How Much Does It Cost To Upgrade Or Replace An Electrical Panel?

Cost to Upgrade to a 200-Amp Service

Going into this type of project, you should expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,500+ to upgrade an existing unit to 200-amp service. In material alone, a 200-amp box will cost $100 to $550. In comparison, a 150-amp version runs between $50 and $200. An increase to 150-amp or 200-amp service gives you room to grow. However, homes with additions or large garages and hefty electrical equipment may need added amperage to support the extra power draw.

What is the Cost to Upgrade to a 400-Amp Service?

The cost to upgrade to a 400-amp service ranges between $1,500 to $4,000+. The total for installation depends mainly on the current electrical system design and if changes are needed to complete the service upgrade. In some cases, an electrician will install two 200-amp panels, using one of them as a subpanel. However, labor for the installation of two panels takes longer. Most homes do not need this much power. However, it may be a great choice if you have a large house in an area with hot summers or use jetted tubs regularly.

Cost to Update Electrical Panel to 100 Amps

Updating an electrical panel to 100-amp service is $1,000 to $2,500. The panel runs from $50 to $200, so labor is the most significant part of the total. Older homes often run low-amperage panels because they did not have central air, modern appliances, or today's electronics in mind. If you have a 60-amp unit, upgrading might make it easier to consider improvements like a workshop or hot tub.

Replacing a Fuse Box With an Electrical Circuit Breaker Panel

Some older houses have a fused electrical service, and replacing a fuse box with a breaker panel runs from $1,500 to $3,000. These projects typically cost more if the wiring needs a complete overhaul; in most cases, this is the unfortunate situation being NEC codes modernization to make homes and businesses safer. Modern circuit breakers offer the safest the most flexibility for future home improvements.

Installing or Replacing a Main Electrical Breaker

The price to install a new main breaker is about $500 to $2,000. The cost depends on the brand and unit's amperage rating.

Cost to Replace Circuit Breaker or Fuse

The cost to replace a circuit breaker or fuse is $100 to $600. Standard, 15- to 20-amp breakers run $5 to $48 each. Standard, 15- to 20-amp fuses come in three packs for about $5 to $10. Older circuits and fuses may be challenging to find and cost up to $70. The installation price should be about the same. 

Cost of Adding New Electrical Panel and Wiring

Panel upgrades are not always independent projects. You might have to deal with:

• Old wiring.

• Worn outlets.

• Outdated fixtures.

• Damaged circuits.

A good electrician will notice whether or not extensive wear and tear may require upgrades or repairs to other components. While necessary updates can significantly increase the costs of a given project, they support a safe and functional electrical system, where safety is always our number one priority.

Rewiring an Electric Panel

Rewiring an electric panel costs $1,500 to $12,500+, depending on the extent of the job. If your house needs all new wiring, you will pay the most. Replacing one or two circuits costs less. Replacing an electric panel sometimes requires rewiring, but it is hard to tell without professional consultation. We understand that these projects can be expensive, so we have partnered with a financing company that offers up to 0% interest, and you can see how you qualify directly on our estimates and invoices.

Cost of Changing Inside vs. Outside Electrical Panels

Moving an electrical panel outside will cost $1,500 to $2,500. If the electrical panel needs to be moved, the price will be on the higher end. This includes installing equipment rated for outdoors and wiring to reach the new location. Electrical bypasses and panels are not the same. The bypass usually refers to the main connection between the meter and your main panel, acting as an emergency shutoff. A bypass is used during a fire, allowing firefighters to turn off the home's power safely and quickly from the exterior. Homes more than 20 years old may still have indoor bypasses or none. However, project estimates increase if a professional has to tear out the panel or wiring to perform the necessary work, requiring another contractor to repair the drywall if the panel is located in a finished area.

Federal Pacific & Zinsco Panel Replacement Costs

Replacing a Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel ranges from $1,500 to $4,000. These panels are outdated and unsafe electrical systems, so the price typically includes some upgrades to wiring. If you have one, you will want to call a licensed electrician as soon as possible to upgrade. These panels have design flaws that could cause a house fire. These companies sold a series of faulty circuit panels, primarily in the 1960s through the 1980s. One of the main problems was breakers not tripping, which started several fires. Other brands' boxes, like Challenger or PushMatic, had similar problems.

Cost to Move an Electrical Panel

Moving a panel from one part of a structure to another can cost $1,000 to $12,000+. Actual costs can vary depending on several project factors:

• Is the unit is indoors or outdoors

• Is the home multiple stories

• Do all the circuits need to be moved

• Can the current panel be used as a junction

If extensive work is required, the project may be considered a rewire, and pricing will change accordingly.

Electrical Panel Costs

The retail price of the panel itself is $50 to $1,000+. Total material cost depends on the type of panel and features being installed alongside it. In some rare cases, the local power company will need to install a new power supply distribution and meter to meet the property's new electrical needs. Meters can cost $100 to $1,200+ to replace. Other materials like fittings, connectors, and fasteners usually total around $100 more or less, depending on the scope of work.

GFCI vs. AFCI Breaker Cost

AFCI and GFCI breakers can cost $30 to $200+ each, up to 10 times the price of standard versions. These units offer extra protection to help reduce the likelihood of electrical hazards like fires or electrocution. The NEC code requires this type of protection in areas of the home such as standard rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens, otherwise known as dwelling units.

• Arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) devices protect against arcing faults. They have onboard circuitry that recognizes the characteristics unique to an arcing fault and functioning to de-energize the circuit when a parallel arc fault is detected. An arc is a bright discharge of electricity across insulating mediums. Electric arcs range in temperatures between 5,000 and 15,000°F and expel small particles of scorching molten material.

• Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) devices operate on the principle of monitoring the imbalance of current between the circuit's ungrounded and neutral conductors. When this imbalance reaches 5mAmps (0.005 Amps)(+-1mA), the device is designed to trip and open the circuit.

Subpanel Installation Cost

The cost to install a subpanel ranges between $800 to $2,750. This depends on the amperage and the number of circuits being added to the home electrical system. Models have 4 to 20 circuits, and the amperages range from 100 to 150 amps. In most cases, the subpanel is installed near the main panel. If you are planning a home addition, a mother-in-law suite, or an in-ground pool, you should think about the power needed to run it. A subpanel can be a great choice to increase your total amperage or add extra circuits.

Electric Meter Installation or Replacement Cost

To install or replace an electrical meter box is $100 to $1,650. This includes $80 to $500+ for the unit and 1 to 4 hours in labor. These will need to be replaced in the event of it being damaged, increasing the amperage of your service, or in need of one with more circuits. Many homeowners install a new meter simultaneously with replacing the main electric panel. You may save money by hiring a professional licensed electrician to do both at the same time.

Cost to Replace Service Entrance Cable

The cost to replace overhead service entrance cables can range from $1,000 to $2,000. However, it may run $5,000 or more if it is underground, and trenching is required to connect to your local electrical service utility. Overhead attachments to the structure are installed by an electrical contractor, and the utility company installs the cables providing service. Underground service is handled entirely with your electrical contractor and maintained by the customer(homeowner). Learn more about how power makes it to your home or business.

DIY vs. Hiring an Electrician: Can you Replace your Electrical Panel?

The short answer is no. Working with electricity is dangerous, even for the trained electrician. The difference is an electrician knows where those dangers are and how to avoid them. The perils and regulatory responsibilities of replacing your box are too many to consider doing it yourself. Professionals are able to pull the proper permits and work with your local power provider to have these significant installations done safely and seamlessly. A licensed & insured electrical contractor like us is also familiar with current code and safety requirements. This will ensure your home and family are safe from the dangers of faulty electrical installations and prevent expensive repairs in the future.

When you decide to upgrade, contact us, a licensed and insured electrician near you. We recommend getting estimates from at least three different contractors. Then, use a combination of trust, cost, experience, and reputation to make your decision on whom to go with.

FAQs

How much is it to upgrade an electrical panel from 100 to 200 amps?

Upgrading a panel from 100 to 200 amps costs $1,100 to $4,000+. Adding new circuits will be an additional cost to the installation.

When should I upgrade my electrical panel?

Consider upgrading your electrical panel if:

• It is more than 25 years old.

• You need more power than your current system offers.

• You are adding new electrical systems to your property.

• Your house is full of power strips.

Why should I upgrade or replace my electrical box?

An electric panel may need to be upgraded or replaced if:

• Your house has fuse boxes.

• You notice flickering lights.

• Outlets and switches make crackling sounds.

• You want to add more appliances.

You can often save money and hassle by upgrading during a remodeling project, or in addition as bulk installations offer varying discounts.

How much will it cost to replace circuit breakers in my trailer?

Replacing individual circuit breakers costs $100 to $400 each.

How much does an electrician charge to fix a breaker?

Fixing and diagnosing a breaker costs $100 to $400. In some cases, the electrician will replace the breaker in the event the breaker no longer functions as intended. Sometimes the switching mechanisms go bad, and the whole breaker needs to be replaced.

How much does it cost to bring power to and install a new panel in a new house?

Connecting utility electricity to a new home may be included with your electrical utility provider if the lines are nearby, or $25 to $100 per foot for remote properties. The cost to install a new panel ranges from $1,000 and $4,000+.

How long does an electrical panel Installation or Upgrade take?

Replacing an electrical panel takes 4 to 8 hours. If you are installing multiple units, it can double the time.