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Square D QO 200A Panel Upgrade and Surge Protection in Raleigh, NC
On June 25, 2024, our Raleigh branch completed a comprehensive main panel and service upgrade for homeowner Stewart Rapp in Raleigh, NC. Lead technicians Danny Bishop and Cody Perry installed a premium Square D QO 200A main-breaker panel with a tin-plated copper bus, added whole-home surge protection, updated the service mast/weatherhead, and brought the system to current electrical code—including clear circuit labeling for easier maintenance and safety.
Project highlights
- Installed a new Square D QO 200A copper bus panel and grounded/bonded to code
- Added a Square D HEPD80 whole-home surge protector with connected equipment coverage up to $75,000
- Replaced and upgraded the service mast, riser, and weatherhead
- Reconnected service entrance cable and all existing circuits
- Labeled all circuits to current code for quick identification
- Permitting and inspection included with the upgrade
- Temporary generator option available for limited power during the outage
The selected Square D QO panel includes a 50‑year transferable warranty on the panel per the project scope.
What we installed
- Main Panel: Square D QO 200A indoor main-breaker panel with premium tin-plated copper bus; grounded, bonded, and brought to current code
- Surge Protection: Square D HEPD80 whole-home device that diverts excess voltage to ground, helping protect appliances and electronics from lightning, utility fluctuations, and everyday switching surges
- Service Components: New weatherhead and riser/service mast for reliable overhead service entry
- Wiring and Conduit: 4/0 SER service entrance cable (15 ft), THHN 2/0 feeder conductors (25 ft), and 2" PVC conduit (20 ft) as needed
- Breakers: Standard 15A and 20A breakers for lighting and small appliance circuits; a Square D QO Qwik‑Gard 20A GFCI breaker for enhanced protection; plus 30A (two‑pole), 40A, and 50A breakers to support dedicated loads like dryer, water heater, HVAC, and range
- Device Box Upgrade: Installed an appropriately sized gang box for the refrigerator receptacle and prepared it for the customer‑supplied cover
Why this upgrade matters
A modern 200A panel with a copper bus improves electrical capacity, reduces heat and resistance at connections, and supports today’s high‑demand appliances and future additions like EV chargers or HVAC upgrades. The whole‑home surge protector acts like an airbag for your home’s wiring—intercepting voltage spikes before they reach sensitive electronics—helping extend the life of appliances and reducing the risk of costly damage.
By grounding and bonding the panel correctly, replacing aging service components, and clearly labeling every circuit, the system is easier to service, safer to operate, and better protected during storms and grid events common in Raleigh, NC.
Code compliance and inspection
Our Raleigh electricians handled permitting and coordinated inspection. We verified proper bonding, sealed knockouts, confirmed clear labeling, and ensured the service equipment—including the meter feed, riser/weatherhead, and grounding—met current standards.
Ongoing protection with our Platinum Membership
This project also included enrollment in our Annual Home Safety Platinum Membership, which begins with a Home Safety Inspection and adds valuable perks.
- Panel inspection: voltage readings, bus bar condition, bonding, and sealed KOs
- Test of surge protection, service disconnects, and major safety devices
- Inspection of main service components: meter base, feeders, grounding, and weatherhead
- Safety testing of GFCIs, smoke/CO detectors, and major appliance disconnects
- Perks: smoke detector battery replacement (standard ceiling heights), extended workmanship warranty on Touchstone work, member discounts, and $0 dispatch/diagnostic fees
Local Raleigh electricians you can trust
Touchstone Electric’s Raleigh team specializes in Panels & Service Upgrades and Electrical Panel Upgrades throughout RALEIGH, NC. For this project, homeowner Stewart Rapp praised our work with a review. Read the Google review.
If you need a 200A panel upgrade, surge protection, or a code-compliant service mast in Raleigh, NC, our licensed electricians are ready to help with a clean, safe, and inspected installation.