Project overview
Touchstone Electric completed a 200A meter base replacement and 200A outdoor main panel upgrade for a home in Lincolnton, NC. The work was performed by our technician Christian Cedillos and coordinated through our Charlotte business unit and Matthews branch. The project reached final completion on February 12, 2025, with permitting and inspection included.
Customer Julia Reynolds praised our team with a Google review. Read it here: View the review on Google.
Primary category: Panels & Service Upgrades
Secondary category: Meter Base & Service Replacement
Scope of work in Lincolnton, NC
- Replaced existing meter base with a new 200A meter base, including ground rods and grounding electrode conductors.
- Installed a 200A aluminum outdoor main panel, brought to current electrical code, grounded and bonded, and labeled.
- Reconnected the service entrance cable and existing circuits to the new panel.
- Provided permitting and coordinated inspection with the local authority having jurisdiction.
- Installed new standard breakers to support existing appliances and circuits.
- Added a whole-home surge protector (included with the panel installation).
What was included
- 200A Meter Base Replacement: Scheduled the utility power drop, pulled permits, installed the new meter base, and installed ground rods with grounding electrode conductors. Generator support for limited power usage during the outage is available upon request. Note: This scope does not include the riser/weatherhead, the service entrance cable from the new meter to the weatherhead, or feeder and conduit to main panels if needed.
- 200A Outdoor Main Panel (Aluminum): Brought the system to current code and enhanced safety. Replaced the panel, main lug, and labeling; grounded and bonded the panel; reconnected the service entrance cable; and reconnected existing circuits. Includes permitting, inspection, and a $10k warranty surge protector. Note: This scope does not include breakers, a service disconnect, feeder, or meter upgrade (if needed). A 20-year transferable warranty on the panel is included. Power is disconnected during the changeover; a generator for limited use can be provided upon request.
As NEC 2020 code adoption continues in our region, the local inspector may require upgrading some breakers to AFCI. Installing AFCI breakers can reveal preexisting wiring conditions (such as shared neutrals) that may cause immediate tripping and require additional diagnostic time to resolve.
Equipment and materials installed
- Breakers: 1 × 40A standard (typical for dryer, water heater, A/C, spa, or EV charger), 10 × 20A standard (small appliance circuits), 3 × 30A standard double‑pole (appliance and HVAC loads).
- Conduit: 2" PVC, 8 feet installed with appropriate connectors and LBs as applicable.
- Service/Ground Conductors: 14 feet of XHHW 4/0 stranded conductor, suitable for wet locations and conduit.
- Surge protection: Whole‑home surge protector included with the panel installation.
- Project savings: A custom discount was applied to the service.
Code compliance, safety, and homeowner experience
Our Lincolnton, NC project emphasized safety and reliability. We handled the permitting process, coordinated the utility power drop, and scheduled inspection to ensure a smooth, code-compliant upgrade. During the panel changeover, power must be temporarily disconnected; upon request, Touchstone Electric can make a generator available for limited usage until utility service is restored.
Why choose Touchstone Electric for panel and meter upgrades in Lincolnton
- Local expertise from our Charlotte team serving Lincolnton and surrounding communities.
- Turnkey service: permitting, utility coordination, installation, and inspection.
- Safety-first workmanship with grounding, bonding, labeling, and code compliance.
- Valuable protections, including a $10k surge protector and a 20-year transferable panel warranty (aluminum panel installation).
- Clear scope and communication, including what is and is not included in each line item.
If you need a 200A meter base replacement or a main panel upgrade in Lincolnton, NC, our Matthews branch is ready to help through the Charlotte business unit. We’re experienced with residential service upgrades and focused on delivering a smooth, inspected, and code-compliant result.
