Branover Contractors | Multifamily Electrical Upgrade
9-Meter Overhead Electrical Service Upgrade — 8-Unit Apartment Building, Los Angeles, CA
Complete electrical service modernization including a new Siemens 9-meter overhead service, replacement of all apartment and house sub-panels, new feeder wiring, upgraded grounding and bonding, and full coordination with LADWP and LADBS.
THE PROJECT
Replacing an Outdated Electrical System Across the Entire Building
Branover Contractors completed a comprehensive electrical service upgrade for an 8-unit apartment building in Los Angeles, replacing the property’s original Federal Pacific electrical equipment with a modern Siemens electrical system.
The project involved much more than replacing the meter equipment. The entire electrical distribution system serving the building was upgraded, including the main overhead service, all eight apartment sub-panels, the house panel, feeder conductors, apartment main breakers, and the building’s grounding and bonding system.
Because the replacement involved nine meters and multiple tenant panels, careful coordination with LADWP Service Planning and Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) was essential to completing the project correctly and efficiently.
OWNER’S OBJECTIVE
Addressing Insurance Requirements With a Complete Electrical Upgrade
The property’s insurance carrier required replacement of the building’s original Federal Pacific electrical panels and overhead service before coverage could be renewed.
Rather than replacing only the equipment specifically identified by the insurance carrier, the project was approached as a complete electrical modernization. This allowed the owner to replace the aging service equipment, standardize the sub-panels, upgrade the feeders, improve grounding and bonding, and create a more consistent electrical system throughout the property.
Project Goal
Replace the outdated Federal Pacific electrical equipment with a modern, code-compliant electrical distribution system while coordinating the utility and inspection process from initial planning through final meter installation.
BEFORE
The Existing Electrical System
Prior to the project, the building was served by an older overhead electrical service and Federal Pacific equipment throughout the property.
The existing system included Federal Pacific equipment serving all eight apartments as well as the house electrical system. The age and condition of the equipment created an insurance compliance issue for the property owner and provided an opportunity to modernize the building’s electrical distribution system.
The project required replacement of not only the meter service, but also the individual distribution equipment and feeder wiring serving each apartment.
Existing Equipment
- Original Federal Pacific electrical equipment
- Older overhead meter service
- Eight apartment sub-panels
- One house electrical panel
- Existing apartment feeder wiring
- Existing grounding and bonding system
SCOPE OF WORK
A Complete Building-Wide Electrical Distribution Upgrade
New Siemens Meter Service
Installed a new Siemens overhead electrical service with nine meter positions serving the eight apartments and one house meter.
New Apartment Sub-Panels
Replaced all eight apartment sub-panels with new equipment, providing standardized electrical distribution throughout the building.
New House Panel
Replaced the existing house electrical panel serving the building’s common electrical loads.
New Apartment Feeders
Installed new #6 THHN feeder conductors from the new service to each apartment sub-panel.
New Apartment Main Breakers
Installed new 60-amp, 2-pole main breakers for each apartment as part of the new electrical distribution system.
Grounding & Bonding
Installed two ground rods and established bonding to the building’s main cold-water pipe as part of the new grounding system.
COORDINATION
Managing the LADWP Metering Process
A major part of a multi-meter service replacement is coordinating the new service with the local utility. Branover Contractors worked directly with LADWP Service Planning to establish the requirements for the new nine-meter overhead service and obtain the approved meter spot.
Once the utility requirements were established, the installation could proceed with the new Siemens service equipment and associated electrical distribution work.
INSTALLATION
From Demolition to Final Meter Installation
Planning & Permitting
The project scope was established, utility requirements were coordinated with LADWP, and the required electrical permit was obtained through LADBS.
Removal of Existing Equipment
The existing Federal Pacific service and sub-panel equipment was removed to make way for the new electrical distribution system.
New Siemens Service
A new Siemens nine-position overhead meter service was installed and prepared for utility meter installation.
Grounding & Bonding
Two ground rods were installed and the electrical service was connected to the building’s main cold-water pipe as part of the grounding and bonding work.
Apartment Distribution Upgrades
All eight apartment sub-panels and the house panel were replaced. New #6 THHN feeder conductors and new 60-amp, 2-pole apartment main breakers were installed.
Inspection & Utility Meter Set
The completed installation was inspected by LADBS, passed inspection, and was finaled. LADWP field personnel then installed and energized the new meters.
THE RESULT
A Modernized Electrical System for the Entire Property
Insurance Compliance
The outdated Federal Pacific equipment identified as an insurance concern was removed and replaced with modern electrical equipment.
Standardized Distribution
All eight apartments received new sub-panels, new feeder conductors, and standardized 60-amp, 2-pole main breakers.
Improved Grounding
The electrical service received two ground rods and bonding to the main cold-water pipe.
Successful Close-Out
LADBS inspection was passed, the project was finaled, and LADWP completed the installation and energization of the new meters.
BEFORE & AFTER
What Changed?
Before
- Federal Pacific electrical equipment
- Older overhead service
- Original apartment sub-panels
- Original house panel
- Existing apartment feeders
- Insurance compliance concerns
After
- New Siemens 9-meter overhead service
- Eight new apartment sub-panels
- One new house panel
- New #6 THHN apartment feeders
- New 60-amp, 2-pole apartment breakers
- Two ground rods + cold-water bonding
- LADBS final approval
- New LADWP meters installed and energized
PLANNING AN ELECTRICAL SERVICE UPGRADE?
Need a Meter Panel Upgrade or Replacement?
Branover Contractors handles the entire process — from utility coordination and permitting to installation, inspection, final approval, and meter replacement.
