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Project overview
Our Charlotte team out of the Matthews branch completed a 200-amp electrical panel upgrade for homeowner Tim Beckman in Oak Ridge, NC. Led by technician Christian Cedillos, this service modernized the home’s power distribution, improved safety, and prepared the property for present and future electrical demands. The project was fully permitted and inspected in Oak Ridge and reached completion on November 25, 2025.
What we upgraded
We removed the outdated panel and installed a new indoor 200A copper main panel. Copper bus construction offers excellent conductivity and heat resistance for long-term reliability. To bring the system up to current standards, our team:
- Reconnected the service entrance conductors and existing branch circuits
- Properly grounded and bonded the panel for fault protection
- Labeled circuits for clear identification and future serviceability
- Coordinated a safe, scheduled power outage and minimized downtime
- Secured permits and coordinated the final inspection
To enhance whole-home protection, we also installed a surge protective device (SPD) at the panel. This helps safeguard appliances, electronics, and HVAC equipment from damaging voltage spikes caused by lightning or utility events.
Breaker replacements and safety upgrades
As part of this complete panel upgrade, we replaced outdated breakers with a combination of standard and AFCI models matched to each circuit’s needs:
- Standard breakers for dedicated loads and appliances:
- 1 × 15A Standard (Double Pole)
- 2 × 20A Standard (Double Pole)
- 2 × 30A Standard (Double Pole) — common for dryer, water heater, or condenser
- 1 × 50A Standard — common for range or EV charger
- 1 × 60A Standard — suitable for larger appliances or small subpanels
- 2 × 20A Standard — general-purpose small-appliance circuits
- AFCI breakers for enhanced fire protection on 120V living-area circuits:
- 3 × 15A AFCI — serving areas like bedrooms, living spaces, hallways, and lighting as required
Note on AFCI: When bringing a system up to current code, some circuits may require arc-fault protection. In homes with legacy wiring practices (such as shared neutrals), new AFCI breakers can trip until those conditions are corrected. If needed, our team can diagnose and resolve these issues to ensure reliable performance.
Why this upgrade benefits Oak Ridge homeowners
- Capacity and flexibility: A 200A main panel supports modern lifestyles, additions, and high-demand loads like EV charging or HVAC upgrades.
- Safety and code compliance: Correct grounding, bonding, labeling, and breaker selection create multiple layers of protection.
- Surge protection: Whole-home SPD helps defend electronics and appliances from transient voltage spikes.
- Long-term reliability: Copper bus construction provides durable performance under continuous use.
Local expertise from our Matthews branch
Touchstone Electric is a residential electrical contractor serving Oak Ridge, NC and the greater Charlotte area from our Matthews branch. We specialize in panels & service upgrades and electrical panel upgrades that meet current code and the practical needs of your home. From permitting to inspection, we manage the details so you can upgrade with confidence.
Customer feedback
After completion, Tim Beckman praised our team with a positive review for the panel upgrade and surge protection work in Oak Ridge. We appreciate the trust and are proud to deliver safe, reliable results for our neighbors.
Considering a panel upgrade in Oak Ridge?
If your lights dim under load, you’re planning an EV charger, or your panel is outdated, our Charlotte-based team can assess your system and recommend the right path forward. Ask us about panel upgrades, AFCI/GFCI solutions, and whole-home surge protection tailored to your home in Oak Ridge, NC.