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200A Service & Meter Base Upgrade in Hickory, NC
Touchstone Electric completed a comprehensive Panels & Service Upgrades project in Hickory, NC on February 24, 2025. Led by technician Viktor Opalko from our Charlotte business unit (Matthews branch), this job focused on replacing an aging service with a modern, code-compliant 200A meter/panel combo and refreshed circuit protection.
Homeowner Lawson Huggins chose our team for a full service and meter base replacement, including new breakers sized for today’s household loads and a grounding system upgrade for improved safety.
Scope of Work Completed
This project was categorized under Meter Base & Service Replacement and included permitting, utility coordination, and installation of the new equipment. Key components installed:
- Meter/Panel Combo – 200A: New service equipment, utility coordination for the power drop, permits, and installation.
- Ground Rods Upgrade: Drove a new ground rod (typical 8 ft) and replaced the grounding electrode conductor (GEC) with a continuous run back to the main service panel (up to 25 ft).
- Breakers Installed:
- 1 × 100A (2-pole) for a subpanel feeder
- 3 × 50A standard (commonly used for ranges, heaters/furnaces, small subpanels, or EV chargers)
- 2 × 30A standard (2-pole) (often serving dryers, water heaters, condensers, spas, or EV chargers)
- 1 × 20A standard for small appliance circuits
As part of the upgrade, we ensured the grounding and bonding met current code expectations and prepared the service for the increased capacity of a 200A main.
Code Compliance and Utility Coordination
Our team handled the full process in Hickory, NC: scheduling the temporary power drop with the utility provider, pulling the necessary permits, and installing the new meter/panel combo. We also replaced the grounding electrode conductor with a continuous run and set a new ground rod to promote reliable fault clearing and better surge performance.
With NEC 2020 increasingly adopted by inspectors, some projects may require AFCI protection on certain circuits. In homes with preexisting conditions (such as shared neutrals), AFCI breakers can reveal issues that need diagnostic work. We discuss these scenarios during the project planning phase so homeowners know what to expect. For outage-sensitive households, a temporary generator can be made available on request for limited power use during the service changeover.
Why Upgrade to a 200A Service?
Modern homes in Hickory often add higher-demand appliances and systems. A 200A service and updated panel provide room for today’s and tomorrow’s loads, while improving safety and reliability.
- Supports EV chargers, heat pumps, electric ranges, and workshop equipment
- Adds capacity for remodels, additions, or finished basements
- Replaces aging breakers and connections with new, properly sized components
- Improves grounding and bonding for overall electrical system safety
Customer Feedback
We’re grateful that Lawson Huggins praised our work with a positive review. Read the feedback here: See the Google review.
Serving Hickory from Our Charlotte Team
Touchstone Electric’s Charlotte unit, operating from our Matthews branch, proudly serves homeowners in Hickory, NC with panel upgrades, meter base replacements, and grounding improvements. We manage permitting, coordinate with the utility, and complete clean, code-focused installations designed for long-term performance.
If you’re considering a 200A upgrade, new subpanel, or breaker replacements, our team can assess your existing service, recommend right-sized breakers, and plan a smooth changeover with minimal downtime.