Project Overview: Overhead Service Upgrade & Meter Base Replacement

Touchstone Electric’s Charlotte branch (Matthews) completed a comprehensive Panels & Service Upgrades project for homeowner Karina Mevs in Charlotte, NC. On February 10, 2026, our licensed technicians Mark Alaev and Danny Bishop brought an aging overhead electrical service up to current code with a new meter base, riser, and weatherhead, added proper grounding, and corrected panel breakers including new GFCI protection for older two‑wire circuits.

Scope of Work Completed

Meter Base Replacement + Overhead Riser/Weatherhead: Replaced the outdated meter base and installed a new riser with weatherhead. We properly fitted IMC conduit with secure straps, a roof boot for a watertight seal, and new service-entrance cable from the meter to the weatherhead.
Grounding System Upgrade: Installed (2) ground rods and ran a continuous grounding electrode conductor (GEC) to the main service panel to meet current code and improve fault-clearing performance.
Panel Corrections (Breaker Brand Match): Replaced several mismatched breakers with the correct brand/type to ensure safe, listed performance and reliable trips.
GFCI Protection for Ungrounded Circuits: Installed new GFCI breakers to protect older two‑wire circuits lacking a grounding conductor, enhancing shock protection without re-wiring.
Permitting: Filed and managed the electrical permit with the county for a code-compliant, inspection‑ready installation.

Installed Equipment and Protections

Service Equipment: New meter base, riser, and weatherhead assembly with IMC conduit, straps, roof boot, and service-entrance cable.
Grounding: Two 8‑ft ground rods and a continuous GEC bonded to the main service panel.
Standard Breakers: 4x 15A and 1x 40A to serve general lighting and major appliance loads as applicable.
Subpanel Feed: 1x 100A (3‑pole) breaker for a subpanel.
GFCI Breakers: 2x 15A and 2x 20A for required areas (such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry, garages, exterior, and similar locations) and for older ungrounded branch circuits.

Why This Upgrade Matters in Charlotte

Overhead services in Charlotte are exposed to weather, heat, and seasonal storms. A fresh meter base replacement with a properly sealed riser and weatherhead helps prevent moisture intrusion, corrosion, and utility connection issues. Upgrading grounding and ensuring the right breaker brand keeps your system operating as it was listed and tested, while GFCI protection reduces shock risk on older two‑wire circuits without requiring immediate re‑wiring.

Results for the Homeowner

Code-compliant overhead service ready for inspection.
Improved safety with correct breakers, proper grounding, and added GFCI protection.
Greater reliability thanks to a secure, weather‑tight service mast and corrected panel terminations.
Future-ready capacity with properly sized breakers and a dedicated subpanel feed.

Karina Mevs praised our team with a review after the work was completed, highlighting the care and professionalism delivered by our Charlotte electricians.

Signs You May Need a Similar Upgrade

Rust, heat damage, or loose fittings at the meter base or service mast
Water staining near the mast penetration or roof boot
Frequent breaker trips, buzzing, or warm spots on the panel
Mismatched breakers or lack of GFCI protection in kitchens, baths, laundry, or exterior areas
Older two‑wire circuits without grounding in use

Choose Touchstone Electric – Charlotte

If you’re in Charlotte, NC and considering a Panels & Service Upgrades or Meter Base & Service Replacement project, our Charlotte branch in Matthews is ready to help. We handle permitting, coordinate inspections, and complete your upgrade to current code with clear communication from start to finish.

Overhead Service Upgrade & Meter Base Replacement in Charlotte