question : re electrical wiring on pre-1980s condos and apartments (Honolulu: houses, buying)

[plff999]

Does anyone here know why?

I have been looking at interior photographs of apartments and condos in Honolulu. I've noticed something "interesting". A lot of these units have surface mounted switch and outlet boxes; they have surface mounted metal sleeves or pipes to house the wiring.

I do not understand why. These are interior walls, and it is not "single wall" construction. The only time I have ever seen this before is in older houses that were built before electrification, and electric was added later. But most of these condos and apartments were built in the 1960s!

By the way - I am not interested in buying a condo

[WaikikiBoy]

The few I’ve seen with surface mounted switches and conduit electrical lines also had cement walls. I’ve also seen some units where the conduit line was to add something that was not originally build into the unit. For example, a conduit electrical line running on a cement ceiling to add a ceiling fan.

Not saying that’s why the ones you’re seeing have it, but that’s been the situation when I’ve seen it.

[plff999]

What you write makes some sense. Yes, I have seen examples where the switches and conduit led to ceiling fans or track lights. (Maybe these were added later.) I have also seen photos where the boxes and conduit were atop cinderblock walls.

[Seguinite]

I wouldn't be surprised if this is done quite a bit just for the 'industrial look'.