Project overview

On June 13, 2026, our Columbia branch technician, Cash Divver, completed an electrical panel upgrade and subpanel code-compliance corrections for homeowner Mara Jones in Gilbert, SC. This project falls under our Panels & Service Upgrades offerings, with a focus on Electrical Panel Upgrades and safety-driven code corrections.

Goals for this visit included bringing a crawl-space subpanel up to current code, providing a safe dedicated 240‑volt dryer circuit, and enhancing home protection with a whole-home surge protector.

What we upgraded

Subpanel brought to code: We performed a panel swap and ran a new four‑wire SER feeder from the main panel to the left-side subpanel. Our team installed a neutral bar and separated neutrals and equipment grounds to ensure the subpanel is isolated correctly, aligning with modern electrical standards.
Main panel coordination: A new 100‑amp, 2‑pole breaker was installed to properly feed the corrected subpanel and provide the capacity and protection it requires.
Dedicated 240V dryer outlet: To serve the upstairs laundry, we installed a new 30‑amp, 240‑volt circuit using THHN #10 conductors pulled through 3/4" PVC conduit along the exterior, then drilled into the home at the appropriate location. We provided the matching receptacle for the customer-supplied dryer and verified safe operation.
Whole-home surge protection: We installed a premium surge protective device at the main electrical panel to divert excess voltage to ground and help shield sensitive electronics and appliances from damaging surges.

During our assessment, we also noted a second subpanel on the right side of the former fuse main that still uses an older SEU feeder. We recommended updating that subpanel with a 4‑wire SER and neutral/ground separation to fully align both subpanels with current code in a future visit.

Materials and components used

SER #2 four‑wire feeder cable for a 100‑amp subpanel
100‑amp, 2‑pole breaker for the subpanel feeder
Neutral bar kit to isolate neutrals from grounds
3/4" PVC conduit with fittings and supports for the exterior run
THHN #10 conductors for the 30‑amp dryer circuit
Dryer receptacle and professional terminations for the customer-supplied appliance
Whole-home surge protective device at the main panel

Why this matters for safety and code in Gilbert

For subpanels, neutrals and equipment grounds must be isolated from each other, and the panel must be supplied by a four‑wire feeder that includes a separate equipment grounding conductor. These requirements reduce shock hazards, prevent objectionable current on metal parts, and minimize the risk of overheating or fire.

Providing a dedicated 240‑volt dryer circuit ensures proper breaker sizing, conductor ampacity, and dependable appliance performance. Adding whole-home surge protection further safeguards the electrical system from lightning-related surges and utility fluctuations, helping extend the lifespan of home electronics and appliances.

Results for the homeowner

Code-compliant subpanel with correctly isolated neutrals and grounds
Dependable 240‑volt dryer outlet on its own 30‑amp circuit
Improved whole-home protection against damaging power surges
Clear recommendations for upgrading the secondary subpanel

Mara Jones praised our team with a positive review after the work was completed.

Need a panel upgrade in Gilbert?

Touchstone Electric’s Columbia team specializes in panel swaps, subpanel corrections, dedicated circuits, and surge protection for homes in Gilbert and nearby communities. If you are planning appliance upgrades, preparing for renovations, or addressing nuisance trips and aging equipment, we can evaluate your service and recommend the right Panels & Service Upgrades solution for your home.

Ready to get started? Schedule a visit with our licensed technician team serving Gilbert, SC.

Electrical Panel Upgrade & Subpanel Code Compliance in Gilbert, SC