200A Panel Upgrade, Subpanel & EV Charger in Charlotte, NC

Project overview

Touchstone Electric’s Charlotte team completed a comprehensive electrical upgrade for homeowner Robert Saltzmann. The scope included a 200-amp main panel upgrade, a new 4/0 feeder to a garage subpanel, and a hardwired Level 2 EV charger installation—fully permitted and inspected. We also added whole-home surge protection at the main panel to help safeguard electronics and appliances from power disturbances.

This project was designed to serve current charging needs while creating capacity for future electrification, including a planned electric water heater.

What we installed

• 200A main panel upgrade: The existing service was brought up to current electrical code. We grounded and bonded the new panel, cleaned up terminations, reconnected the service entrance conductors, and relabeled circuits for clarity and safety. Existing compatible breakers were reused per the customer’s preference and manufacturer guidance.
• New 4/0 feeder (SER, 4-wire): A heavy-duty 4/0 feeder was run from the main to the garage subpanel to support up to 200 amps of sub-fed capacity. Feed-through lugs were utilized at the main panel to deliver reliable power to the new subpanel.
• Garage subpanel for today and tomorrow: The new subpanel provides dedicated capacity for the EV charger now and leaves space for a future electric water heater and additional circuits as the home’s needs evolve.
• Hardwired Level 2 EV charger: A 50-amp circuit with approximately 40 feet of #8 SEU 3‑wire was installed to the customer’s preferred location in the garage. A dedicated 50A breaker supplies the charger for dependable Level 2 charging performance.
• Permits and inspection: Our Charlotte branch handled the electrical permit and coordinated inspection, ensuring a smooth, code-compliant process from start to finish.

Safety, code, and workmanship

Every panel upgrade we perform is aligned with current NEC requirements and local amendments. For this Charlotte project, our team focused on proper grounding and bonding, correct conductor sizing, clear circuit labeling, and secure terminations. Where required by the authority having jurisdiction, we review arc-fault and ground-fault protection needs and coordinate any inspector-requested updates.

Including surge protection at the main panel adds an important layer of defense against voltage spikes, helping protect sensitive equipment like EV chargers, HVAC systems, appliances, and home electronics.

Why this upgrade made sense for a Charlotte home

• Capacity for modern loads: A 200A main panel and 4/0 subpanel feeder ensure room for EV charging and electrification projects.
• Future-ready design: The garage subpanel provides reserved space for a future electric water heater and other circuits.
• Cleaner, safer distribution: Updated labeling and organization make maintenance and troubleshooting easier.
• Local expertise: Performed by our Charlotte (Matthews) branch with a dedicated, licensed technician on site.

Technician spotlight

Lead electrician Christian Cedillos managed this project end-to-end, from panel replacement and feeder installation to the hardwired EV charger setup and final inspection coordination.

Customer feedback

Robert Saltzmann praised our work with a Google review. You can view and share the review here: See the customer review on Google.

Need a panel upgrade or EV charger in Charlotte?

Whether you’re replacing an aging panel, planning a garage subpanel, or adding a Level 2 EV charger, Touchstone Electric’s Charlotte team delivers safe, clean, and code-compliant installations. We handle permitting, work with inspectors, and design with future projects in mind so your home is ready for what’s next.