Project overview: 200A meter/main panel replacement in Southport, NC

Our Raleigh branch completed a permitted Panels & Service Upgrades project for Jan Noel in Southport, NC. Led by technician Francisco Martinez, the team replaced an aging meter/main panel with a new 200A meter/panel combo, upgraded grounding, installed whole-home surge protection, and added a new 20A double-pole breaker. The project was completed on March 31, 2026, with careful coordination to minimize downtime and prepare the system for inspection.

Scope of work completed

Permits pulled and job scheduled to align with local inspection requirements in Southport.
Utility coordination to schedule the temporary power drop and safe restoration after installation.
200A meter/panel combo installation (over/under configuration with feed-through lugs) to replace the existing meter/main and improve service reliability.
Grounding upgrades with ground rods and grounding electrode conductors for better fault clearing and code compliance.
Whole-home surge protection installed, providing a $10K/3-year warranty protection level for connected equipment.
New 20A standard double-pole breaker installed for small appliances, clearly labeled for future maintenance.
Final torque, labeling, and inspection readiness checks performed to align with current code and utility standards.

Why this upgrade matters for Southport homes

Modern electrical demands and coastal weather make a robust service essential in Southport. This Meter Base & Service Replacement project enhances safety, capacity, and resilience.

Greater reliability: A new 200A meter/main and bus system reduces nuisance trips and service interruptions.
Surge defense: Whole-home protection helps safeguard HVAC, appliances, and electronics from utility and storm-related surges.
Code-ready: Updated grounding and panel components align with current inspection expectations and NEC 2020 implementation.
Future expansion: Feed-through lugs and clean panel organization support additions like EV chargers or outbuildings.

Important code and inspection notes

As local inspectors continue implementing NEC 2020, some homes may require additional breaker upgrades. During this project we prepared the system for inspection and noted the following considerations:

AFCI requirements: Inspectors may require upgrading certain circuits to AFCI. Preexisting conditions (such as shared neutrals) can cause immediate tripping and may require diagnostic work to resolve.
Coordination and power planning: We scheduled the utility power drop. Upon request, Touchstone can make a generator available for limited power during the outage.
Not included in this scope: Riser/weatherhead, additional breakers, service entrance cable from the new meter to the weatherhead, and feeder/conduit to interior main panels (if needed) were not part of this installation.

Warranty and equipment details

Signature Lifetime Craftsmanship Warranty included on our workmanship for this project.
Aluminum bus bar with a 20-year transferable warranty as part of the new meter/panel combo.
Whole-home surge protection installed with $10,000 / 3-year warranty coverage as specified.

These protections provide strong long-term value and peace of mind for Jan Noel’s home in Southport.

Local service you can trust

From permitting to final checks, our Raleigh-based team delivered a clean, code-focused installation for this Southport home. Jan Noel praised our team with a review after completion, reflecting our commitment to clear communication, safe workmanship, and reliable scheduling.

If you need a panel or service upgrade or a meter base replacement in Southport, NC, our licensed electricians can help you plan the right solution, coordinate permitting and utility requirements, and protect your home with modern surge protection.

Southport 200A Meter/Main Panel Replacement & Surge Protection