Charlotte Meter & Panel Combo Installation — 200A Service Upgrade

Our Charlotte branch completed a comprehensive 200 amp meter/panel combo upgrade for homeowner Chase Metheney in Charlotte, NC. Performed by technicians Dillon Culley and Hunter Cox, this project modernized the home’s service equipment, improved grounding and surge protection, and aligned the installation with current electrical safety standards. Completion date: 2026-06-17.

Project Overview

As part of our Panels & Service Upgrades and Meter Base & Service Replacement offerings, we replaced aging service equipment with a new 200A meter/panel combo (over/under with feed-through lugs) and installed a new service riser and conductors. The result is a cleaner layout, improved capacity, and a safer, more reliable electrical system for the home.

New meter/panel combo (200A): Over/under configuration with feed-through lugs for future expansion flexibility.
New service riser with weatherhead: Includes IMC conduit, straps, roof boot, and service entrance cable to the weatherhead.
Service conductors: Installed three new conductors to the riser for a robust, code-compliant service drop interface.
Breaker upgrades: Installed standard double‑pole breakers (including 60A) and added 20A and 15A AFCI protection on required circuits.
Grounding system: Installed new ground rods with grounding electrode conductors for improved fault-clearing and lightning protection.
Whole‑home surge protection: Panel-mounted device to help safeguard appliances and electronics from power surges.
Clean finish work: Knockout kit used to adapt 5" conduit beneath the panel for a neat, secure fit.
Permits and utility coordination: We handled permitting and scheduled the power drop to minimize downtime.

Why This Upgrade Matters

A 200A service upgrade enhances the home’s ability to support modern loads—HVAC, EV charging, updated kitchens, and future additions—while improving safety and reliability. The new grounding system and whole‑home surge protector add layers of protection against faults and transient voltage events. For homeowners in Charlotte and Matthews, these upgrades are a smart way to increase capacity and reduce nuisance trips and equipment wear.

AFCI and Code Considerations (NEC 2020)

As local inspectors implement NEC 2020, more circuits require AFCI breakers. Installing AFCIs can reveal preexisting wiring conditions—such as shared neutrals—that may cause immediate tripping. Resolving these issues can involve diagnostic time to isolate and correct the affected circuit(s). During service upgrades, we plan for these possibilities and explain options so homeowners understand the path to full compliance.

What We Include vs. Exclusions

Included: Pulling permits, scheduling the utility power drop, installing the new meter/panel combo, and completing the grounding electrode system.
Riser scope: IMC conduit to weatherhead, straps, roof boot, and service entrance cable from the new meter to the weatherhead.
Available upon request: A temporary generator can be made available for limited power usage during the outage period.
Typical exclusions: Certain feeders to subpanels (if needed) and specific breakers or riser components may be separate, depending on the site conditions and final layout.

Our Charlotte team communicates all scope details up front so you know exactly what is covered before work begins.

Signs You May Need a Service Upgrade

Frequent breaker trips or lights dimming when large appliances start
Planning for an EV charger, hot tub, or new HVAC system
Older panel with limited spaces or signs of corrosion/overheating
Insurance or inspection requirements for grounding and surge protection

If you’re experiencing any of the above in Charlotte, NC, our local electricians can assess your panel, meter base, and grounding to recommend the right upgrade.

Local Charlotte & Matthews Electricians You Can Trust

Touchstone Electric’s Charlotte branch proudly serves homeowners throughout Charlotte, NC and Matthews with code‑compliant Panels & Service Upgrades and Meter Base & Service Replacements. From permits and utility coordination to clean, professional installations, we focus on safety, transparency, and long‑term reliability.

Customer Feedback

After completion, Chase Metheney praised our team with a Google review. Read and share their feedback here: View the customer’s Google review.

Plan Your Upgrade

Ready to modernize your electrical service in Charlotte, NC? Our team can help you select the right meter/panel combo, add surge protection, and ensure grounding and AFCI requirements are met—start to finish with clear communication.

Charlotte Meter & Panel Combo Installation | 200A Service Upgrade