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Storm-Damage Meter Base and Service Replacement in Columbia, SC
After a severe storm brought a tree down on the service mast of a Columbia home, Touchstone Electric responded quickly to restore safe, reliable power. Our residential electrical team completed a 200-amp meter base and service replacement, addressing damage from the weatherhead down to the grounding system. This project falls under our Panels & Service Upgrades and Meter Base & Service Replacement services.
Location: Columbia, SC
Completed: September 2024
Technician: Brad Anderson
What Was Damaged
Fallen limbs compromised the home’s overhead service components. The impact damaged the existing meter base and conduit run to the weatherhead, stressed the service-entrance conductors near the drip loop, and raised concerns about the integrity of the grounding system. Leaving this unaddressed can cause unsafe energization, water intrusion, and potential shock or fire hazards.
Our Solution
We provided a code-compliant replacement of the 200-amp service to restore electrical safety and reliability. Scope of work included:
- Electrical permit filing with the county to ensure the work met local requirements.
- Utility coordination to schedule the power drop and safe de-energization/re-energization.
- New 200-amp meter base installation, set plumb and secure for long-term durability.
- Conduit run to the weatherhead to protect conductors from mechanical damage and weather.
- New service-entrance cable up to the end of the drip loop for dependable overhead connection to the utility.
- Grounding upgrades including ground rods and grounding electrode conductors for proper fault clearing and surge protection.
Where outages are necessary, Touchstone Electric can make a generator available for limited power usage during the work upon customer request. The meter base replacement scope does not include the feeder and conduit from the meter to interior main panels unless specified as an additional service.
Why This Upgrade Matters
Storm damage often leaves hidden issues. By replacing the meter base, conduit, and service-entrance conductors, we:
- Eliminated unsafe connections and mechanical stress caused by the fallen tree.
- Improved weather resistance at the weatherhead and drip loop to help prevent moisture intrusion.
- Enhanced grounding and bonding to support proper breaker operation during faults and reduce the risk of shock.
- Brought the service components in line with current code and utility requirements for a dependable tie-in.
The result is a safer, more resilient electrical service ready for future inspections, utility coordination, and everyday use.
Permitting and What’s Included
For this project, we handled the electrical permit and coordination with the power provider. Different jurisdictions may require additional non-electrical permits not covered by the electrical permit. If a historic, environmental/septic, zoning, or similar non-electrical permit is needed for a particular property, we advise the homeowner on next steps and can assist with processing as requested.
Customer Feedback
Homeowner Scott Eddins praised our Columbia team for making the service replacement process straightforward during a stressful post-storm situation. Read Scott’s feedback on Google: View the review on Google.
Need Meter Base or Service Repairs in Columbia, SC?
Touchstone Electric is a residential electrical contractor trusted for storm-damage service replacements, panel upgrades, and meter base repairs across Columbia, SC. If you notice a pulled meter, bent mast, frayed conductors, or grounding issues after severe weather, our local team can assess the damage and provide a clear, code-compliant repair plan.
Contact our Columbia service team to schedule an inspection or to discuss a 200-amp meter base and service upgrade for your home.