Call 855-502-2244Project overview: 200A panel and meter upgrade in Rock Hill, SC
Touchstone Electric’s Charlotte team, operating from our Matthews branch, completed a comprehensive Panels & Service Upgrades project for homeowner Gene Oaks in Rock Hill, SC on August 19, 2025. This job combined a 200-amp meter/panel combo with a new 200-amp indoor main panel, whole-home surge protection, an upgraded grounding system, new breakers throughout, and GFCI-protected circuits in the crawlspace. We also handled all required electrical permits and coordinated with the utility for the temporary power drop to safely complete the service.
What we installed
- 200A meter/panel combo (over/under with feed-through lugs): Included scheduling the utility power drop, installing the new combo unit, and setting ground rods with grounding electrode conductors for a robust, code-compliant service.
- 200A indoor main panel (aluminum bus): Replaced the existing panel, labeled circuits, and completed proper grounding and bonding. Reconnected the service entrance conductors and tied in existing branch circuits to modernize the home’s distribution.
- Whole-home surge protector: Installed at the service to help protect sensitive electronics and major appliances from damaging voltage spikes.
- Grounding system upgrade: Implemented a complete grounding electrode system to support safe fault clearing and stable system performance.
- New breakers throughout: Installed the correct mix of standard breakers to match the home’s loads, including:
- 4 × 30A double-pole breakers (commonly used for dryers, water heaters, condensers, spas, or EV equipment)
- 4 × 15A standard breakers (lighting and general branch circuits)
- 5 × 20A standard breakers (small appliance and utility circuits)
- 2 × 50A standard breakers (ranges, heaters/furnaces, small subpanels, or EV loads)
- 1 × 40A standard breaker (common for certain HVAC or appliance loads)
- Two GFCI circuits in the crawlspace: Added for safety and convenience where ground-fault protection is required.
- Permits and inspection coordination: Our team secured the necessary permits and coordinated inspections in accordance with the local authority having jurisdiction in Rock Hill, SC.
Why this upgrade matters for Rock Hill homeowners
Moving to a 200-amp service increases available capacity and improves reliability for today’s power-hungry homes. Whether you’re adding HVAC equipment, updating a kitchen, planning an EV charger, or expanding outdoor living spaces, a modern panel and meter setup helps prevent nuisance tripping, supports future projects, and simplifies load management.
The addition of a whole-home surge protector and a properly installed grounding electrode system provides a stronger safety foundation and an extra layer of protection for appliances and electronics during storms and utility fluctuations—both important considerations across the Rock Hill area.
Built to current codes and standards
Our Meter Base & Service Replacement work follows current code requirements. As local inspectors continue to implement provisions from the NEC, they may require certain circuits to use AFCI protection. In some homes, preexisting issues (like shared neutrals) can cause immediate tripping when AFCI is added, and resolving those conditions can involve additional troubleshooting. We discuss these scenarios with homeowners up front so upgrades go smoothly from planning through inspection.
During service change work, power must be temporarily disconnected. Upon request, Touchstone Electric can make a generator available for limited power usage during the outage to help keep critical needs covered while the upgrade is completed.
The team and customer experience
Lead technicians Theo Coetsee and Robert Sloan performed this upgrade with care and attention to detail—labeling circuits clearly, tightening and torqueing terminations properly, and verifying grounding and bonding so the new equipment operates safely. After completion, Gene Oaks shared positive feedback about the service experience.
Serving Rock Hill, SC from our Charlotte team
If you’re in Rock Hill, SC and considering a service change, panel upgrade, or meter base replacement, our Charlotte team is ready to help. We handle utility coordination, permits, inspections, and a clean, code-compliant installation so your home is prepared for both today’s needs and tomorrow’s projects.