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Project overview
Our Raleigh branch completed a permitted and inspected electrical panel upgrade with whole-home surge protection for homeowner Pope Larry in Apex, NC. On September 4, 2025, technician Cody Perry replaced the main service panel with a 200A copper-bus model, installed a $100,000 / 10-year whole-house surge protection system, and updated multiple breakers to align with current code and safety best practices.
What we upgraded
- Main electrical panel replacement (200A, copper bus): We brought the electrical service up to current code, including grounding and bonding, reconnecting the service-entrance conductors and all existing circuits, and clearly labeling the new panel. The copper bus bar carries a 50-year transferable warranty, offering a longer service life and higher heat tolerance than typical aluminum-bus panels.
- Whole-home surge protection: A professionally installed surge protective device at the main panel now diverts excess voltage safely to ground, helping shield the home’s electrical system and connected equipment from lightning-induced surges, utility fluctuations, and appliance cycling. This unit includes $100,000 in coverage for 10 years.
- Breaker upgrades: Select circuits received new standard breakers sized for their loads to enhance reliability and readiness for inspection.
Breaker updates installed
- 100A (2-pole): Suitable for a subpanel
- 90A: Range, furnace/air handler, or small subpanel
- 60A: Range, subpanel, EV charger, or furnace
- 50A: Range, subpanel, heater, or EV charger
- 40A: Dryer, water heater, A/C condenser, spa, or EV charger
- 30A (2-pole): Dryer, water heater, A/C condenser, spa, or EV charger
- 25A (2-pole): Small condenser, well pump, or mini-split
- Two 15A circuits: Bathroom lighting and standard branch circuits (2020 code considerations)
Code, safety, and NEC 2020 readiness
As local inspectors continue implementing the 2020 NEC, some homes are required to upgrade specific circuits to AFCI protection. Adding AFCI can reveal preexisting issues (like shared neutrals) that may cause nuisance tripping and require diagnostic time to remedy. We prepare homeowners in Apex for these possibilities and resolve them the right way.
Permitting, inspection, and temporary power planning
This project included all required permitting and inspection in Apex. During the brief service interruption needed for the panel swap, our process includes making a generator available for limited, essential power so the home can stay as functional as possible.
Warranties and protections included
- Signature Lifetime Craftsmanship Warranty on our workmanship
- 50-year transferable warranty on the copper-bus panel
- $100,000 / 10-year surge protection coverage: Secondary to your existing insurance; excludes direct lightning strikes. Covered equipment includes major appliances, HVAC, wiring, outlets/switches, and other hardwired devices; security systems and medical equipment are excluded.
Local expertise from our Raleigh team
Touchstone Electric’s Raleigh branch proudly serves Apex, NC with Panels & Service Upgrades and dedicated Electrical Panel Upgrades. If you need a code-compliant panel replacement, reliable surge protection, or breaker updates, our licensed team can help from permit to final inspection.
Customer feedback
Pope Larry praised our work with a Google review. Read or share the feedback here: View the Google review.