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200A Meter Base & Panel Upgrade in Matthews, NC
Touchstone Electric completed an outdoor 200A meter base and main panel swap for homeowner David Ashley in Matthews, NC. This project was delivered by our Charlotte branch and expertly handled by technician Mark Viktorovich on 2025-11-19. The job included full utility coordination, permitting, grounding improvements, and an integrated surge protector with $10k coverage—all with a $500 member discount applied.
Category: Panels & Service Upgrades | Service Type: Meter Base & Service Replacement
David praised our team with a Google review. Read it here: View customer review on Google
Scope of Work Completed
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200A Outdoor Meter Base Replacement — We scheduled the power drop with the utility, pulled the electrical permit, installed the new meter base, and upgraded grounding with new ground rods and continuous grounding electrode conductors (GEC).
Note: This scope did not include the riser/weatherhead, service-entrance cable from the new meter to the weatherhead, or feeder/conduit to main panels if required. Upon request, we can provide a generator for limited power during the outage.
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200A Outdoor Main Panel (Aluminum) — The main service panel was brought to current electrical code and safety standards. We replaced the panel and main lugs, labeled circuits, grounded and bonded the enclosure, reconnected the service-entrance conductors, and reconnected existing branch circuits. A surge protector with $10k coverage was installed for whole-home protection. Includes permitting and final inspection.
Note: Breakers, service disconnect, feeder, or a separate meter upgrade (if needed) were not included in this scope. Power was disconnected during the swap; a generator is available upon request for limited temporary power.
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Electrical Permit — We filed the electrical permit with the county and coordinated inspections.
Exclusions: Non-electrical permits (e.g., Historic Preservation, Environmental/Septic, Zoning, subcontractor, or builder permits) were not included. If additional non-electrical permits are required, we can provide guidance or a price to process them.
- Grounding System Upgrade — We drove new ground rods (typically about 8 ft) and installed a continuous GEC to the main service panel, up to 25 ft, to improve fault clearing and lightning protection.
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PowerCare Membership Applied — The homeowner enrolled in our membership program, unlocking an 8% discount (up to $500), which delivered a $500 savings on this project. Membership is $13/month for 12 months. If canceled early, the cancellation charge equals any discount received.
- Lifetime Craftsmanship Warranty on our workmanship
- $0 Yearly Safety Check — tests of safety devices, main device, panel, GFCIs, and disconnects
- $0 Annual Panel Tune-Up — re-tension lugs and breaker terminations, apply antioxidant, voltage variance test, clean and seal
- $0 Dispatch Hold — we waive the dispatch fee when you need us
Code and Inspection Considerations
As NEC 2020 adoption progresses, inspectors may require certain circuits to be upgraded to AFCI protection. In some homes, preexisting wiring conditions such as shared neutrals can cause immediate AFCI tripping. Troubleshooting these issues may require additional diagnostic time to isolate and correct the underlying condition.
Utility Coordination and Outage Planning
For safe service replacement, we schedule the utility power drop and manage reconnection after work is completed. During the outage window, Touchstone Electric can make a generator available for limited, essential power upon request.
Why Matthews Homeowners Choose Touchstone Electric
- Local expertise from our Charlotte branch serving Matthews, NC
- Turnkey permitting, inspection coordination, and utility scheduling
- Grounding upgrades that enhance safety and code compliance
- Whole-home surge protection included on this project
- PowerCare Membership savings and ongoing preventive maintenance
If you need a meter base or main panel upgrade in Matthews, NC, we’re ready to help with a smooth, code-compliant installation and clear communication from start to finish.