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Federal Pacific Panel Replacement and 200A Service Upgrade in Charlotte, NC
Touchstone Electric’s Charlotte branch (Matthews) completed a comprehensive Panels & Service Upgrades project for homeowner Ryan Stemmer in Charlotte, NC. Lead technicians Steve Goheen and Ben Lively replaced an aging Federal Pacific panel that had no main breaker and upgraded the electrical service to a modern 200-amp meter/panel combo. The project was completed in December 2024 and included permitting, utility coordination, grounding improvements, and safe circuit relocation.
Why This Upgrade Was Needed
The existing Federal Pacific panel lacked a main disconnect and could not safely accommodate a generator interlock or a manual transfer solution. To ensure code-compliant capacity and future readiness, we recommended removing the interior FPE panel and installing a new exterior meter/panel combination, then relocating all branch circuits to the new panel.
Scope of Work
- Permitting and Utility Coordination: Pulled the electrical permit and scheduled the utility power drop and reconnection to minimize downtime.
- New 200A Meter/Panel Combo (Exterior): Installed a modern, code-compliant combo panel and clearly labeled all relocated circuits for straightforward maintenance.
- Riser and Weatherhead: Installed IMC riser, weatherhead, straps, roof boot, and new service-entrance conductors from the meter to the weatherhead.
- Grounding System: Drove new ground rods and installed a grounding electrode conductor, securing all connections per current code requirements.
- Circuit Relocation and Breakers: Relocated interior circuits to the new exterior panel and installed new breakers as needed, including eight 15A standard breakers and one 30A double‑pole breaker for larger loads.
- Inspection-Ready Finish: Prepared the installation for inspection. Any drywall repairs from necessary access openings are by the customer, per scope.
Note: As local inspectors implement NEC 2020, certain circuits may require AFCI breakers, which can uncover preexisting wiring conditions (such as shared neutrals). If such issues arise, additional diagnostic and corrections may be necessary to pass inspection.
Generator Readiness
While a generator interlock or manual transfer switch was not installed as part of this project, the new service layout is configured to support future standby or portable generator solutions safely and in compliance with code. This gives the homeowner flexibility to add backup power without reworking the main service again.
Benefits of a 200A Service in Charlotte
- More Capacity: Supports modern appliances and future additions like EV charging, HVAC upgrades, spas, and workshop tools.
- Enhanced Safety: Proper service disconnect, improved grounding, and updated components reduce risk and improve reliability.
- Code Compliance: A modern meter/panel combo and properly labeled circuits streamline inspections and future maintenance.
- Future-Proofing: Ready for AFCI/GFCI requirements and optional generator integration.
Customer Feedback
We’re proud that Ryan Stemmer praised our work on this service upgrade. Read their Google review here: View Ryan’s Google Review.
Serving Charlotte, NC
This project is part of our Panels & Service Upgrades and Meter Base & Service Replacement services for homeowners throughout Charlotte, NC. If you have a Federal Pacific panel, an undersized service, or you’re preparing for future loads or backup power, our Charlotte team can help with a safe, code-compliant path forward.
Contact Touchstone Electric to schedule an on-site assessment for your Charlotte home and get a clear, professional plan for your panel replacement or 200-amp service upgrade.