How Much Does It Cost to Upgrade or Replace an Electrical Panel?

Cost to Upgrade a Panel by Amperage

The cost to upgrade an electrical panel is $500 to $4,000 for most jobs, but the price to hire an electrician ranges from $50 to $100 per hour. Clients can expect to pay between $200 and $3,500 for their project labor if upgrading to a 400-amp panel.

An average upgrade takes about 4 to 8 hours to complete. This does not include rewiring or installing new electrical wiring.

100 Amp Upgrade

The cost to update an electrical panel to 100-amp service is $500 to $1,500. The box runs $100 to $200, so labor is the biggest part of the total.

Older homes often run low-amperage boxes because they didn't have central air, modern appliances, or today's electronics in mind when they were built. If you have a 60-amp unit, upgrading might make it easier to consider improvements like a workshop or hot tub.

150 Amp Upgrade

The price to upgrade your electrical panel to a 150-amp service is between $500 and $1,750 on average. The box alone costs between $150 to $250.

Upgrading to a 150-amp service is the typical starting range for an average-sized home, but if you use more electricity, you’ll want to upgrade to a 200-amp service.

200 Amp Upgrade

A homeowner should expect to pay between $750 and $2,000 to upgrade an existing unit to 200-amp service, including professional installation. Alone, a 200-amp box will cost $250 to $350.

An increase to 200-amp service gives you room to grow. Homes with additions or large garages and hefty electrical equipment may need added amperage to support the extra power draw.

400 Amp Upgrade

The cost to upgrade to a 400-amp service ranges from $1,500 to $4,000. This includes the panel at around $500, plus eight to 20 hours of labor to install the panel. The total for installation depends mostly on the setup. In some cases, your electrician will install two 200-amp panels, using one of them as a subpanel. Although these models run about half the price of a 400-amp one, labor for two takes longer.

Most homes don’t need this much power. If you have a large house in an area with hot summers, or you use jetted tubs regularly, it may be a great choice.

Before You Start: Breaker, Panel, or Subpanel?

Whether it's a farmhouse in the country or a large commercial complex in the city, electrical systems are essential to most homes. That’s why it’s important to know and identify each part of your electrical panel while budgeting for that upgrade. 

• Electrical panel: An electrical panel is also called a breaker panel, breaker box, or service panel. It contains all of the breaker switches in your home.

• Circuit breaker: Inside the electrical panel, you’ll find the circuit breakers that control the power in your house. 

• Subpanel: The subpanel is a smaller panel that controls specific sections of your home, such as your kitchen, bathroom, or garage.

• Fuse box: Some older houses have a fuse box instead of a circuit breaker. 

Circuit Breaker vs. Fuse Box

Replacing a fuse box with a breaker box runs from $1,500 to $2,000. If the wiring needs a complete overhaul, you might spend upwards of $4,500. While both options control the electrical current in your home, fuse boxes melt wires if there is an overload and must be replaced, whereas circuit breakers use a magnetic switch and don’t need replacing.

Additional Upgrades or Changes

Upfront costs are straightforward when it comes to the price of the electrical panel by amperage and hourly installation rates, but you’ll find there are many upgrades and changes that can influence the final price of your project.

Cost of Changing Inside vs. Outside Electrical Panels

Moving an electrical panel outside costs $1,500 to $2,500. If you need to move your electrical box as well, you’ll pay on the higher end. This price typically includes outdoor equipment and the wiring to reach the new location.

Electrical boxes and electrical panels aren’t the same, even if some sites use them interchangeably. The box usually refers to the main connection that has an emergency shutoff. Electrical box regulations now require outdoor installation. In a fire, firefighters can turn off the home's power safely and quickly from the exterior. Homes more than 15 years old may still have indoor boxes. 

Project estimates increase if a professional must tear out the panel or wiring to perform the necessary work. Drywall repair costs $300 to $900 or about $50 to $75 per square foot.

Cost to Replace Fuse Box With Circuit Breaker Panel

The cost to replace the fuse box with a circuit breaker panel is between $1,500 to $4,500 on average. This is because fuse boxes are often on older homes that weren’t built for higher amperages. Your electrician will need to completely rewire your home to accommodate for the upgrade as well as the new breaker panel.

Cost to Move or Remove Electrical Panel

Estimated rates for moving a panel from one area of the home to another range from $1,000 to $3,000. Actual costs can vary depending on several project factors:

• Whether the unit is indoors or outdoors

• How many floors are in the home

• How many circuits will move

• Whether the code allows using the existing box as a junction point

Where extensive work is required, you may need to have your home completely rewired. The price to rewire a house is between $6 and $10 per square foot, or between $12,000 to $20,000. 

Average Price to Install or Replace a Main Breaker

The price to install a new main breaker box is about $500 to $2,000. The exact cost depends on the number of circuits and the amperage of the unit. If the main box is full, installing a subpanel will allow you to add more circuits. You may also need to provide power to new rooms when remodeling or building additions.

Subpanel Installation Cost

The cost to install a subpanel is $400 to $1,750. The price of your subpanel depends on the amperage and the number of circuits. Models have four to 20 or more circuits, and the amperage ranges from 100 to 150 amps.

In most cases, you’ll install the subpanel near the main panel. Just make sure you have about three feet of clearance around the unit.

If you’re planning a home addition, a mother-in-law suite, or an in-ground pool, you should think about the power you’ll need to run electricity to these locations, too. A subpanel can be a great choice to increase your total amperage or add extra circuits.

Electric Meter Box Installation or Replacement Cost

The cost to install or replace an electric meter box is $200 to $800. This includes $50 to $250 for the unit and one to four hours in labor. You can potentially save money by hiring a pro to install a new meter while replacing a circuit breaker panel.

New Meter Base Cost

A new meter box costs $50 to $250 each. You’ll need to replace it if it’s damaged, increasing the amperage of your service, or you need one with more circuits.

Cost to Replace Service Entrance Cable

The cost to replace a service entrance cable ranges from $1,000 to $1,500 for overhead lines but may run $5,000 or more if it’s underground. Your local utility company usually does this project, so you’ll need to call them for an estimate.

Additional Wiring

Additional wiring can quickly add up and become a confusing tangle of expenses if you’re not keeping an eye on the extent of your project. Here’s a breakdown of additional wiring to be on the lookout for as you budget.

Cost of Adding New Electrical Panel and Wiring

The cost to install electrical wiring or panel is $600 to $2,300. The total depends on the amount you need to replace. Panel upgrades are not always independent projects. You might have to deal with:

• Old wiring

• Worn outlets

• Outdated fixtures

• Damaged circuits

Electricians who notice extensive wear and tear may recommend upgrades to other components. Necessary updates can significantly increase the costs of a given project, but they support a safe and functional power system.

Rewiring an Electric Panel

Rewiring an electric panel costs $500 to $4,500, depending on the extent of the job. If your house needs all new wiring, you’ll pay the most. Replacing one or two circuits runs less.

Replacing an electric panel sometimes calls for rewiring, but it’s hard to tell without speaking to a professional during a consultation. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s better to ask a pro about the condition of your system before you get started.

Cost to Repair Wiring

Existing wiring costs around $6 to $8 per linear foot to repair, with labor costs of about $40 to $120 per hour. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may spend very little. For homes with old wiring, the cost will increase based on the length of the wires that need replacing and the time it takes for the electrician to repair them.

Copper Grounding

Your panel needs to be grounded to prevent electrocution. Copper grounding is a popular material for grounding your panel and costs around $1.50 per linear foot.

Replacement or Repairs

Replacing or repairing old parts of your current electrical box or fuse setup can help you save on overall costs if the project is minor. In other cases, the cost to repair an old piece of equipment will far exceed the practicality of simply upgrading to a new one. Here’s what you need to know to make the best decision about your electrical equipment.

Federal Pacific & Zinsco Panel Replacement Costs

The cost to replace a Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel ranges from $1,500 to $4,000. Since these are older systems, this includes some upgrades to wiring. If you have one, you’ll want to call a pro as soon as possible to upgrade. The 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. The breakers wouldn’t trip, which started several fires. Other brands’ boxes, like Challenger or PushMatic, had similar problems.

Cost to Replace Circuit Breaker Switch or Fuse

The cost to replace a circuit breaker switch or fuse is $100 to $250. Standard, 15- to 20-amp switches run $5 to $15 each. Standard, 15- to 20-amp fuses come in three packs for about $5 to $10.

Older circuits and fuses may be difficult to find and cost up to $70. The price for the installation should be about the same.

Fuse Box Replacement Cost

A fuse box replacement costs between $200 to $2,000. It depends mostly on the size of the box and how easy it is to find parts. Fuse boxes are old technology, which can be harder to replace in some cases. If you’re not looking to upgrade to a circuit breaker panel, ask your electrician if they have experience with the project.

Material Costs

Material costs are generally low, while the cumulative costs for rewiring, replacing wiring, and hiring a professional are where you’ll see the largest price increases. Here’s a breakdown of the material costs.

Electrical Panel Costs

Retail price of the panel itself is $50 to $500. Total material costs depend on the type of unit and features you choose. In some cases, the local power company will need to install a new power supply and meter to meet the property's new electrical needs. Meters cost $100 to $650 to replace. Small materials like fittings, connectors, and fasteners usually total less than $100.

GFCI vs. AFCI Breaker Cost

AFCI and GFCI breakers can cost $30 to $60 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. Code requires this type of protection in areas of the home such as common rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens.

• Arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breaker models: Cost between $25 to $60 and help protect against damaged wiring.

• Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) models: Cost between $35 to $50 on average and help to protect against water damage.

When the system needs both types, you have two choices. You can either use a combination AFCI/GFCI breaker or an AFCI breaker with a GFCI receptacle. They run about $40 to $60 at home improvement stores. These units are usually cheaper than buying the specialty products separately.

Signs Your Electrical Panel Needs an Upgrade

If you’re wondering whether it’s time to upgrade your electrical panel, there are a few signs that can help you make that decision:

• Your current panel has less than 100 amps of power.

• There’s physical damage to the panel.

• You’re frequently unplugging appliances to power other appliances.

• Your electrical box is inside.

• Your home is over 20 years old and hasn’t had an upgrade.

• The panels keep tripping.

• The lighting flickers.

Can I Upgrade My Electrical Panel Myself?

Electrical repairs are dangerous. The perils of replacing your box are too many to consider doing it yourself. Not only can you rewire it incorrectly or go against coding, but improper grounding and handling of electrical wiring can lead to electrocution. A certified professional pulls the proper permits, works with your local power supplier, and knows the ins and outs of the current code and safety requirements. This will ensure your family is safe from hazards and prevent expensive repairs in the future.

When you decide to upgrade, start by finding licensed and insured electricians near you. Get quotes from at least three different contractors. Use a combination of trust, cost, experience, and reputation to make a final decision.