Hello from the team at The Electric Connection!

We wanted to share a behind-the-scenes look at a recent project we completed at a property in Los Angeles.

Electrical work in older apartment buildings often presents “surprises” once you open up the walls, and this job for Unit 1 was no exception.

The Challenge: A Tight Squeeze

When we began the process of installing the new sub-panel for Unit 1, we ran into a significant roadblock. Upon opening the wall, we discovered a 1.5″ electrical conduit feeding the unit directly above (Unit 5).

The space was extremely restricted:

To the right: A door.
To the left: A closet.
Behind the wall: Another closet.
Structural Integrity: A 4×4 hold-down that we absolutely could not cut.

Our Professional Solution

Because we couldn’t relocate the panel, we had to get creative. We determined the best course of action was to cut the existing electrical pipe, intercept it into the new panel, and bypass it to continue up to the upper unit.

To make this work:

We replaced the rigid “hard pipe” with flexible conduit.
This required cutting the wall from top to bottom to allow for the necessary maneuvering.
Because of the pipe’s position, the new panel now sits about one inch away from the wall.

To ensure a clean, professional finish, we are installing custom 1″ wood trim around the panel frame.

Results and Reliability

After a full day of work by our dedicated crew, Unit 1 now has a modern, fully labeled, and safely installed sub-panel. As you can see below, every circuit—from the kitchen to the FAU (Forced Air Unit)—is clearly identified for the tenant’s convenience.

At The Electric Connection, we pride ourselves on a “workmanlike manner” and provide a Lifetime Labor Warranty on our installations. Whether it’s a routine upgrade or a complex bypass like this one, we make sure the job is done right.

Need an electrical expert for your property? Contact us today at (818) 446-0888 or email service@electricconnection.com.