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Scope: Removal of outdated panels, installation of new meter mains, grounding upgrades, and circuit verification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Outdated panels often lack proper bonding, grounding, or arc fault protection.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
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🧠 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.