What “Expandable Power” Really Means (And What It Doesn’t)
An often misunderstood phrase in industrial real estate marketing
🚧 The Problem with the Word “Expandable”
When you see a listing that says the power is “expandable,” it sounds like good news — as if adding more amps is no big deal. But here’s the catch:
“Expandable” is often used without confirming whether an upgrade is even feasible.
What Most People Think It Means:
“I can swap the panel and get more power.”
But in reality, that panel upgrade might depend on:
Whether the conduit and wires can handle the extra load
Whether the transformer has available capacity
Whether the utility (like Edison) needs to get involved — which can take months
So while “expandable” sounds simple… it could trigger serious infrastructure work.
What “Expandable” Should Mean:
If used honestly, “expandable” should mean:
The service conductors are already oversized
The conduit is large enough for bigger wire
The transformer has extra capacity — or there’s a clear upgrade path
There’s been some level of professional verification, not just a guess
Otherwise, it's just marketing fluff.
Examples of What "Expandable" Is Not:
A 600A panel in a building with a 300 kVA transformer and 1.5" conduit
An older industrial park where multiple units share one transformer
Any space where upgrading requires working with the utility first
How to Use the Term Responsibly (for Owners and Brokers)
The best move? Have a licensed electrician verify whether power is expandable — and clarify how it’s expandable. That way, you can market the property with confidence and avoid surprises during escrow or lease negotiations.
That way, you can market the property with confidence and avoid confusion.
But if verification isn’t possible yet, don’t guess. Be specific. Be objective.
600A panel installed. Incoming conduit: 1.5". Transformer label shows 300 kVA, 480V. Power factor and service conductors not yet verified.
key takeaway
“Expandable power” can mean:
A simple panel swap
A full utility coordination project
Or… nothing at all
Don’t assume. Don’t overpromise. Ask the right questions early — and get clarity before the deal is on the line.