200 Amp Panel and Service Upgrade in Lebanon, PA

A Lebanon, Pennsylvania homeowner called Thomas Edison Electric after noticing that outlets in their home had stopped working. Two ceiling outlets, one in the kitchen and one outside near the door with a light fixture, had been out for at least a week.

The client reported that two ceiling outlets had stopped working entirely, leaving them without a functioning kitchen ceiling outlet and an outdoor light fixture. The issue had persisted for over a week with no improvement.

Upon inspection, the service expert discovered that the home had ungrounded two prong outlets throughout, which presented a safety concern. The existing electrical panel was only 100 amp and completely maxed out, leaving no room for future electrical needs such as the mini split systems the client hoped to add. The service expert also found that the cable running from the pole to the home was deteriorating, with the client having attempted to tape it to slow the damage.

The service expert presented two options to address the outdated electrical system. One was a 100 amp panel and meter upgrade with surge protection, while the other was a more comprehensive 200 amp service upgrade with additional capacity and safety features.

• 40-Space 200-Amp Siemens Panel with Meter, SEU, Whole House Surge Protection and Grounding System (the client chose this one)

• 100 Amp 30-Space Siemens Panel & Meter with Surge Protection

The client chose the 40 space 200 amp Siemens panel with meter, service entrance upgrade, whole house surge protection, and full grounding system. The team trenched from the disconnect and meter on the pole to the home and ran the new wiring through conduit. They installed the new panel, meter base, outdoor disconnect, and service mast, then added the grounding system with ground rods. The service experts also replaced ungrounded outlets with GFCI receptacles, installed a client provided outdoor light fixture, and added a keyless porcelain light in a closet. After installation was complete and power was restored, everything functioned properly.

• Installed 40 space 200 amp Siemens main breaker panel

• Replaced meter base and installed outdoor disconnect with new service mast

• Installed whole house surge protective device

• Added full grounding system with ground rods

• Trenched and ran underground conduit from pole to home

• Replaced ungrounded outlets with GFCI receptacles

• Installed client provided outdoor light fixture

• Installed keyless porcelain light fixture

Older homes in Lebanon and throughout Lebanon County often have electrical systems that were designed for far fewer demands than modern households require. Upgrading from 100 amp to 200 amp service provides the capacity needed for current appliances and future additions like mini splits or other equipment. Proper grounding and surge protection help safeguard electronics and appliances from voltage spikes, which is especially important in areas that experience lightning storms.