Is Your Building Stuck in the Past? Why a Service Upgrade is Your Most Important Move
January 5, 2026
Steve Katz
Introduction
In Southern California, our buildings are aging, but our technology is racing ahead. From high-powered AC units to electric vehicle (EV) chargers, today’s electrical demands are pushing old systems to their breaking point. A Service Upgrade (or "Heavy Up") isn't just an improvement—it’s a total modernization of your property’s power foundation.
Increased Amperage for Modern Living
Most older apartment complexes operate on 400A or 600A service, which was never meant to power 24/7 remote work setups and modern appliances
The Benefits:
Flicker-Free Power: Eliminate the dimming lights that happen every time a tenant’s refrigerator or AC kicks on.
Building Stability: Stop the "cascade effect" where one overloaded unit trips the main breaker for the entire wing.
Direct Path to Insurance Compliance
Insurance carriers are increasingly flagging buildings with undersized service or outdated brands like Zinsco and Federal Pacific as "uninsurable."
Why it Matters:
Safety Certification: A permitted upgrade provides the legal "paper trail" your insurance agent needs to keep your premiums low.
Risk Removal: Modern panels are built with fire-resistant materials and advanced breakers that older systems lack.
Unlocking EV and Future Revenue
You cannot add EV charging stations or solar arrays if your main service panel is already at 90% capacity.
The Opportunities:
EV Readiness: A service upgrade to 800A or 1200A provides the "electrical overhead" needed to install revenue-generating charging banks.
Property Value: A building with "modernized power" commands a higher appraisal value and attracts higher-quality, long-term tenants.
Utility & Code Compliance
Navigating the requirements of LADWP or Southern California Edison (SCE) is the most difficult part of any upgrade.
Our Expertise:
Load Calculations: We perform the engineering math required to prove your building is safe and meets 2026 NEC (National Electrical Code) standards.
Seamless Coordination: We handle the utility disconnects and city inspections so your tenants experience minimal downtime during the swap.
Conclusion
A Service Upgrade is the ultimate "future-proof" investment. It removes the liability of old equipment while opening the door to modern amenities and better insurance rates. Don't let an outdated panel hold your property back—upgrade your capacity and power your growth.
