Raleigh Electrical Panel Upgrade, Meter Base & Surge Protection

Our Raleigh team completed a comprehensive 200A service upgrade for homeowner Sonia Bauer, ensuring safer, code-compliant power distribution and better protection against surges. Led by technician Cody Perry, this project brought the home’s electrical system up to current standards with an outdoor main panel, a new 200A meter base, whole-home surge protection, and updated AFCI/GFCI breakers.

Location: Raleigh, NC | Category: Panels & Service Upgrades, Electrical Panel Upgrades | Completed: November 19, 2024 | Branch: Raleigh

Scope of Work

200A Outdoor Main Panel (Aluminum Bus): Replaced the existing panel with a code-compliant 200-amp outdoor panel featuring an aluminum bus bar. We grounded and bonded the panel, reconnected the service-entrance conductors, reconnected existing branch circuits, and provided clear circuit labeling for easy identification.
New 200A Meter Base: Installed a new meter base, coordinated the utility power drop, pulled required permits, and set ground rods with grounding electrode conductors. All work was inspected for code compliance in Raleigh.
Whole-Home Surge Protection: Added a panel-mounted device that diverts excess voltage safely to ground, helping protect appliances and electronics from lightning, utility fluctuations, and switching surges. This system includes a $50k, 10-year protection benefit for connected home appliances.
Feeder Conductors: Installed THHN 2/0 conductors to support the upgraded 200-amp service as needed for the main equipment.
Breaker Updates for Safety and Code: Upgraded and added new breakers, including:
- One 50A standard (typical uses: range, furnace, small subpanel, EV charger)
- Two 30A standard double-pole (dryer, water heater, A/C condenser, spa, EV charger)
- One 15A standard double-pole
- Six 20A GFCI (bath, laundry, garage, exterior, crawl/basement areas)
- One 15A AFCI (bedrooms, living areas, and similar 120V circuits as required)
- Eight 15A standard breakers for general lighting and branch circuits
Permitting, Inspection & Temporary Power Options: We handled permitting and inspections and coordinated with the utility. A temporary generator option was available for limited power needs during the outage window upon request.

Code, Safety, and Homeowner Education

As Raleigh inspectors implement NEC 2020 requirements, certain circuits may require AFCI protection. In some homes, preexisting conditions—such as shared neutrals—can cause immediate tripping when AFCI breakers are installed. If discovered, locating and correcting those issues can require additional diagnostic time. Our team educates homeowners about these scenarios in advance so there are no surprises during inspection or after energizing the system.

Warranties and Long-Term Protection

Lifetime Craftsmanship Warranty on our installation.
20-year transferable warranty on the aluminum bus bar panel.
$50,000, 10-year whole-home surge protection benefit for covered appliances in the unlikely event of device failure.

These layered protections help safeguard your investment while extending the lifespan of household electronics and major appliances.

Why Homeowners in Raleigh Choose Us

Local Raleigh branch for responsive scheduling and follow-through
End-to-end service: utility coordination, permitting, inspection, and clear labeling
Safety-first upgrades with GFCI/AFCI protection and proper grounding/bonding
High-quality materials and professional workmanship backed by strong warranties

Customer Experience

Homeowner Sonia Bauer praised our Raleigh team for the smooth upgrade process and attention to detail. We appreciate the review and the opportunity to make this home safer and more reliable.

Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade in Raleigh?

If your lights are dimming, breakers are tripping, or you’re planning for new appliances or an EV charger, a panel and service upgrade can provide the capacity and safety your home needs. Reach out to the Raleigh team at Touchstone Electric to schedule an assessment and get expert recommendations tailored to your home.