Project overview
Our Raleigh branch completed a comprehensive electrical panel upgrade and whole-home surge protection installation for homeowner Cynthia Campbell in Raleigh, NC. Led by technician Cody Perry, this Panels & Service Upgrades project brought the home’s main service equipment up to current code and enhanced safety and reliability.
Completed on July 24, 2025, the work included permit pulling and inspection coordination, a 200-amp indoor main panel replacement with a copper bus, new code-driven breakers, and a premium surge protection system. We also provided a temporary generator for limited power during the outage to reduce disruption.
What we upgraded
- Main electrical panel replacement (200A, copper bus): Removed the aging equipment and installed a new indoor panel, grounded and bonded the panel, reconnected the service entrance conductors, and relabeled circuits for clarity and safety.
- Copper advantages and warranty: The new panel features a copper bus bar and includes a 50-year transferable warranty. Copper’s higher melting point and durability offer long-term performance benefits.
- Whole-home surge protection: Installed a panel-mounted surge protective device that diverts excess voltage to ground, helping shield appliances, HVAC, and sensitive electronics from lightning-related surges and utility fluctuations. The unit carries a $100,000 equipment warranty for 10 years (secondary to existing insurance; direct lightning excluded; most hardwired home systems are covered; security systems and medical equipment are excluded).
- Service conductors and assistance: Deployed THHN 2/0 conductors as needed for the 200A installation and brought in an electrician wireman to keep the project efficient and on schedule.
- Breaker updates: Installed and/or replaced breakers to align with current safety requirements and the home’s loads:
- Standard: 50A (1), 40A (1), 30A double-pole (3), 30A single-pole (1), 20A (6), 15A (4)
- GFCI: 20A (3) and 15A (1) for locations such as kitchens, bathrooms, garages, exterior, and similar areas where GFCI protection is required
Code compliance, permitting, and inspections
Our Raleigh team handled the permit and coordinated final inspection to confirm compliance with current electrical standards. As local inspectors continue to implement NEC 2020, some homes may be required to upgrade certain circuits to AFCI protection. Existing wiring conditions—such as shared neutrals—can cause nuisance tripping and may require additional diagnostics and corrections. We brief homeowners on these possibilities during panel upgrades so there are no surprises.
Why this upgrade matters for Raleigh homes
A modern 200-amp panel with a copper bus delivers stable, reliable power distribution and headroom for future loads like EV chargers, HVAC upgrades, or smart-home equipment. Pairing the panel with a whole-home surge protector helps extend the life of electronics and appliances by routing harmful voltage spikes safely to ground.
This project is backed by our Signature Lifetime Craftsmanship Warranty, providing added peace of mind that workmanship meets Touchstone Electric’s standards.
Homeowner feedback
We’re grateful that Cynthia Campbell praised our Raleigh crew for their professionalism and results. Read her note on our Google review.
Serving Raleigh, NC
Touchstone Electric’s Raleigh team specializes in electrical panel upgrades, surge protection, and service upgrades that are built to code and designed for long-term reliability. If your home needs more capacity, safer breakers, or better protection from power events, our local electricians are ready to help.
Looking for a similar 200A panel upgrade or surge protection in Raleigh? Contact our Raleigh branch to schedule an on-site evaluation and get your system up to current standards.
