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Project overview: 200A service upgrade and workshop subpanel in Raleigh, NC
Our Raleigh team completed a comprehensive service upgrade for homeowner Dustin Simons, led by technician Brad Williams. The scope included replacing the exterior 200 amp meter base with new feeders, installing a 200 amp main panel in the basement, and adding an 80 amp subpanel to power a workshop. All work was permitted and coordinated with the local utility and inspection authorities for a smooth, code-compliant upgrade in Raleigh, NC.
- Location: Raleigh, NC (Raleigh branch)
- Primary service: Panels & Service Upgrades
- Completion: July 2025
- Technician: Brad Williams
What we upgraded and installed
To deliver reliable power and capacity for present and future needs, we modernized the home’s service equipment and distribution.
- New 200A meter base: We coordinated the temporary power drop with the utility, pulled permits, mounted the new meter base, and installed ground rods with grounding electrode conductors for a robust grounding system.
- 200A main panel in the basement: A clean, labeled installation ready for current loads and future expansion. New feeders were pulled to the main panel, including appropriately sized THHN 4/0 conductors in 2-inch PVC conduit where required.
- 80A workshop subpanel: A code-compliant, midsized indoor subpanel (12/24 spaces, up to 125A capacity) fed at 80 amps to support tools and equipment in the workshop.
- New branch wiring where needed: NM-B runs included 6/3 for 50A equipment, 10/3 for 30A loads, and 12/2 and 12/3 for 20A circuits, complete with junction boxes as applicable.
- Breaker lineup tailored to the home: We installed a mix of GFCI and standard breakers, including 15A and 20A singles for general circuits and double‑pole breakers at 20A, 30A, 40A, 50A, and 80A to protect larger loads and the subpanel feeder.
- Appliance connections: Two customer‑supplied major appliances were connected on dedicated circuits during the visit.
To minimize downtime during the utility shutoff, our team coordinated scheduling in advance. Upon request, Touchstone Electric can make a temporary generator available for limited power during the outage window.
Code compliance, safety, and inspections
All work met current local code and NEC requirements, including panel bonding, labeling, working clearances, and grounding. As Raleigh inspectors continue adopting NEC 2020, some projects may require upgrading certain circuits to AFCI protection. Note that adding AFCI protection can reveal preexisting wiring issues (such as a shared neutral) that may cause immediate tripping. When this occurs, additional diagnostic work may be needed to locate and correct the condition.
GFCI protection was provided for areas where required (such as bathrooms, garages, exterior, basements, and similar locations), and breaker sizing was matched to conductor ampacity and connected loads for safe operation.
Benefits for the homeowner
- More capacity and future‑readiness: A 200A service supports modern appliances, HVAC, EV charging, and workshop equipment.
- Improved reliability: New service equipment, breakers, and grounding reduce nuisance trips and voltage drop issues.
- Cleaner distribution: A dedicated 80A workshop subpanel keeps tool circuits organized and expandable.
- Local expertise: Installed by Touchstone Electric’s Raleigh branch with permitting and inspections handled start to finish.
Local panels and service upgrades in Raleigh, NC
Whether you need a meter base replacement, a 200A main panel change-out, or a subpanel for a garage or workshop, Touchstone Electric’s Raleigh team delivers neat, code-compliant installations. We handle permits and utility coordination, install the proper grounding, and configure breakers and feeders sized to your home’s needs.
Ready to plan your electrical panel upgrade in Raleigh, NC? Contact Touchstone Electric to schedule an on-site assessment.
Customer feedback
After completion, Dustin Simons praised our Raleigh team with a Google review. Read the review here: View on Google.