Project overview

Touchstone Electric’s Wilmington branch completed a comprehensive electrical upgrade for RestorePro Reconstruction on February 19, 2026. This project focused on modernizing the home’s capacity and protection with a new indoor subpanel, AFCI breaker upgrades, dedicated kitchen circuits, GFCI protection, and whole-home surge protection—delivering a safer, code-compliant system for a busy Wilmington, NC residence.

Serviced by: Matthew Castello | Primary category: Panels & Service Upgrades | Secondary category: Subpanel Installation

What we installed

Midsized indoor subpanel (12/24, up to 125A): Added capacity for present and future circuits, with clear labeling and neat wire management.
AFCI protection on 120V 15A and 20A circuits (excl. bathroom): Upgraded branch circuits to help detect arc faults and reduce fire risk in living spaces, bedrooms, hallways, and general areas.
Dedicated kitchen circuits: Installed new home runs for the refrigerator and microwave, plus two additional dedicated kitchen circuits to meet modern appliance loads and reduce nuisance tripping.
GFCI protection: Added GFCI outlets and GFCI breakers in required locations to enhance shock protection near water and other sensitive areas.
Whole-home surge protection: Installed a panel-mounted surge protective device to help shield the home’s electrical system and connected appliances from power surges.
New wiring as needed: Pulled NM-B cable (12/2, 14/2, and 10/3) to support new and upgraded circuits, with all connections made to current code.
Appliance connection: Safely connected a customer-supplied appliance to its dedicated circuit during the visit.

Why this upgrade matters in Wilmington

Homes in Wilmington benefit from strong surge and arc-fault protection, especially with frequent storms and evolving code requirements. By separating high-demand kitchen appliances onto dedicated circuits and adding AFCI/GFCI layers of protection, the electrical system is better equipped to handle everyday use and unexpected events while supporting future renovations or additional loads.

Code and safety considerations

As local inspectors continue to implement 2020 NEC updates, AFCI and GFCI protection are increasingly required across many living areas. During AFCI upgrades, preexisting wiring conditions—such as shared neutrals—can sometimes cause immediate tripping. Our team plans for careful testing and troubleshooting to identify and correct these issues so the upgraded system operates reliably and safely.

Project results

Added capacity: The new subpanel provides organized space for present and future circuits.
Improved reliability: Dedicated kitchen circuits reduce overloads and nuisance trips during meal prep and daily appliance use.
Enhanced protection: AFCI and GFCI upgrades add critical layers of fire and shock protection, and the surge protective device helps safeguard sensitive electronics and major appliances.
Clean, labeled installation: Clear circuit labeling and tidy wire routing make future service faster and simpler.

Customer feedback

RestorePro Reconstruction praised our Wilmington team for the professional upgrade and smooth process. We appreciate the positive review and the opportunity to improve this home’s electrical safety and performance.

Choose Touchstone Electric for panels and subpanels in Wilmington, NC

Whether you need a subpanel for added capacity, AFCI/GFCI upgrades, or whole-home surge protection, our local team delivers code-compliant installations backed by meticulous workmanship. From troubleshooting to cleanly routed wiring and clear labeling, we make upgrades straightforward and stress-free.

Planning a kitchen remodel, appliance additions, or a full Panels & Service Upgrades project in Wilmington, NC? Reach out to Touchstone Electric’s Wilmington branch to schedule a visit and get a tailored plan for your home.

Electrical Subpanel Installation & AFCI Upgrade in Wilmington, NC