electrical upgrades to an apartment complex built in 1950

edavt04@gmail.c

We recently purchased an apartment complex built in 1950. Inspector's report advised us to upgrade the main electrical panel (fuse box) on the outside of the building. He also advised us to relocate fuse boxes in closets stating it is unsafe and a fire hazard.
We met with several electricians to get a quote. It's so confusing because everybody says different things...

FUSE BOXES IN THE CLOSET: One electrician advised us to flip the panel into the bathroom(closet is adjacent to bathroom) and install a breaker instead of a fuse box, another electrician claimed it's not up to code to have breakers in the bathroom.

MAIN PANEL OUTSIDE THE BUILDING: One electrician advised us to upgrade the amperage (currently 30 amps), the other claimed it's an unnecessary change that drives the cost up since we do not have any appliances that require high amperage: no washers or dryers.
So confusing. I want the property to be SAFE for our tenants, but cost-efficient for us. Any thoughts?
thank you.

joed

Panel can not be in a bathroom. Do not call that one back.
30 amps is not enough for an apartment. Are you sure that is what you have. It is definitely too small. Did you mean 300 amps? Only a load calculation will confirm what is needed. There are many online aids to do this.

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Code05

Location, size of units, appliance types, HVAC type, and laundry facilities.

Panels are not allowed in resi bathrooms or clothes closets in USA.

Code05

Agreed.

Mebbe, TBD.

rrolleston

Sounds like they currently have a 30 amp main fuse or breaker panel outside for each apartment. Some pictures would help.

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Code05

What, you do not know what a 30 amp panel looks like?

J/K, teasing you.

rrolleston

Nope never seen one before. We just use alligator clamps and lead cords out here.

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AllanJ

If each apartment has but a 30 amp x 120 volt service (two fuses) it is actually not that complex to upgrade with new breaker panels to meet code.

Now, for starters, you would need a new service drop to handle the upgraded services for all of the apartments (probably 60 to 100 amp @ 240 volt) panels in each apartment depending on apartment size. You will want separate meters for each apartment if not already. Two Romex cables would be run from the new panel to the closet where a junction box is substituted for the fuse box.

At a later date additional receptacles, lights, etc. can be added.

Many cities require that a licensed electrician do the work in multifamily buildings.

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rrolleston

I think there is a rule when upgrading or replacing that you bring it up to the min 100amp per dwelling. I would make sure that you at least have the proper GFCI receptacles/breakers installed in the bathroom and kitchen for safety. Pretty hard to control what a tenant will plug in and in the summer they will want to plug in an AC unit for sure. And if any electrician does the work make sure you require he pulls all the permits for the whole job being done.

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Please ask me about my special discount for people that shut up and stay out of my way! With Electricity there is the right way to do it and the dead way. Just because it works does not make it safe.

Code05

230.79 applies to services, not feeders to an apt. Unless each apt. has a service, doubtful.

less than 7 discos for building.

joed

Never thought of 30 amp in each apartment. I was thinking that was the main service to the apartment complex she was referring to.

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jbfan

It would be like Green Acres.

You can't have the 3 on with a 2, but you can have the 3 on with a 5.

I guess only thoses that are old enough to have watched Green Acres will understand this.

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Code05

Lisa was hot IMO.

edavt04@gmail.c

Guys, thank you for your input.
Here's property inspector's advise:

Safety - Fuse socket extends beyond the panel cover. This type of system is outdated. We recommend upgrading to a modern panel. Additionally, until the panel is replaced, a licensed electrician should replace blown fuses because many live parts are exposed to accidental contact. Safety - One or more fuses have a higher amperage rating than the capacity of the connecting wires. This is a fire hazard because the wiring will overheat before the fuse will blow. An oversized fuse should be replaced with a new fuse appropriately sized for the gauge of the wire.
Further Evaluation - There are several 25 and 30 amp fuses being utilized for a circuit serving general outlets and lighting. This is a fire hazard. 30 amps is too much and can overheat the wiring and components on this circuit. We recommend further evaluation and correction as needed by a licensed electrical contractor.