200 Amp Panel and Service Upgrade in Conshohocken, PA

A Conshohocken homeowner contacted Thomas Edison Electric after noticing a light fixture was not working. What began as a simple fixture concern LED to a comprehensive evaluation of the home's electrical system.

The client initially called about a non-working light fixture, but the underlying electrical system had far more serious issues that needed attention.

The service expert discovered multiple concerning conditions throughout the home. The overhead service line was sagging and pulling away from the house, and the meter enclosure showed signs of water damage. The existing 150-amp Push-Matic panel was over 50 years old with multiple defective breakers that would not reset. Original knob and tube wiring was found to be energized, and open air splices were present throughout the basement. A water-damaged subpanel was tapped off the main panel line side, and there was no electrical grounding, bonding, or electrode system present. The home also lacked any surge protection, leaving appliances and electronics vulnerable.

The service expert presented options to address the safety hazards, including a complete service upgrade with a new 200-amp panel, surge protection, and grounding system, along with installation of the outdoor lighting fixtures the client needed.

• 54 Space 200-Amp Siemens Panel with Meter, PVC Mast with Main Breaker Disconnect, Whole House Surge Protection and Grounding System (the client chose this one)

• Out door lighting fixtures (the client chose this one)

The client chose the full electrical service upgrade along with the lighting and fan installations. Over three visits, the team replaced the service with a 200-amp Siemens panel featuring 54 breaker spaces, installed a new meter enclosure and disconnect combo, and ran a new PVC service mast with fresh service cables. They installed a complete grounding system including an additional ground rod, water meter bonding jumper, and ground bridge. A whole-house surge protector was added to protect the home's electronics. The team consolidated the existing circuit branch wiring from the old subpanel into the new main panel. They also installed four client-supplied exterior lights, a motion flood light with photocell, replaced a ceiling fan, ran a dedicated 20-amp circuit to the sump pump location with a GFCI outlet, and cleaned up floating wiring in the basement by bringing loose wires into proper boxes with GFCI protection. The old service penetration was sealed with spray foam, and LED fixtures replaced temporary basement lights.

• Installed 200-amp Siemens 54-space panel with new meter base and outdoor disconnect

• Replaced overhead service with new PVC mast and service cables

• Installed complete grounding system with additional ground rod and water meter bonding

• Added whole-house surge protective device

• Ran dedicated 20-amp circuit to sump pump with GFCI protection

• Installed client-supplied exterior lights, ceiling fan, and motion flood light

• Boxed open wiring and replaced temporary basement lights with LED fixtures

• Sealed old service penetration and installed smoke detector

Older homes in Conshohocken and throughout Montgomery County often have outdated electrical systems that were installed decades ago under different standards. Knob and tube wiring, water-damaged panels, and missing grounding systems create serious fire and shock hazards that may go unnoticed until a small problem reveals larger issues. A modern 200-amp service with proper grounding and surge protection provides the capacity and safety features these homes need for today's electrical demands.