Master Electrician POV Vlog Ep. 3 |  Multi-Unit Electrical Panel Upgrade

CLICK HERE to watch the full Master Electrician POV Vlog series on YouTube.

🔧 Introduction: Master Electrician POV Vlog - Why Electrical Panel Upgrades Matter

Upgrading an electrical panel in a multi-unit complex isn’t just another job — it’s one of the most critical safety and infrastructure improvements a property owner can invest in. In this episode of the Master Electrician POV Vlog series, we take you on-site for a real 58-unit panel upgrade, filmed entirely from a body cam to show you the raw reality of working in the field.

Whether you're a licensed electrician, an apprentice, or a property manager curious about what's involved, this comprehensive guide offers insights that go beyond the basics.

🛠️ Job Overview

Project Type: Commercial/Residential Multi-Unit Panel Upgrade
Units: 58
Scope: Removal of outdated panels, installation of new meter mains, grounding upgrades, and circuit verification
Location: Confidential (Southern California)

Objectives:

• Upgrade service for safety and increased load capacity

• Bring entire system up to NEC compliance

• Minimize tenant disruption during power downtime
  

🚧 Step 1: Job Walk & Scope Confirmation

Before the first wire is cut, we meet with the property manager, review the building’s electrical blueprints, and confirm:

• Main service location

• Meter grouping

• Tenant breaker layouts

• Grounding and bonding conditions

🔍 Pro Tip: Always document panel labeling and breaker configurations before any work begins. It’ll save you hours later.

🔩 Step 2: Demo Day – Removing the Old Panels

Outdated panels often lack proper bonding, grounding, or arc fault protection. During demo:

• Shut down main utility power

• Remove old meter mains

• Detach conduits and feeder circuits

• Prep the surface for new panels

• Install new electrical panels and terminate

• Test for proper voltage

⚠️ Safety Reminder: Always verify that all circuits are de-energized and lockout/tagout procedures are in place.

⚙️ Step 3: Installing the New Gear

This is where the magic happens.

Equipment Used:

• (2) Square D 800A Switchgear Panels

• 14 electrical meter packs

Installation Tasks:

• Mount new panels

• Terminate feeders and branch circuits

• Ground to building rebar and cold water pipe

• Install bonding jumpers

💡 Code Tip: NEC 250.66 governs grounding electrode conductor sizing. Don't guess—calculate based on your largest ungrounded conductor.

🧪 Step 4: Inspection & Test

No job is complete without a full test and verification:

• Megger test feeders (verify insulation integrity)

• Torque-check all lugs

• Confirm phase balance and voltage drop

• Municipal inspection walkthrough

✅ Pass or Fail? We passed first time — but it’s all in the prep.

🔄 Step 5: Power Restoration & Tenant Coordination

Once the utility reconnects power:

• Flip on breakers unit by unit

• Verify voltage at each tenant panel

• Confirm no tripped breakers or faulty circuits

• Document the before/after voltage readings

🧰 Tools & Gear Used

• Milwaukee 18V drill & impact

• Greenlee knockout set

• Southwire wire strippers & torque wrench

• Fluke 376 FC Clamp Meter

• Jobber app for scheduling and notes

This article includes affiliate links. If you use these links, Landers Electric might make a small amount of money. Thank you for your support!

🧠 What You Can Learn from This Job

For Apprentices:

• Real-world examples of NEC code in action

• How to work efficiently on a large team

• Proper grounding and bonding methods

For Contractors:

• Efficient project planning strategies

• Inspector prep and walkthrough best practices

• How to maintain professionalism on large jobs

For DIY Curious: This job is not DIY-friendly. Electrical panel upgrades require licensed expertise. But watching this process gives you a whole new respect for what electricians do every day.

⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This video is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Do not attempt this work unless you are a licensed electrician.

🔗 Watch More & Stay Connected

• Watch our full Master Electrician POV vlog series on YouTube. CLICK HERE

• Watch this episode on YouTube. CLICK HERE

• Enroll in Texas electrical continuing education: CLICK HERE
  

📌 Final Thoughts

This project wasn’t just about upgrading equipment. It was about protecting lives, boosting energy efficiency, and showing what real-world electrical work looks like through a master electrician’s eyes.

Stay tuned for the next episode, and until then, stay safe and stay grounded.