150A Meter Base Combo & Panel Upgrade in Charlotte, NC
On October 19, 2024, our Charlotte team completed a comprehensive service upgrade for homeowner Shirley Meeks in Charlotte, NC. Led by technicians Steve Goheen and Chris Rogers from our Matthews branch, this project centered on replacing aging service equipment with a safe, code-compliant, and higher-capacity 150-amp solution.
This project falls under our Panels & Service Upgrades and Meter Base & Service Replacement services for the Charlotte area.
What We Installed
To modernize and stabilize the home’s electrical system, we supplied and installed a new outdoor meter/panel combination, added a properly fed indoor subpanel, and updated the grounding and overcurrent protection throughout.
- 150A outdoor meter/panel combo: New meter/main combination enclosure installed and configured as the primary service equipment.
- Indoor subpanel (midsized 12/24, up to 125A): Provides organized circuit distribution and room for future expansion.
- 4‑wire feeder to the indoor subpanel: Installed SER #2 aluminum cable (approximately 50 ft) for a dedicated, code-compliant feeder with isolated neutral and equipment grounding conductor.
- All new breakers:
- 1 × 40A double‑pole
- 3 × 30A double‑pole
- 4 × 20A single‑pole
- 6 × 15A single‑pole
- New grounding system: Ground rods driven and bonded with a grounding electrode conductor to ensure a safe, low‑impedance path back to the service.
Permitting, Utility Coordination, and Code Readiness
Our team handled permitting and utility scheduling to coordinate the temporary power drop while the meter/panel combo was installed. The new grounding system was installed to current standards, and all connections were secured for long‑term reliability.
As local inspectors continue implementing NEC 2020, certain circuits may require AFCI protection. When AFCI upgrades are needed, preexisting wiring conditions (such as shared neutrals) can cause immediate tripping and may require diagnostic time to resolve. We design our upgrades with these evolving code requirements in mind and discuss any inspector‑driven changes with the homeowner.
Why This Upgrade Matters
- Increased capacity: A 150A service better supports modern loads like HVAC, EV charging, laundry, and kitchen appliances.
- Improved safety: New breakers, a dedicated 4‑wire feeder, and an upgraded grounding system reduce nuisance trips and hazards from outdated equipment.
- Future expansion: The indoor subpanel and available breaker spaces allow for clean additions as the home’s electrical needs grow.
- Inspection‑ready installation: Work completed to today’s standards for a smoother inspection process.
Our Charlotte Team
Technicians Steve Goheen and Chris Rogers delivered a clean, organized installation with clear labeling and homeowner guidance on the new equipment. Touchstone Electric’s Matthews‑based Charlotte branch serves homeowners across Charlotte, NC with prompt scheduling and respectful on‑site work practices.
A Happy Charlotte Homeowner
We’re grateful that Shirley Meeks praised our work with a review. You can read it here: View Shirley’s Google review.
Serving Charlotte, NC
If you’re planning a panel change, meter base replacement, or full service upgrade in Charlotte, NC, our local team can assess your existing setup, coordinate permitting and utility needs, and install a safe, code‑compliant solution tailored to your home.
