Project overview

Touchstone Electric’s Raleigh team recently completed a whole-home electrical upgrade for homeowner April Hooton in Raleigh, NC. Led by technician Cody Perry and completed on March 17, 2026, this project combined a whole-house surge protector with high-efficiency LED lighting upgrades that included safe ballast bypass conversions. Every installation was completed with care and is backed by our lifetime craftsmanship warranty.

What we upgraded

Whole-house surge protection: Installed a premium surge protective device (SPD) at the main electrical panel to help shield the home’s entire electrical system and connected equipment from damaging voltage spikes.
LED lighting conversions: Replaced four existing ballast-driven fixtures with efficient LED technology and performed a safe ballast bypass in each. New LED bulbs were installed for bright, reliable, and long-lasting light.

This combination provides immediate protection for sensitive electronics and appliances while lowering lighting costs and future maintenance.

Why whole-house surge protection matters in Raleigh

Raleigh homes experience power disturbances from lightning activity, utility grid fluctuations, and large appliances cycling on and off. These everyday surges quietly degrade electronics, HVAC components, and smart devices over time. A properly installed whole-home SPD diverts excess voltage safely to ground before it reaches your wiring and equipment.

The surge protector installed on this project includes a $50,000 appliance coverage with a 10‑year term from the manufacturer in the unlikely event of device failure. Key notes on that coverage:

Claims are secondary to the homeowner’s existing insurance policy.
Direct lightning strikes are excluded.
Typical covered equipment includes major home appliances, HVAC components located inside the home, wiring, switches/outlets, and hardwired devices when protected by a properly connected SPD.
Security systems and medical equipment are not included.

Beyond coverage, the real value is everyday protection that helps extend the service life of appliances and electronics while reducing nuisance failures and unexpected repair costs.

LED lighting upgrades with ballast bypass

We converted multiple fixtures to modern LED by removing legacy ballasts and wiring the fixtures for direct LED operation. This ballast bypass approach eliminates a common failure point and maximizes efficiency and reliability. Each converted fixture received new LED bulbs to ensure consistent color, brightness, and performance.

Lower energy use: LEDs consume significantly less power than fluorescent or incandescent lighting.
Longer lifespan: High-quality LEDs last much longer, reducing replacement frequency and hassle.
Instant, flicker-free light: No warm-up time and improved comfort in frequently used spaces.
Less maintenance: No more ballast replacements or hum from aging components.

Together, these upgrades brighten living spaces while cutting operating costs—an immediate win for comfort and efficiency in any Raleigh home.

Completed by our Raleigh branch

All work was performed by our Raleigh branch, with technician Cody Perry handling the installation. As with every project we complete, workmanship is protected by our lifetime craftsmanship warranty for lasting peace of mind.

Choose Touchstone Electric for panels and protection

This project showcases our expertise in Panels & Service Upgrades and Whole-House Surge Protection for Raleigh, NC homeowners. Whether you’re looking to protect your investment with a panel-mounted SPD, modernize interior lighting with LED conversions, or plan a broader service upgrade, our local team delivers clean, professional results.

Ready to safeguard your home and improve efficiency? Contact Touchstone Electric in Raleigh to schedule an assessment and get tailored options for your space.

Raleigh Whole-House Surge Protection & LED Lighting Upgrades