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Project overview
Touchstone Electric’s Raleigh branch completed a comprehensive electrical panel upgrade and subpanel replacement for homeowner Susan Woodside in Durham, NC. Led by technician Gustavo Peralta, the project modernized the home’s distribution equipment, added whole-home surge protection, and ensured everything met current code with full permitting and inspection. Completion date: January 9, 2026.
What we upgraded
- Permits and inspection – Pulled the required Durham permit and coordinated inspection to verify compliance with current NEC and local amendments.
- Main panel replacement (150A indoor, aluminum bus) – Brought the service equipment up to today’s safety standards:
- Replaced the main panel and main lug; grounded, bonded, and properly labeled all circuits.
- Reconnected the service entrance conductors and existing branch circuits.
- Integrated a whole‑home surge protective device (manufacturer’s $10k connected‑equipment warranty).
- Included a 20‑year transferable panel warranty per product specifications.
- Provided a temporary generator for limited essential power during the planned outage.
- Subpanel replacement (aluminum bus) – Upgraded the remote distribution panel and installed new breakers:
- 1× 30A double‑pole breaker (commonly used for loads such as a dryer, water heater, A/C condenser, spa, or EV charger, as applicable).
- 8× 20A standard breakers for small‑appliance and general‑use circuits.
- 4× 15A standard breakers for lighting and standard branch circuits, including bathroom lighting consistent with 2020 code guidance.
- Custom finishing tasks – Completed the necessary custom tasks to finalize fit, labeling, and panel organization.
Built for safety, reliability, and code compliance
This Durham panel and subpanel upgrade focused on safe operation, clean organization, and clear labeling for easier troubleshooting in the future. The integrated whole‑home surge protection adds a critical layer of defense against lightning and utility spikes, helping protect sensitive electronics and major appliances.
Because inspectors are increasingly applying NEC 2020 requirements, some homes may be asked to transition certain branch circuits to AFCI protection. We advised the homeowner on these potential updates and the diagnostic steps that can be necessary if an existing shared neutral or other pre‑existing condition causes nuisance tripping. Our goal is a safe, code‑compliant system with predictable performance.
Why this matters for Durham homeowners
- Modern protection – Grounded, bonded, and surge‑protected equipment reduces risk from faults and voltage spikes.
- Clarity and convenience – Properly labeled circuits and a clean panel layout make future maintenance faster and safer.
- Room for today’s loads – A dedicated 30A double‑pole position in the subpanel supports common 240V appliances or equipment as the home’s needs evolve.
- Backed workmanship – Installed under our Signature Lifetime Craftsmanship Warranty, with a 20‑year transferable warranty on the panel per manufacturer terms.
Completed by our Raleigh branch
This upgrade was delivered by the Raleigh team for our customer in Durham, NC. If you need a main panel replacement, subpanel work, or whole‑home surge protection, our local experts can help you plan a safe, efficient path to compliance and reliability.
Customer feedback
After the job, Susan Woodside praised our work with a positive Google review. Read or share the review here: Google review from Susan Woodside.
Need an electrical panel upgrade in Durham?
Touchstone Electric provides panel and service upgrades, subpanel replacements, and surge protection throughout Durham, NC. From permitting to final inspection, we handle the details so your home’s electrical system is safe, organized, and ready for the future.