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Project overview
Our Raleigh branch completed a comprehensive electrical panel upgrade and breaker replacement for homeowner Shane Smith in Southern Pines, NC. Led by technician Gustavo Peralta, the job was finalized on January 2, 2026 and focused on bringing critical circuits up to modern safety standards, improving reliability, and preparing the home for future electrical needs.
This Panels & Service Upgrades project centered on replacing the main panel, adding surge protection, installing new breakers, and ensuring bathroom, kitchen, and general-purpose circuits meet current code requirements.
Scope of work in Southern Pines
- Main Panel Upgrade (150A, indoor, aluminum bus): Grounded and bonded, labeled circuits, reconnected service conductors, and reconnected existing branch circuits. Permitting and inspection were included. Whole-home surge protection was integrated with the new panel.
- Breaker replacements and additions:
- 8x 15A standard breakers for bathroom lighting and standard branch circuits
- 2x 15A AFCI breakers for 120V receptacles and lighting in living areas, bedrooms, hallways, and the kitchen/dining spaces
- 10x 20A standard breakers for small-appliance and kitchen circuits
- 1x 30A double-pole breaker for higher-demand loads (e.g., dryer, water heater, A/C condenser, spa, or EV charging as applicable)
- GFCI protection: Installed 2x GFCI receptacles with covers to improve shock protection where required.
- Conduit and wiring: EMT conduit with professional fittings and THHN #12 conductors for robust, code-compliant 20A circuits serving kitchen appliances and other high-usage devices.
During the scheduled outage for the panel change, Touchstone made a generator available for limited power usage to maintain essential needs.
Safety and code considerations
As local inspectors increasingly apply NEC 2020 requirements, living spaces and many 120V circuits now require AFCI protection. While AFCIs enhance fire safety, they can reveal preexisting wiring issues, such as shared neutrals, which may cause immediate tripping. If a shared neutral or similar condition is discovered, it can require additional diagnostic time to trace the circuit and isolate the cause. Our team explains findings on-site and provides options to resolve them the right way.
Bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor areas also benefit from—or require—GFCI protection to reduce shock risk. This project included targeted GFCI upgrades to help keep the home safer and compliant.
About the new main panel
- Modern 150A panel sized for current household loads and future additions
- Proper grounding and bonding for system integrity
- Clear circuit labeling for fast troubleshooting and maintenance
- Integrated surge protection to help safeguard electronics and appliances
- Permits and inspections handled by our Raleigh team for a smooth, code-compliant upgrade
The result is a cleaner, safer, and more serviceable electrical system that supports everyday life and future projects.
Ongoing care with PowerCare Membership
The homeowner also enrolled in our PowerCare Membership for proactive maintenance and peace of mind. Membership benefits include:
- Yearly safety check of electrical protection devices and main equipment
- Annual panel tune-up: re-tension lugs and breaker terminals, reapply antioxidant, perform voltage variance tests, vacuum/clean the panel, apply electrical cleaner, and reseal penetrations
- Priority support with a waived dispatch hold for concerns that need a technician visit
Local expertise you can trust
From Electrical Panel Upgrades to whole-home Panels & Service Upgrades, Touchstone Electric helps Southern Pines homeowners stay safe, efficient, and up to code. Our Raleigh-based electricians handle permitting, inspections, and clear communication at every step—so you know your home’s power is in good hands.
Customer feedback
We’re grateful when our neighbors share their experiences. Shane Smith praised our work with a review. Read it here: Customer Google Review
Need an electrical panel upgrade in Southern Pines?
If your lights flicker, breakers trip, or you’re planning new appliances or an EV charger, it may be time for an upgrade. Contact Touchstone Electric’s Raleigh team to schedule a professional assessment and get your home powered safely for what’s next.