200A Electrical Panel Upgrade & Breaker Replacement in Matthews

Completed 200A Panel Upgrade and Breaker Replacement in Matthews, NC

Touchstone Electric’s Charlotte branch completed a comprehensive electrical upgrade for United Pipe and Supply in Matthews, NC on June 7, 2025. Led by technician Patrick Burke, our team replaced the main service panel with a 200A copper unit, installed new breakers, added dedicated circuits, and improved safety with GFCI protection and updated wiring. This project was designed to enhance capacity, reliability, and code compliance for their warehouse operations.

Scope of Work

• 200A Copper Main Panel (Indoor): Brought the service equipment up to current electrical code, grounded and bonded the panel, labeled all circuits, reconnected the service entrance cable, and reconnected existing branch circuits. Permitting and inspection were included.
• Surge Protection: Included a surge protector with a $10k warranty for added protection.
• New Breakers Installed: To match the new panel and support existing and future loads, we installed:
  • 2 × 60A standard breakers
  • 2 × 50A standard breakers
  • 4 × 30A double-pole breakers
  • 2 × 20A double-pole breakers
  • 15 × 20A standard breakers
• Dedicated Circuits and MC Wiring: Ran approximately 250 feet of 10/2 MC cable to serve two dedicated countertop circuits in the warehouse.
• Bathroom GFCI Circuit: Installed a GFCI-protected circuit to enhance safety and meet code requirements in the bathroom areas.
• Receptacles: Added 2 standard duplex outlets and 2 GFCI outlets, including covers and professional installation.
• Lighting: Installed 22 customer-supplied fixtures (ceiling fans and lights) on existing boxes and circuits.
• Project Support: Additional wireman support helped keep the project efficient and on schedule.
• Power Management During Outage: During the panel changeover, we made a generator available for limited power usage.

Why Upgrade to a 200A Copper Panel?

A copper main panel is a strong foundation for today’s electrical demands and future expansion. The installed panel includes a 50-year warranty on the copper panel—significantly longer than typical aluminum panel warranties. Copper’s higher melting point and superior conductivity make it a durable, long-term choice for safety and performance.

With the new 200A capacity and refreshed breakers, the property is better equipped to handle heavier loads such as HVAC equipment, water heaters, shop tools, and potential future additions like EV charging or small subpanels.

Code Compliance and Safety

Our work in Matthews followed current electrical codes, with permitting and inspection included. GFCI protection was added in bathrooms to reduce shock risk in wet areas. As local inspectors continue implementing NEC 2020 updates, some projects may require AFCI breaker upgrades. In certain cases, preexisting conditions (such as shared neutrals) can cause immediate tripping when AFCI breakers are added and may require diagnostic time to correct. Our team is prepared to evaluate and resolve these issues when they arise.

Local Matthews Electrical Experts

From our Charlotte branch, Touchstone Electric serves Matthews, NC with dependable panel upgrades, breaker replacements, dedicated circuits, MC wiring, outlet additions, and lighting installations. Whether you’re planning a 200A service upgrade or adding circuits for new equipment, we provide clean, code-compliant work with clear communication and scheduling.

If you’re in Matthews and considering an electrical panel upgrade or need new circuits, outlets, or fixtures, our team is ready to help with a professional assessment and a seamless installation experience.