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Project overview
Touchstone Electric’s Charlotte team completed a 200-amp main panel upgrade with whole-home surge protection for homeowner Debbie Mcgovern in Charlotte, NC. The work was performed by Tyquan Johnson and finalized on October 29, 2025. This service was delivered by our Charlotte unit, supported by our Matthews branch.
What we upgraded and why it matters
We brought the electrical system up to current code to enhance safety, reliability, and future capacity. Our scope focused on replacing the aging main panel, improving grounding and bonding, and ensuring clean, labeled terminations for easier maintenance and faster troubleshooting down the road.
- Replaced the main panel with a 200A indoor copper-bus panel
- Grounded and bonded the panel to meet current code
- Reconnected the service entrance cable and existing branch circuits
- Clearly labeled all circuits for accuracy and safety
- Installed a whole-home surge protector with a $10k warranty
- Included permitting and inspection for a compliant, worry-free upgrade
Power must be shut off during a panel change. To minimize disruption, Touchstone can provide a generator for limited power use during the outage.
Installed components for this Charlotte panel upgrade
While panel replacements don’t always require new breakers, this project included new breakers for select circuits to match capacity and code requirements:
- 1× 50A Standard Breaker – typical uses: range, heater/furnace, small subpanel, EV charger
- 2× 30A Double-Pole Standard Breakers – typical uses: dryer, water heater, condenser, spa, EV charger
- 1× 15A GFCI Breaker – typical uses: kitchen receptacles, exterior, crawl spaces, basements, garage lighting
- 5× 15A Standard Breakers – typical uses: lighting and general branch circuits
- 4× 20A Standard Breakers – typical uses: small appliance circuits
We also filed the electrical permit. Note: if a project requires non-electrical permits (e.g., historic, zoning, or environmental), those are not included by default. We’ll advise if any are needed and outline next steps.
Code updates and AFCI expectations
As local inspectors implement NEC 2020, they may require AFCI protection on certain circuits. Adding AFCI protection can occasionally cause immediate tripping if there is a preexisting wiring condition, such as a shared neutral. In those cases, locating and correcting the issue may require additional diagnostic time, which can involve opening fixtures on the affected circuit to isolate the shared neutral.
Why a copper panel for this home
The upgraded panel features a copper bus with a 50-year warranty—that’s 30 years more than a typical 20-year warranty on many aluminum-bus panels. Copper also has a higher melting point than aluminum, an advantage in long-term durability and heat tolerance. Combined with proper grounding, bonding, and labeling, this provides a robust foundation for safe everyday use and future electrical upgrades.
Local service you can trust
Touchstone Electric specializes in Panels & Service Upgrades and Electrical Panel Upgrades throughout Charlotte, NC. This project was completed by our Charlotte team, proudly serving homeowners across the area from our Matthews branch.
Customer Debbie Mcgovern praised our work with a review. Read it here: View Debbie’s Google review