Federal Pacific Panel & Unit Sub-Panel Replacement in San Francisco
Max Electric completed a full electrical service modernization for a six-unit apartment building on 19th Street, replacing hazardous Federal Pacific service equipment, common area equipment, and all unit sub-panels.
Replacing hazardous Federal Pacific equipment in a six-unit building
This 19th Street project required a complete modernization of the building’s electrical service. The existing Federal Pacific equipment created a serious long-term concern for safety, reliability, and insurance costs, so the property owner needed more than a basic panel swap.
Max Electric replaced the hazardous Federal Pacific service equipment, upgraded common area electrical equipment, and installed new sub-panels for all six units. The project included electrical panel replacement and service equipment upgrades, service relocation, utility coordination, permitting, and inspections.
The completed modernization improved electrical safety for all tenants, created a more code-compliant service layout, and helped the property owner avoid a major insurance premium increase.
What this electrical modernization solved
The project addressed a fire-hazard panel system, unsafe equipment location, outdated unit sub-panels, code compliance concerns, and rising insurance pressure for the property owner.
All unit sub-panels were upgraded as part of the building-wide electrical modernization.
The scope included service relocation, new distribution equipment, sub-panels, permitting, inspections, and utility coordination.
The work was completed in approximately four months, including permitting, inspections, and utility coordination.
By eliminating the fire-hazard equipment, the owner avoided an estimated $90,000 insurance premium increase.
Electrical services completed by Max Electric
The project combined fire-hazard panel replacement, sub-panel upgrades, service relocation, new distribution equipment, code corrections, and utility coordination.
Federal Pacific Panel Replacement
The hazardous Federal Pacific service equipment was removed and replaced with modern electrical equipment.
Unit Sub-Panel Replacement
All sub-panels serving the individual apartment units were upgraded for safer long-term operation.
Service Relocation
The existing service equipment was too close to the gas service, so a new code-compliant location was selected.
Common Area Equipment Upgrade
The building’s shared electrical equipment was modernized along with the main service and unit sub-panels.
Code Compliance Corrections
The new electrical layout was planned around safer equipment placement and current safety requirements.
Utility Coordination
The project included coordination with utility requirements as part of the service relocation and modernization.
Multi-Unit Electrical Upgrades
The new system was designed for a six-unit apartment building with individual unit service needs.
Electrical Distribution Modernization
The completed installation improved safety, organization, reliability, and long-term insurability.
Relocating service equipment away from unsafe existing conditions
One of the most important issues was the location of the existing service equipment. It was installed too close to the gas service and did not meet current safety requirements, so replacing the Federal Pacific equipment in the same location was not the right solution.
The project required a new code-compliant equipment location, a full service relocation plan, and careful routing for the upgraded electrical distribution system. The work also had to account for permitting, inspections, and utility coordination before the modernization could be completed properly.
Unsafe location identified
The existing service equipment placement was reviewed and found unsuitable for a safe modern replacement.
New location selected
Our team identified a better code-compliant location for the new service equipment and distribution layout.
Service relocation completed
The new system was installed with updated equipment, safer clearances, and improved organization for the building.
New electrical distribution for all six units
In addition to replacing the main Federal Pacific service equipment, Max Electric upgraded all sub-panels serving the individual units. This was essential for creating a safer, more reliable electrical system across the full building, not just at the main service point.
The new electrical distribution system improved tenant safety, building reliability, and long-term insurability. For the property owner, this upgrade also helped prevent a significant insurance premium increase tied to the hazardous Federal Pacific equipment.
Why the upgrade mattered for the property
This modernization was about reducing risk, improving code compliance, protecting tenants, and preserving the property’s financial stability.
How the modernization was handled
The project required a structured approach: unsafe equipment removal, service relocation, sub-panel replacement, permitting, inspections, and utility coordination.
Existing service reviewed
We evaluated the Federal Pacific equipment, gas-service proximity, common area equipment, and unit sub-panel conditions.
New location planned
A safer code-compliant service equipment location was selected instead of rebuilding the system in the old location.
Distribution upgraded
New service equipment, common area equipment, and all unit sub-panels were installed for the six-unit property.
Inspections completed
The project was completed in about four months, including permitting, inspections, and utility coordination.
The result: safer electrical service and major insurance savings
Max Electric completed the Federal Pacific panel and unit sub-panel replacement for the 19th Street apartment building, delivering a full electrical modernization that improved safety for all tenants and created a more reliable building electrical system.
By removing the hazardous Federal Pacific equipment, relocating the service to a safer code-compliant location, and upgrading all unit sub-panels, the property owner avoided an estimated $90,000 insurance premium increase while improving long-term building value.
Fire-hazard equipment eliminated
The Federal Pacific service equipment was removed from the building’s electrical system.
All unit sub-panels replaced
Each apartment received upgraded sub-panel equipment as part of the building-wide modernization.
Insurance impact reduced
The completed work helped the owner avoid an estimated $90,000 insurance premium increase.
Service relocation, new equipment, and building modernization
The project moved the building from hazardous Federal Pacific equipment and unsafe service placement to a modernized distribution system for all six units.
Need Federal Pacific panel replacement or a building service upgrade?
Max Electric helps property owners, HOAs, landlords, contractors, and building managers replace hazardous electrical equipment and modernize older San Francisco buildings. From Federal Pacific panels and sub-panel upgrades to service relocation, utility coordination, and code-compliance corrections, our team plans the work around safety, access, and long-term reliability.
Tell us about your building project
Share the property type, number of units, panel condition, service location, and upgrade goals. We’ll help identify the next practical step.