Project overview
Completed on September 15, 2023, our Charlotte team—based out of our Matthews branch—delivered a comprehensive electrical upgrade for homeowner Patrick Deng in Charlotte, NC. Lead technician Theo Coetsee performed a 200-amp panel replacement, installed whole-home surge protection, added a dedicated dryer circuit, and completed targeted diagnostics on switches, lighting, and bedroom fans. Clear panel and switch labeling were included to make the system easy to navigate.
Scope of work
- 200A panel upgrade: Installed and supplied an interior 40/80-space main breaker panel for expanded capacity and better circuit organization.
- New grounding system: Installed and supplied a code-compliant grounding system to enhance safety and fault protection.
- Whole-home surge protection: Added a surge protective device to help safeguard electronics and appliances from voltage spikes.
- 240V dryer outlet: Installed and supplied a 220/240V, 30A dedicated dryer circuit with a new breaker and home-run wiring to the panel (previously gas-only, no existing electrical for the dryer).
- Garage lighting: Located the correct switches, verified connections, and ensured the existing lights operate properly.
- Bedroom fans: Diagnosed fan controls and corrected sequences so each remote can operate its respective fan individually.
- Living room three-way switch: Diagnosed a non-functioning three-way switch to identify the issue for proper correction.
- System labeling: Labeled the new panel and identified/marked all discovered switches for user-friendly operation.
- Permitted work: Electrical permit obtained for the upgrade.
What this upgrade means for the home
Moving from an older setup to a modern 200-amp electrical panel gives the home more headroom for present and future loads—EV chargers, HVAC equipment, kitchen circuits, and additional lighting—all while reducing nuisance tripping and improving system reliability. The 40/80-space configuration adds flexibility, allowing clean separation of circuits and easier troubleshooting down the road.
The new whole-home surge protector adds an extra layer of protection against transient surges from storms or utility events, helping extend the life of sensitive electronics. With a dedicated 240V, 30A dryer outlet, the homeowner now has a ready, properly sized circuit for an electric dryer where none existed before.
Safety, code, and clarity
A modernized grounding system is foundational to electrical safety. By ensuring proper grounding and bonding at the service, fault currents have a safe path, protective devices operate as intended, and the system aligns with current electrical code requirements.
Equally important, our team labeled the panel and switches so the homeowner can quickly identify circuits and controls. Clear labeling speeds up future maintenance and helps in emergencies when circuits need to be isolated.
Diagnostics that make daily living easier
Our technician verified garage light switch locations and connections to ensure the existing fixtures function as intended. In the bedrooms, we addressed control sequencing so each fan’s remote works individually—eliminating cross-control frustration. We also diagnosed a non-functioning three-way switch in the living room, identifying the issue for proper correction.
Local expertise you can trust in Charlotte
Touchstone Electric specializes in Panels & Service Upgrades and Electrical Panel Upgrades across the Charlotte area. From our Matthews-based Charlotte branch, we deliver code-compliant installations, careful diagnostics, and thoughtful finishing details—like thorough labeling—that set homeowners up for long-term safety and convenience.
Customer feedback
After the project, Patrick Deng praised our work with a Google review. Read it here: See Patrick’s review on Google.
Need a 200A panel upgrade or surge protection in Charlotte?
If you’re planning a panel upgrade, adding a dryer circuit, or troubleshooting switches and fan controls, our Charlotte team is ready to help. We handle permitting, install to code, and leave your system clearly labeled for worry-free operation.
