Project overview
Our Charlotte team from the Matthews branch completed a comprehensive 200-amp electrical panel upgrade and whole-home surge protection for homeowner Susan Curtis in Monroe, NC. Led by technician Brian Cain, this project brought the home’s service equipment up to current electrical code, enhanced safety, and resolved several outlet issues—inside and out.
Date completed: April 4, 2024
What we serviced
- Supplied and installed a new 200-amp main electrical panel with new breakers.
- Installed a complete grounding and bonding system for code compliance and safety.
- Added a whole-home surge protector at the main panel to safeguard appliances and electronics.
- Diagnosed and repaired non-working outlets in a bedroom and bathroom.
- Installed a weather-resistant GFCI outlet on the back porch with an in-use bubble cover.
How we improved safety and reliability
Upgrading to a modern 200-amp panel ensures the home can safely support today’s electrical demands. Our licensed electrician replaced the existing panel, breakers, and main lugs, clearly labeled all circuits, and reconnected the service entrance conductors and existing branch circuits. We also completed proper grounding and bonding to meet current code, a critical step that reduces shock risk and improves fault clearing.
The whole-home surge protector was integrated at the main panel to help defend sensitive electronics, HVAC equipment, and smart devices from damaging voltage spikes. Indoors, our troubleshooting pinpointed issues behind the dead bedroom and bathroom outlets; after repairs and verification, those receptacles were restored to normal operation. Outdoors, we added a weather-resistant porch outlet and an in-use bubble cover that protects the receptacle whether or not a plug is connected—ideal for lawn equipment, seasonal lighting, and outdoor living.
Scope and homeowner experience
- Panel work included: Replace panel and breakers, update main lugs, label circuits, ground and bond, reconnect service conductors and existing circuits.
- Surge protection: Installed at the main panel for whole-home coverage.
- Diagnostics: Inspected and tested circuits to identify the cause of non-working outlets.
- Outdoor outlet: Weather-resistant device with an in-use cover for durable, code-compliant protection.
- Power downtime: Power was briefly disconnected for the upgrade; a generator was made available for limited power during the outage.
- Not included in scope: Service disconnect, feeder, or meter/service upgrade.
Benefits for this Monroe, NC homeowner
- Increased capacity and code compliance: A modern 200-amp panel supports present and future electrical needs.
- Enhanced safety: Updated grounding, bonding, and labeled circuits improve system reliability.
- Equipment protection: Whole-home surge protection reduces the risk of damage from power surges.
- Restored convenience: Repaired bedroom and bathroom outlets for everyday use.
- Outdoor readiness: A weather-resistant porch receptacle with a bubble cover for safe exterior power.
Local expertise you can trust
Touchstone Electric proudly serves homeowners in Monroe, NC and the surrounding area. Our Matthews-based branch of the Charlotte team specializes in panels and service upgrades, troubleshooting, and surge protection—delivering clean workmanship, clear communication, and code-compliant results on every visit.
Customer feedback
We’re grateful that Susan Curtis praised our work with a Google review after this project. Read the review on Google.
Need a 200-amp upgrade or surge protection in Monroe, NC?
If your lights flicker, breakers trip often, or you’re adding high-demand appliances or charging equipment, a panel upgrade and surge protection can make a meaningful difference. Touchstone Electric provides expert evaluations, straightforward recommendations, and professional installations to keep your home safe and powered for the future.
