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200A Copper Panel Upgrade in Charlotte, NC
Touchstone Electric completed a comprehensive electrical panel upgrade for homeowner Anne Reap in Charlotte, NC. Led by technician Christian Cedillos from our Charlotte team (serving the area from our Matthews branch), this project modernized the home’s service equipment with a new 200-amp copper-bus main panel, full AFCI protection on all 120V circuits, enhanced grounding with two ground rods, and a whole-home surge protective device. Completed on November 20, 2025, the upgrade improves safety, reliability, and code compliance throughout the property.
Scope of Work
- Replaced the existing panel with a new 200A indoor copper-bus main disconnect panel.
- Reconnected, organized, and labeled all circuits; properly grounded and bonded the panel.
- Installed two ground rods and updated the grounding electrode system for better fault clearing.
- Added a whole-home surge protector to shield appliances and electronics from voltage spikes.
- Upgraded all 120V circuits to AFCI breakers for enhanced arc-fault protection and code compliance.
- Replaced select double-pole breakers as needed for large appliances.
- Handled permitting and inspection with the local authority.
Installed Breakers and Protection
- 7× 15A AFCI for bedrooms, living areas, lighting, and general 120V receptacles.
- 5× 20A AFCI for dining areas, hallways/foyers, and designated kitchen receptacle circuits (non-counter/sink).
- 2× 30A double‑pole standard breakers for equipment such as dryers, water heaters, condensers, spas, or EV chargers.
- 1× 40A standard breaker.
- 2× 50A standard breakers for ranges, furnaces/heaters, subpanels, or EV charging equipment.
- 1× Whole‑home surge protective device integrated at the main panel.
Note: When adding AFCI protection to existing homes, preexisting wiring conditions (like shared neutrals) can cause immediate tripping. If that occurs, our team performs targeted diagnostics to locate and correct the issue so the system operates safely and reliably.
Why Choose a Copper-Bus 200A Panel?
A copper-bus panel offers excellent conductivity and heat resistance, helping breakers operate more efficiently under load. The result is a durable, stable distribution system with improved performance characteristics and long-term reliability. For homes in Charlotte, upgrading to a copper-bus 200A panel is a smart way to support today’s electrical demands—HVAC, kitchen appliances, EV charging, and future expansions—while meeting current code requirements.
Grounding and Surge Protection for Peace of Mind
Proper grounding is essential for safety. By driving two ground rods and verifying system bonding, we improved fault paths and reduced the risk of shock hazards. The added whole-home surge protector helps defend sensitive electronics and major appliances against lightning strikes and utility-side surges, an important layer of protection in our region’s storm seasons.
Permitting, Inspection, and Minimal Disruption
Our team coordinated permitting and the final inspection to ensure a smooth process. Power was temporarily disconnected during the panel changeover, and we scheduled work to minimize downtime for the homeowner. After installation, we labeled circuits clearly and left the area clean and job-ready.
Local Experts for Panels & Service Upgrades in Charlotte
Touchstone Electric specializes in Panels & Service Upgrades and Electrical Panel Upgrades across Charlotte, NC. From AFCI retrofits and surge protection to full 200A replacements, we deliver code-compliant solutions that improve safety and everyday reliability. Our Matthews branch proudly supports homeowners throughout the Charlotte area.
Customer Review
After the project, Anne Reap praised our work with a Google review. Read it here: View Anne’s Google review.