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Project overview
Touchstone Electric’s Raleigh team completed a full meter base and 200-amp panel replacement with whole-home surge protection for Mitch & Julie Mcleod in Raleigh, NC. Led by technician Brad Williams, this project was completed on January 7, 2025, with all required permits and inspections. The installation included our Signature Lifetime Craftsmanship Warranty for added peace of mind.
This Panels & Service Upgrades project also falls under our Meter Base & Service Replacement services, ensuring the home’s electrical system is safe, code-compliant, and ready for future needs.
What we installed and upgraded
- Permitting and utility coordination: We pulled the permit and coordinated the temporary power drop with the utility to perform the service change safely and efficiently.
- New 200A meter/panel combo: Installed a modern 200-amp meter/panel combination with new ground rods and grounding electrode conductors. We optimized the panel layout and labeling to improve serviceability and future expansion.
- Whole-home surge protection: Added a $100,000, 10-year whole-house surge protector at the main panel. This device diverts excess voltage to ground, protecting sensitive electronics and appliances from lightning, grid fluctuations, and equipment cycling. It helps extend the lifespan of connected devices and includes a manufacturer warranty of $100,000 for 10 years against home appliances in the unlikely case of failure.
- Breaker upgrades and replacements: Installed and configured new breakers to match the home’s appliance and equipment loads:
- 1× 20A standard (double pole)
- 2× 40A standard
- 1× 45A standard
- 1× 90A standard
- 1× 30A standard (double pole)
- Feeder and conduit: Added approximately 10 feet of 1-1/4 inch liquid-tight flexible conduit and 10 feet of THHN 2/0 feeder, as appropriate for the service upgrade.
- Skilled manpower: An electrician wireman supported the installation to keep the project on schedule and ensure quality workmanship.
Upon request, our Raleigh team can make a generator available for limited power during the outage window.
Code compliance, inspections, and AFCI considerations
As Raleigh-area inspectors continue implementing NEC 2020, they may require certain circuits to be upgraded to AFCI protection. In some homes, preexisting conditions such as shared neutrals can cause immediate tripping when AFCI breakers are added. If present, locating and correcting these issues can require additional diagnostic time. Our team guided the project through permitting and inspection to deliver a safe, compliant result.
Benefits for Raleigh homeowners
- Safety and reliability: A new 200A service improves fault protection, grounding, and overall system stability.
- Surge defense with strong coverage: Whole-home protection helps safeguard appliances, HVAC, and electronics from damaging voltage spikes, backed by a 10-year, $100,000 manufacturer warranty on connected home appliances.
- Future-ready capacity: Supports modern loads like EV chargers, HVAC upgrades, spas, or workshop equipment.
- Clean, organized panel: Clear labeling and optimized wiring help with troubleshooting, maintenance, and future add-ons.
Meet your local technician
This project was led by Brad Williams from our Raleigh branch. Brad follows Touchstone Electric’s proven installation standards to ensure craftsmanship, code compliance, and a neat, professional finish—every time.
Customer review
Mitch & Julie Mcleod praised our Raleigh team for the completed meter and panel replacement with surge protection. Read their Google review here: View Mitch & Julie’s review on Google.
Considering a panel or meter upgrade in Raleigh?
If your home’s electrical service is aging, frequently tripping, or not keeping up with new appliances, a professionally permitted meter and panel replacement can restore safety and capacity. Our Raleigh electricians handle everything—from permitting and utility coordination to installation and inspection—so you can upgrade with confidence.