From high‑rise condos and apartment complexes to mixed‑use developments with retail and dining, reliable electrical infrastructure keeps residents safe and amenities humming. Dr Electric provides comprehensive electrical solutions across the DMV—designing systems that serve residents, retail tenants and common spaces while complying with stringent codes.
Common areas are the heart of your community. We retrofit corridors, lobbies, gyms and lounges with long‑lasting LED fixtures and smart controls. Energy codes require each enclosed space to have manual controls and at least one dimming step between 30% and 70% of full lighting power. Occupancy sensors or timers must be manual‑on or turn lights on to no more than 50% power, and must shut lights off within 30 minutes of vacancy in many spaces. We design systems that meet these requirements, improve aesthetics and reduce utility costs.
Garages and lots demand robust lighting and reliable charging. NEC Section 625 requires each EV charger to have its own individual branch circuit. For properties with limited electrical capacity, we can implement local load management—splitting power between two 80‑amp chargers on a 100‑amp breaker so each charger receives 40 amps when both are in use. We also install LED fixtures and occupancy sensors for garage lighting to improve safety and reduce energy use.
High‑rise buildings often require electric fire pumps. NEC Article 695 mandates that power sources be reliable and sized to carry the locked‑rotor current of the fire pump motor(s) plus the full‑load current of accessory equipment; acceptable sources include a separate utility service, on‑site generation or an approved combination. Feeders must be sized at 125% of the fire pump motor load plus 100% of accessory loads and no other loads may be connected to the fire pump transfer switch. Dr Electric designs dedicated feeders, transfer switches and generators to meet these requirements.
Mixed‑use buildings often include ground‑floor retail or restaurants. We provide tenant build‑out services—dedicated circuits, lighting, signage outlets and POS power. NEC Article 600 requires dedicated 20‑amp circuits for sign outlets at entrances and disconnect switches within sight. We coordinate with property managers to minimize disruption to residents and other tenants.
Older buildings need upgrades to meet current code and resident expectations. We perform panel and service upgrades, retrofit hallways with LED lighting, add surge protection and replace aging wiring. Upgrading high‑bay fixtures to LED can reduce energy consumption by 40–60% and save about $300 per fixture per year. Our maintenance programs include periodic inspections, thermal imaging and 24/7 emergency service.
NFPA 101 Life Safety Code requires emergency lights to provide at least one foot‑candle along exit routes for 90 minutes; OSHA and IBC require independent backup power and regular testing. NEC Section 625 mandates a dedicated branch circuit for each EV charger, though local load management allows power sharing if properly engineered. Article 695requires dedicated, reliable power sources and conductor sizing at 125% of fire pump motor plus accessory loads. Energy codes (ASHRAE 90.1/IECC) require manual lighting controls and at least one step between 30% and 70% power, with sensors turning lights off within 30 minutes in many spaces. Dr Electric designs systems that satisfy these codes and provide inspection documentation.
Energy costs are a significant expense for multifamily communities. LED retrofits and smart controls cut consumption dramatically—high‑bay LEDs reduce energy use by 40–60% and save hundreds of dollars per fixture annually. Occupancy sensors and daylight harvesting meet energy codes and further reduce waste. Local load management solutions let properties add EV chargers without costly service upgrades. Our preventive maintenance, surge protection and load balancing improve reliability and reduce call‑outs.
Upgrade your building’s electrical systems for safety and efficiency. Upgrade your building’s core systems with Dr Electric—contact us today to discuss your multifamily or mixed‑use electrical needs.
