200 Amp Panel and Service Upgrade in Harrisburg, PA

A Harrisburg client contacted Thomas Edison Electric after a circuit in their home stopped working. What began as a simple GFCI issue revealed more serious concerns with the home's electrical service.

The client noticed that a GFCI outlet had stopped functioning. They were also experiencing issues with their Wi-Fi tripping when plugged into certain outlets.

The service expert inspected the main electrical panel and discovered discoloration on one of the bus bars, a clear sign of overheating that can lead to electrical fires if left unaddressed. Outside, the utility line conduit was cracking away from the meter, which could damage the underground cables if the pulling continued. Most concerning, there were signs of water getting into the electrical equipment, with moisture entering behind the meter and traveling down under the siding into the panel area.

The service expert presented two options to address these safety concerns. The first focused on updated grounding, an outdoor disconnect, a new underground meter with slip riser, GFCI and dedicated receptacle installation, and whole home surge protection, while the second included all of these upgrades plus a full 40 space Siemens panel replacement.

• Updated grounding, outdoor disconnect, new underground meter, slip riser, GFCI installed next to panel, new dedicated receptacle installed next to panel for WiFi, whole home surge protection

• 40 Space Siemens Panel Replacement, updated grounding, outdoor disconnect, new underground meter, slip riser, GFCI installed next to panel, new dedicated receptacle installed next to panel for WiFi, whole home surge protection (the client chose this one)

The client chose the comprehensive upgrade that included the panel replacement. The team installed a new 200 amp Siemens 40 space main breaker panel, replaced the underground meter base, and added a 3 inch PVC slip riser to prevent future conduit pulling. They installed an outdoor 200 amp disconnect enclosure, updated the grounding system, and added whole home surge protection. A GFCI receptacle was installed next to the panel along with a dedicated receptacle for the Wi-Fi equipment. On a follow-up visit, the team sealed where water had been entering, using spray foam inside and silicone outside to prevent moisture from getting behind the siding and into the electrical equipment. The work required three visits and passed inspection.

• Installed Siemens 40 space 200 amp main breaker panel

• Replaced 200 amp underground meter base with 3 inch PVC slip riser

• Installed 200 amp outdoor breaker enclosure and disconnect

• Updated grounding system

• Installed whole home surge protection device

• Added GFCI receptacle and dedicated receptacle near panel for Wi-Fi

• Sealed water entry points with spray foam and silicone

Older homes in Harrisburg and throughout Dauphin County often have electrical services that have weathered decades of Pennsylvania seasons. Water intrusion into electrical panels is particularly dangerous because it can cause corrosion, short circuits, and create conditions for electrical fires. Addressing overheating bus bars and failing weatherproofing before they cause serious damage protects both the home and its occupants.