100A Service, Meter Base & Outdoor Subpanel Install in Fort Mill, SC

Touchstone Electric recently completed a permitted, code-compliant 100-amp service upgrade to power community entry gates in Fort Mill, SC. Led by technician Danny Bishop from our Charlotte business unit and Matthews branch, this project delivered safe, reliable power where it was needed most—right at the gates. Completed on March 31, 2025, the work was performed to current NEC standards with careful planning for future expansion.

Scope of Work at a Glance

New 100A service dedicated to gate equipment and controls.
125A-rated meter base with proper grounding, including ground rods and grounding electrode conductors.
Outdoor midsized subpanel (12/24, up to 125A) mounted on posts set in concrete for a stable, long-lasting installation.
PVC conduit runs for high-voltage power, separated low-voltage controls, and a spare conduit—each with a pull string for easy future pulls.
GFCI protection added at the panel for outdoor safety (two 20A GFCI breakers).
Service and feeder wiring, including SEU 1/0 service cable and THHN conductors pulled through dedicated conduit.
Permitting and coordination handled for the electrical scope; utility coordination supported through the community and provider.

Conduit, Trenching, and Utility Coordination

To keep gate operations dependable and maintenance-friendly, we installed extensive PVC conduit—separate paths for high-voltage, low-voltage, and a spare for future use. This approach safeguards signal integrity, reduces interference, and makes later upgrades simple.

The community oversaw trenching, with a required depth of approximately 30 inches to accommodate all three conduits and meet NEC burial requirements. The community also coordinated with the utility to flag or stake the service location prior to installation so the new service equipment could be placed exactly where it was needed.

Built to Code, Built for Safety

Permitted install: We pulled the electrical permit and performed the work to code for a safe, inspectable result.
Grounded and bonded: The meter base included proper grounding with ground rods and grounding electrode conductors.
Outdoor protection: GFCI protection was added to safeguard exterior circuits and equipment.
Future-ready: A spare conduit with a pull string was installed to make later expansions or technology upgrades fast and clean.

As local inspectors enforce current NEC updates, some systems may also call for AFCI protection in specific areas. Our team designs with these evolving requirements in mind and will advise as needed during inspection.

Materials and Equipment Highlights

Meter Base (125A): New meter installation with grounding system and coordination for the power drop.
Outdoor Subpanel: Midsized 12/24 panel, mounted on double 4x4 posts set in concrete for durability and clear service access.
Conduit: Approximately 340 feet each of 1-inch and 3/4-inch PVC, with fittings and pull points as needed.
Wiring: SEU 1/0 service cable and THHN conductors sized and routed for power distribution and gate circuits.
Protection: Two 20A GFCI breakers for exterior safety and compliance.

Customer Experience

Our client, Caromark, praised our team with a positive review after project completion. From scheduling to permitting and coordination with the utility, our process kept the project moving smoothly while minimizing downtime at the gate.

Local Team, Local Commitment

This project was delivered by Touchstone Electric’s Charlotte team out of our Matthews branch, serving communities throughout Fort Mill, SC and the surrounding area. We specialize in Panels & Service Upgrades and Meter Base & Service Replacement, bringing the right materials, methods, and expertise to outdoor installations that must endure the elements.

Ongoing Safety Support

To help protect the system long-term, the customer also enrolled in our Annual Home Safety Plan. This includes a periodic electrical safety inspection covering panel condition, service equipment, grounding, disconnects, and testing of GFCIs and life-safety devices—focused on keeping critical power systems operating safely year after year.

Need a Service Upgrade in Fort Mill?

If you’re planning a new gate, detached structure, or outdoor power project in Fort Mill, SC, Touchstone Electric can handle your meter base, subpanel, and conduit layout from permit to final inspection. Our team builds to current code and plans for the future—so your system is safe, reliable, and expandable.

100A Service, Meter Base & Subpanel Install in Fort Mill, SC