Project overview

Touchstone Electric’s Raleigh branch completed a comprehensive 200A service upgrade for a home in Graham, NC. On June 24, 2024, our technicians Danny Bishop and Cody Perry upgraded the meter base, replaced and relocated the outdoor main panel, installed new breakers, coordinated permitting and inspections, and ensured the system met current electrical code. Homeowner Cathy Padgett praised our team with a positive review following the project.

Scope of work completed

200A Meter Base Replacement: Scheduled the utility power drop, pulled permits, installed the new meter base, and ran conduit from the meter to the weatherhead. We installed service entrance cable to the drip loop and added ground rods with grounding electrode conductors for a safer, compliant service.
200A Outdoor Main Panel (Aluminum): Brought the service equipment up to current code by replacing the panel, main lugs, and labeling the new panel. We grounded and bonded the enclosure, reconnected the service entrance conductors, and tied in existing branch circuits. A surge protector with a $25k warranty was included as part of the panel package. This panel carries a 20-year transferable warranty (our copper panel option carries a longer-term warranty).
Panel Relocation: Relocated the panel to a code-compliant position. Note: conduit, new panel, and drywall repair are excluded from relocation per scope; homeowner handles any drywall repairs (referrals available).
Breaker Installation: Matched new breakers to the home’s loads to improve reliability and protection.
Custom Wire Extensions: Extended conductors and installed any necessary boxes to complete the relocation and reconnections, including service wire adjustments.
Permitting & Inspection: Filed the electrical permit and coordinated all required inspections with the local authority having jurisdiction.

During necessary outage windows, Touchstone can provide a generator for limited power upon request to keep essentials running.

Installed breaker configuration

1× 60A standard breaker: Commonly used for ranges, furnaces, small subpanels, or EV chargers.
1× 40A standard breaker: Typical for dryers, water heaters, condensers, spas, or EV charging.
2× 30A double-pole breakers: Suitable for dryers, water heaters, and HVAC condensers.
1× 25A double-pole breaker: For small condensers, well pumps, or mini-splits.
4× 20A standard breakers: For small appliance circuits.
4× 15A standard breakers: For lighting and standard branch circuits, including bathroom lighting per 2020 code.
2" PVC conduit (15 ft): Included mounting hardware, connectors, and LBs as applicable.

Safety, code compliance, and reliability

This Graham, NC upgrade focused on long-term safety and service headroom. By replacing the meter base and moving to a 200A outdoor main panel, the home gained improved grounding and bonding, clearer labeling, and modern overcurrent protection. The included whole-home surge protector adds an extra layer of protection for sensitive electronics, and the 20-year transferable panel warranty provides added peace of mind.

Utility coordination and inspections made easy

Our team managed the entire process—utility coordination for the power drop, permit filing, and scheduling inspections—so the homeowner didn’t have to. We plan outage windows carefully and can supply a temporary generator for limited loads if requested, helping minimize disruption during major electrical upgrades.

Panels & service upgrades in Graham, NC

If you’re planning an electrical panel upgrade, meter base replacement, or service relocation in Graham, NC, Touchstone Electric’s Raleigh team is ready to help. We deliver code-compliant installations, clear communication, and a smooth permit-and-inspection experience from start to finish.

Local expertise for Graham-area homes
Complete permitting and inspection coordination
Professional panel labeling, grounding, and bonding
Surge protection included with the new panel package
Transferable panel warranty for added confidence

Reach out to schedule an assessment, discuss panel capacity needs, or plan a safe, efficient upgrade tailored to your home.

200A Panel Upgrade & Meter Base Replacement in Graham, NC