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Project overview
Our Raleigh branch completed a full 200-amp electrical service upgrade for homeowners Linda & Dwayne Miller on 03/19/2025. Led by technician Cody Perry, this Panels & Service Upgrades project brought the home’s main electrical system up to current code, improved capacity and safety, and added robust whole-home surge protection.
Scope included pulling permits and inspections, installing a new outdoor 200A main panel with an aluminum bus and 20-year transferable warranty, replacing the meter base and riser/weatherhead, and adding a $50k / 10-year whole-home surge protector. Touchstone Electric’s Signature Lifetime Craftsmanship Warranty was included for the workmanship on this installation.
Service area: Raleigh, NC
What we upgraded on this Raleigh home
- Permitting & inspection – We secured the required permit and coordinated inspection to ensure the upgrade meets current electrical standards.
- 200A main electrical panel (outdoor) – New panel with an aluminum bus, clearly labeled circuits, proper grounding and bonding, and reconnection of existing circuits; brought the installation to current code and enhanced overall safety.
- New breakers and capacity balancing – Installed a selection of standard breakers to match the home’s loads, including 30A double-pole, 20A branch circuits, 15A lighting, a 60A circuit, and a 100A two-pole for a subpanel.
- Meter base & service riser – Upgraded the 200A meter base and installed a new riser with weatherhead; included utility coordination for the temporary power drop and reconnection.
- Service conductors & raceway – Installed THHN 2/0 conductors and 2-inch PVC conduit with fittings/straps as required for a clean, durable service path.
- Diagnostics & safety checks – Time on site to inspect, test, and verify the electrical system so everything operates safely after the upgrade.
Whole-home surge protection (included)
To protect appliances and electronics from damaging voltage spikes caused by lightning, utility events, or large equipment cycling, we added a panel-mounted surge protective device with $50,000 equipment coverage and a 10-year term. By shunting excess voltage to ground, it helps extend the life of sensitive devices and provides an added safety layer for the entire home.
- Coverage is secondary to the homeowner’s existing insurance policy and excludes direct lightning strikes.
- Common covered items include major appliances, HVAC equipment located inside the home, hardwired devices, wiring, and electrical system components when protected by the properly connected SPD.
- Security systems and medical equipment are excluded from coverage.
Code compliance, permitting, and downtime planning
As Raleigh-area inspectors continue implementing NEC 2020, some homes may require updates such as AFCI protection on certain circuits. In older wiring systems with shared neutrals, AFCIs may trip until the underlying condition is corrected, which can require additional diagnostic time to locate and resolve. Our team explains options clearly so you can make an informed decision.
During the service changeover, power must be disconnected. Upon request, Touchstone can provide a generator for limited power use during the outage to keep essential items running while we work.
Ongoing protection with our GOLD Home Safety Plan
The Millers also enrolled in our Annual Home Safety Plan – GOLD, which begins with a comprehensive inspection and routine testing:
- Panel inspection: voltage readings, bus bar condition, proper bonding, and sealed knockouts
- Testing of protection devices: surge protection, service disconnects, and GFCIs
- Main service review: meter base, feeders, riser/weatherhead, grounding system, and signs of water intrusion
- Safety systems check: Smoke/CO detectors and other home protection systems
GOLD Member perks include:
- Upgrade to a 4-year warranty on Touchstone Electric workmanship
- 8% discount on today’s work (max $500)
- $0 dispatch fee for any visit
- $0 diagnostic fee for electrical issues
Local service and happy customers in Raleigh
Our Raleigh team is proud to help neighbors upgrade safely to modern 200-amp service. After completion, Linda & Dwayne Miller praised our work with a positive review. Read their feedback on Google: View the review.
If you’re considering an electrical panel upgrade, meter base replacement, or whole-home surge protection in Raleigh, NC, our licensed electricians can evaluate your home and provide a tailored plan that meets code, boosts reliability, and protects your investment.