Electrical Panel Upgrade & 220V Range Circuit in Charlotte

Touchstone Electric’s Charlotte team, based out of our Matthews branch, completed a comprehensive panels & service upgrade for Meridian Design Build in Charlotte, NC. On October 10, 2024, our technician Ben Lively replaced an aging 150-amp main panel, added new breakers and surge protection, and installed a dedicated 220V circuit for a dual-fuel range to support a kitchen upgrade.

What we upgraded on this project

150-amp main panel replacement (indoor): We brought the service equipment up to current electrical code, removed the old panel, and installed a new aluminum-bus 150A panel. The team grounded and bonded the panel, reconnected the service entrance conductors, and safely reconnected existing circuits.
Clear labeling for safety: Every circuit was mapped and labeled at the new panel to make future maintenance and troubleshooting straightforward.
Whole-home surge protection: A panel-mounted surge protector was added to help shield sensitive electronics and appliances from voltage spikes. The installation includes a $10k warranty surge protector per the project scope.
New breakers installed: We added a set of 15A standard breakers for bathroom lighting and general branch circuits, 20A standard breakers for small appliance circuits, and a 20A double-pole breaker as specified.
Dedicated 220V range circuit: We supplied and installed a 220V circuit for the dual-fuel range, giving the appliance a reliable, dedicated power source in accordance with manufacturer requirements and local code.
Neat, code-compliant wiring: Where needed for 20-amp kitchen and outlet circuits, we installed NM‑B 12/2 with appropriate junction boxes to keep everything tidy and accessible.
Permitting and inspection coordination: Our team handled the permit and coordinated inspections to keep the project on schedule.

To minimize disruption, power was temporarily disconnected during the panel changeout, and we made a generator available for limited essential power during the outage.

Why this electrical panel upgrade matters

Upgrading to a modern 150-amp main panel improves safety, reliability, and capacity for present and future loads. It reduces the risk of overheating at outdated connections, provides space for properly sized breakers, and sets the foundation for remodels and new appliances. The surge protection adds a layer of defense against damaging voltage events, while the 220V circuit for the dual-fuel range ensures the new appliance performs as intended without sharing capacity with other kitchen loads.

This project also includes a 20-year transferable panel warranty, offering long-term peace of mind for the property owner and any future owner.

Code compliance and AFCI considerations

As inspectors in Charlotte continue adopting NEC 2020 requirements, some circuits may need AFCI-protected breakers. In certain homes, preexisting conditions like shared neutrals can cause immediate tripping when AFCI protection is added. If that occurs, our licensed electricians can trace and correct the issue, which may involve opening affected fixtures to isolate and resolve the shared neutral. Our goal is a safe, fully compliant system with clear documentation.

Local expertise, Charlotte service

From our Matthews-based Charlotte branch, Touchstone Electric delivers expert electrical panel upgrades, service upgrades, and dedicated appliance circuits throughout Charlotte, NC. Whether you’re a homeowner planning a kitchen remodel or a builder coordinating multiple trades, we provide clean workmanship, transparent communication, and code-driven solutions.

Praised by our customer

Meridian Design Build recognized our work with a positive Google review. You can view their feedback here: Read the customer review on Google.

Need a panel or service upgrade in Charlotte?

If you’re experiencing nuisance breaker trips, planning a renovation, or adding high-demand appliances, we can help. Our Charlotte team upgrades main panels, installs surge protection, and adds dedicated circuits for ranges, EV chargers, and more—permitted, inspected, and built to last.