Subpanel Installation & Breaker Upgrades in Hillsborough, NC

When a burnt bus bar was discovered in a customer’s existing panel in Hillsborough, our team acted quickly to restore safety and reliability. From our Charlotte branch based in Matthews, Jose Rodriguez completed this fully permitted project on August 14, 2025, addressing the immediate hazard and delivering a clean, code-conscious solution.

As a local expert in panels and service upgrades, Touchstone Electric provided a targeted subpanel installation and breaker replacements to protect the home, add capacity, and improve long‑term performance.

What We Did

Identified the issue: Diagnosed a burnt bus bar in the existing panel and a failed 100A breaker that needed to be replaced.
Installed a midsize indoor subpanel: A 12/24 circuit panel rated up to 125 amps to support present loads and allow room for future circuits.
Replaced the faulty 100A two‑pole breaker: Provided a new 100A breaker to properly feed the subpanel.
Added new breakers for branch circuits: Installed 10 standard 20A breakers for small appliances and 3 tandem 15A breakers for standard branch circuits.
Handled permitting: Filed the electrical permit with the county to ensure the work met local requirements and inspection processes.

This approach removed the immediate risk from the damaged bus bar while improving circuit organization and expanding available capacity for the home.

Why a Subpanel Was the Right Choice

A burnt bus bar can cause overheating, nuisance tripping, and unreliable power distribution. Installing a dedicated subpanel is a proven way to offload circuits, create safe working space for future needs, and bring the system closer to current code expectations. The new subpanel provides:

Improved safety: Fresh, undamaged bus connections and modern breakers reduce risk and heat buildup.
Better organization: Clear labeling and separation of circuits make maintenance easier.
Room to grow: The 12/24 design supports today’s needs and future additions without crowding.

Code and Permit Notes for Hillsborough Homeowners

Touchstone Electric keeps projects aligned with current codes and local requirements in Hillsborough, NC. As inspectors implement the 2020 NEC, you may be required to upgrade certain circuits to AFCI protection. It’s important to know:

AFCI requirements: Some existing wiring conditions (such as shared neutrals) can cause immediate tripping when AFCI breakers are added. Resolving this may involve targeted diagnostics to locate and correct wiring issues on affected circuits.
Permits included: This project included the electrical permit. Other jurisdictional permits (such as Historic Preservation, Environmental/Septic, Zoning, separate subcontractor, or builder permits) are not included unless specifically arranged.

Our team will advise you on what the local inspector may require and outline any additional steps if non-electrical permits are needed.

Local Service from Our Charlotte Branch

We proudly serve Hillsborough and the surrounding area from our Charlotte branch in Matthews. Whether you need a subpanel installation, breaker replacements, or a complete panel upgrade, our licensed electricians deliver thorough diagnostics, clear recommendations, and clean workmanship tailored to your home.

Reviewed by Our Customer

After completion, Matthew Pender praised our work with a Google review. Read the review on Google.

Need Panel or Subpanel Help in Hillsborough?

If you notice warm breakers, discoloration near your panel, or frequent tripping, it’s time to have your system evaluated. Touchstone Electric’s team can inspect your panel, recommend the right mix of repairs and upgrades, and handle permitting to keep your project on track.

From panels and service upgrades to subpanel installations and code-driven breaker updates, we’re here to help Hillsborough homeowners stay safe and powered with confidence.