200A Electrical Panel Upgrade in Fort Mill, SC
Our Charlotte branch, based out of Matthews, completed a code-compliant 200-amp copper main panel upgrade for homeowner Randy Gibson in Fort Mill, SC. On June 11, 2025, technician Patrick Burke replaced the aging, crowded panel to free up space for future circuits and elevate whole-home electrical safety.
Why this upgrade was needed
The existing panel had reached the end of its service life and lacked available spaces for new circuits. Upgrading to a modern 200A copper panel helps address capacity, organization, and grounding/bonding, while meeting current electrical code requirements in Fort Mill. This upgrade prepares the home for added loads like EV chargers, HVAC equipment, or future remodeling.
Scope of work performed
- 200A indoor copper main panel replacement: Brought the service to current code, replaced the panel and main lug, labeled all circuits, properly grounded and bonded the panel, reconnected the service-entrance conductors, and reconnected all existing branch circuits. The project included permitting and inspection.
- Breaker updates for safety and capacity: Installed and organized new breakers to match the home’s loads, including 1× 60A standard, 4× 30A double-pole, 1× 20A double-pole, 3× 20A standard, and 5× 15A standard breakers.
- Whole-home surge protection: Added a surge protective device at the main panel to divert excess voltage to ground and help protect appliances, electronics, wiring, and system components from lightning-related surges, utility fluctuations, and equipment cycling.
- Power outage management: During the panel swap, power was temporarily disconnected. Limited generator power was made available to minimize disruption.
Note: The panel replacement scope did not include a service disconnect, feeder, or meter upgrade (not required for this project). Breakers were provided and installed as listed above.
Copper panel benefits and warranty
The installed copper panel carries a 50-year warranty, offering long-term peace of mind. Copper’s higher melting point versus aluminum supports durability and reliability over time—ideal for homes planning added loads or future expansions.
Surge protection coverage details
The whole-home surge protector includes a $10,000, 3-year coverage on covered equipment in the unlikely event of failure. Covered equipment may include major appliances (such as washer, dryer, refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, garbage disposal, stove), interior HVAC equipment, wiring, outlets/switches, breakers, hardwired devices (like built-in microwaves, furnace, air handlers, evaporator coils, hardwired ranges), and home/landscape lighting when protected by a properly connected surge protective device. Claims are secondary to your existing insurance policy and direct lightning strikes are excluded. Security systems and medical equipment are not covered.
About code compliance and AFCI considerations
As local inspectors implement NEC 2020, certain circuits may require AFCI protection. In some homes, preexisting conditions—such as shared neutrals—can cause nuisance tripping once AFCI breakers are installed. If that occurs, additional troubleshooting may be needed to locate and correct the issue, which can involve opening devices on the affected circuits to isolate the problem.
Local, trusted service in Fort Mill
Touchstone Electric’s Charlotte team proudly serves Fort Mill, SC with expert panel and service upgrades. If you’re planning an electrical panel replacement, additional circuits, or surge protection, we can help you meet code, improve safety, and make room for the future.
Customer feedback
Randy Gibson praised our work on this project. See their Google review: View on Google
Related services
- Panels & Service Upgrades: Capacity increases, service modernization, grounding/bonding corrections, and code updates.
- Electrical Panel Upgrades: 100A to 200A+ panel replacements, breaker reorganization, labeling, and whole-home surge protection.
