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Project overview
Touchstone Electric completed a residential main breaker panel upgrade for Scott Simpson in Matthews, NC. Our Charlotte branch team, led by technicians Alex Bishop and Danny Bishop, replaced the existing service equipment with a new 200 amp, 40-circuit indoor main breaker panel to improve safety, capacity, and reliability. The project was completed on June 30, 2026 and included permitting and inspection for full code compliance.
What we installed
- New 200A, 40-circuit indoor main breaker panel (aluminum bus) professionally mounted and labeled for clear circuit identification.
- Grounding and bonding brought up to current electrical code, with service entrance conductors and existing branch circuits safely reconnected.
- Whole-home surge protection included with the panel package, adding an extra layer of protection for sensitive electronics.
- Temporary outage management; power was disconnected for the changeover and a generator was made available for limited power usage during the outage.
- Electrical permit secured and final inspection coordinated with local authorities.
Scope for this project focused on the panel replacement and associated breakers. A service disconnect, feeder, or meter upgrade was not part of this installation.
Breakers added and circuit capacity
To align with modern safety standards and the homeowner’s loads, our team installed a selection of new breakers in the upgraded panel:
- 8x 15A Standard breakers for lighting and standard branch circuits, including bathroom lighting in accordance with current code.
- 5x 20A Standard breakers for small appliance circuits.
- 1x 25A GFCI (Double Pole) typically used for a small condenser, well pump, or small mini-split.
- 1x 30A Standard (Double Pole) for larger 240V loads such as a dryer, water heater, spa, or EV charger.
- 1x 40A Standard for mid-range 240V equipment.
- 2x 50A Standard for heavy loads like a range, furnace/air handler, small subpanel, or EV charging.
This configuration gives the home ample room for current needs and future expansion, with 40 total circuits available in the new panel.
Code compliance, AFCI/GFCI protection, and inspection
Safety was a priority. GFCI protection was installed where required, and our team prepared the panel to meet current code requirements. As local inspectors continue implementing NEC 2020, some homes may require additional AFCI upgrades on certain circuits during inspection. In rare cases, preexisting conditions (such as shared neutrals) can cause immediate tripping and may require diagnostic time to locate and correct. We coordinated permitting and the final inspection to ensure the upgraded system in Matthews meets the latest standards.
Permit details for Matthews homeowners
Touchstone Electric filed the electrical permit associated with this panel upgrade. If a project requires additional non-electrical permits (for example, zoning, environmental, or historic preservation), those are separate from the electrical permit. When such items are needed, we advise homeowners on the next steps and can provide pricing for processing any additional permit filings upon request.
Benefits of this 200 amp panel upgrade
- Increased capacity for modern appliances, heating/cooling, and EV charging.
- Improved safety through updated grounding/bonding, AFCI/GFCI protection where required, and clear circuit labeling.
- Equipment protection via whole-home surge suppression included with the panel package.
- Future-ready 40-circuit layout supports renovations and added loads without overcrowding the panel.
Local service in Matthews
If you’re in Matthews and need a Panels & Service Upgrades specialist for an electrical panel replacement or service upgrade, our Charlotte branch is ready to help. We service Matthews and the surrounding area with code-compliant installations, clear communication, and professional project management from permit to final inspection.
Customer feedback
Scott Simpson praised our team with a Google review after this upgrade. You can view it here: Read the customer review on Google.