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Code-Compliant Panel Upgrade in Chapel Hill, NC
Our Raleigh branch completed a permitted, code-compliant main panel replacement and surge protection upgrade for homeowner Michelle Benkowitz in Chapel Hill. Lead electrician Gustavo Peralta delivered a clean, labeled installation that improves safety, reliability, and future serviceability. Completion date: May 1, 2026.
Michelle praised our work with a Google review. Read it here: View the customer review on Google.
What We Did
- Pulled permit and coordinated inspection for a fully documented upgrade.
- Replaced the indoor 200A main electrical panel featuring an aluminum bus bar. We grounded and bonded the panel, reconnected the service entrance cable, reconnected all existing circuits, and clearly labeled the new panel.
- Installed whole-home surge protection with a $50,000 equipment protection warranty for 10 years to help safeguard appliances and sensitive electronics from voltage spikes.
- Upgraded and standardized breakers for safety and performance:
- 1× 30A Double-Pole Standard
- 1× 20A AFCI
- 7× 20A Standard
- 1× 15A AFCI
- 14× 15A Standard
- 3× 20A Double-Pole Standard
- 2× 25A Double-Pole Standard
- 1× 60A Standard
- Maintained limited temporary power with a generator during the panel changeover to minimize downtime.
This project falls under our Panels & Service Upgrades category, with a focus on Electrical Panel Upgrades tailored for Chapel Hill homes.
Safety, AFCI Protection, and NEC 2020 Readiness
As the Chapel Hill area continues adopting NEC 2020, inspectors commonly require AFCI (Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection on additional branch circuits to reduce arc-related fire risks. As part of this upgrade, select circuits received new AFCI breakers to align with current code expectations.
Note: Installing AFCI breakers can expose preexisting conditions—such as shared neutrals—that may cause nuisance tripping and require additional diagnostic time to resolve. Our team plans upgrades with these possibilities in mind to help ensure a smooth inspection and a safer, more stable electrical system.
Whole-Home Surge Protection Benefits
The installed surge protective device diverts excess voltage to ground before it can damage your home’s electrical system and covered equipment. This helps protect against spikes from lightning activity, grid fluctuations, or high-demand appliances cycling on and off, and can extend the lifespan of electronics and appliances through everyday protection.
- Warranty: $50,000 coverage for 10 years (see manufacturer terms, limitations, and exclusions).
- Coverage focus: Major household appliances, hardwired equipment, and electrical system components when properly connected to the SPD.
Warranties and Peace of Mind
- Signature Lifetime Craftsmanship Warranty included on our workmanship.
- 20-year transferrable panel warranty on the aluminum bus bar panel installation.
- 10-year/$50k surge protection warranty as noted above.
Together, these protections provide long-term confidence in the upgrade while supporting modern safety standards.
Your Local Panel Upgrade Experts
Touchstone Electric’s Raleigh team serves Chapel Hill, NC with permitted, inspector-ready panel replacements, service upgrades, and surge protection solutions. If your home needs a 200-amp panel replacement, AFCI updates, or whole-home surge protection, our licensed electricians are ready to help with a streamlined, tidy installation and clear labeling for future maintenance.
Project by: Touchstone Electric – Raleigh Branch | Service area: Chapel Hill, NC