 Licensed since 1985
Experience
Over 1,200 panel replacements completed since 2003.
Industry Recognition
Featured service provider: Apartment Owners Association of CA.
