Electrical Panel Replacement Cost
Electrical panel replacement costs $1,300 to $4,000 for most homes. A standard 200-amp panel upgrade runs $1,800-$2,500, while 100-amp panels cost $850-$1,600 and 400-amp service costs $2,000-$4,000.
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Cost Breakdown
| Component | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $300 | $1,500 |
| Labor | $1,000 | $3,000 |
| Total | $1,300 | $4,500 |
| DIY (parts only) | $0 | $0 |
Understanding Electrical Panel Replacement
Your electrical panel (also called a breaker box, load center, or service panel) is the heart of your home's electrical system. It receives power from the utility company and distributes it safely throughout your home via individual circuit breakers. Electrical panel replacement cost is a significant investment, but essential for safety, capacity, and code compliance.
Warning: Electrical panel work involves lethal voltages and must only be performed by licensed electricians. This is not a DIY project.
Why Electrical Panel Replacement Costs Vary
Several factors affect the total cost of electrical panel replacement:
1. Service Amperage
The biggest factor in electrical panel replacement cost is the amperage capacity:
| Service Size | Panel Cost | Installed Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 Amp | $200-$500 | $850-$1,600 | Small homes, minimal electric use |
| 150 Amp | $300-$600 | $1,200-$2,000 | Medium homes, moderate use |
| 200 Amp | $400-$800 | $1,800-$2,500 | Most modern homes |
| 320 Amp | $500-$1,000 | $2,500-$3,500 | Large homes, multiple high-draw items |
| 400 Amp | $600-$1,200 | $2,000-$4,000 | Large homes, workshops, EVs |
2. Upgrade vs Replacement
- Same-amperage replacement: $850-$1,600 (simply replacing worn panel)
- Amperage upgrade: $3,500-$6,500 (requires new service entry, meter, utility coordination)
3. Panel Location and Accessibility
Additional costs apply for:
- Relocating panel: $1,000-$3,000
- Basement to exterior move: $1,500-$4,000
- Difficult access requiring wall removal: $500-$1,500
- Bringing wiring up to code: $500-$2,000
100 Amp vs 200 Amp vs 400 Amp Service Comparison
100 Amp Service
Cost: $850-$1,600 installed
Capacity: Supports approximately 12,000-15,000 watts
Best for:
- Small homes under 1,500 sq ft
- Minimal electrical appliances
- Gas heating/cooking/water heating
- No central air conditioning
- Older homes with grandfathered service
Limitations:
- Cannot support EV charger plus other major loads
- May trip main breaker with multiple large appliances running
- Often requires upgrade for home sale in some markets
200 Amp Service
Cost: $1,800-$2,500 installed (or $3,500-$6,500 for 100→200 upgrade)
Capacity: Supports approximately 24,000-30,000 watts
Best for:
- Most modern homes up to 2,500 sq ft
- Central air conditioning
- Electric water heater
- Standard EV charger (Level 2)
- Multiple large appliances
Advantages:
- Current building code standard for new construction
- Accommodates most homeowner electrical needs
- Good resale value
- Room for future additions
400 Amp Service
Cost: $2,000-$4,000 installed (or $5,000-$10,000+ for major upgrade)
Capacity: Supports approximately 48,000-60,000 watts
Best for:
- Large homes over 3,000 sq ft
- All-electric homes (no gas)
- Multiple EV chargers
- Home workshops with heavy equipment
- Pool/spa with electric heat
- Solar with battery backup systems
Considerations:
- Requires dual 200-amp panels or single 400-amp panel
- May require utility transformer upgrade
- Higher permit and inspection complexity
Main Panel vs Subpanel Costs
Main Panel
The main panel connects directly to utility power and contains the main breaker. All power to your home flows through this panel.
When to replace main panel:
- Upgrading service amperage
- Panel damage or corrosion
- Outdated/recalled panel brands
- Insufficient circuit spaces
- Converting from fuse box
Cost: $1,300-$4,000 depending on amperage
Subpanel
A subpanel is fed from the main panel and provides additional circuit capacity for a specific area.
When to install subpanel:
- Main panel is full (no empty breaker slots)
- Adding circuits to garage, workshop, or addition
- Main panel is far from where circuits are needed
- Isolating specific loads (like workshop equipment)
Cost by size:
| Subpanel Size | Installed Cost |
|---|---|
| 30-40 Amp | $400-$800 |
| 60 Amp | $600-$1,200 |
| 100 Amp | $1,000-$2,000 |
| 125 Amp | $1,200-$2,500 |
Note: Subpanels don't increase your total home capacity—they redistribute existing capacity. To add more total capacity, you need a main panel upgrade.
Permit and Inspection Requirements
Electrical panel work is heavily regulated due to safety concerns. Understanding permit requirements helps you budget accurately.
Permit Costs by Region
| Region | Typical Permit Cost | Inspection Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Urban areas | $100-$300 | Often included |
| Suburban | $75-$200 | Often included |
| Rural | $50-$150 | May be separate |
What the Permit Process Involves
- Application: Electrician submits plans showing work scope
- Fee payment: Typically $50-$300
- Work performed: Electrician completes installation
- Inspection: City/county inspector verifies code compliance
- Utility reconnection: Power restored after passing inspection
Consequences of Unpermitted Work
- Insurance claim denial for electrical fires
- Required removal/replacement when discovered
- Fines ranging from $500-$10,000
- Problems selling home (disclosed or discovered)
- Liability for injuries or damage to others
Fuse Box to Breaker Panel Conversion
Many older homes still have fuse boxes that should be upgraded to modern circuit breaker panels.
Why Convert?
- Safety: Fuses can be defeated with wrong size replacements
- Convenience: Reset breakers vs buying and replacing fuses
- Insurance: Many insurers charge more or refuse coverage for fuse boxes
- Capacity: Modern panels offer more circuits
- Code compliance: Required for renovations in most areas
- Resale value: Buyers expect breaker panels
Conversion Costs
| Scenario | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 60 amp fuse to 100 amp panel | $1,500-$2,500 |
| 60 amp fuse to 200 amp panel | $2,500-$4,500 |
| 100 amp fuse to 200 amp panel | $2,000-$4,000 |
| With rewiring upgrades | Add $1,000-$3,000 |
Dangerous Panel Brands to Replace
Certain electrical panels have documented safety issues and should be replaced regardless of apparent condition:
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok Panels
- Issue: Breakers fail to trip during overloads
- Fire risk: Significantly elevated
- Recommendation: Immediate replacement recommended
- Identification: "Federal Pacific" or "FPE" on panel door
Zinsco/Sylvania Panels
- Issue: Breakers melt to bus bars, fail to trip
- Fire risk: Elevated
- Recommendation: Replace as soon as possible
- Identification: "Zinsco" or "Sylvania" branding, colorful breaker handles
Pushmatic Panels
- Issue: Breakers become stuck, parts unavailable
- Fire risk: Moderate
- Recommendation: Replace when convenient
- Identification: Push-button style breakers
Split-Bus Panels
- Issue: No single main breaker, code non-compliant
- Fire risk: Moderate (depends on condition)
- Recommendation: Replace when upgrading
- Identification: Multiple "main" breaker sections
Labor Cost Breakdown
Electricians typically charge $50-$150 per hour, with panel work taking 4-10+ hours:
| Work Type | Hours | Labor Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Panel swap (same amperage) | 4-6 | $300-$900 |
| Panel upgrade (with new service) | 8-12 | $800-$1,800 |
| Service upgrade (100→200 amp) | 10-16 | $1,000-$2,400 |
| Fuse box conversion | 6-10 | $600-$1,500 |
| Subpanel installation | 3-6 | $250-$900 |
Additional labor costs:
- Emergency/after-hours service: +25-50%
- Utility coordination time: $100-$300
- Permit acquisition and inspection: Often included in quote
- Wall repair after installation: $100-$300 (if needed)
Regional Cost Variations
Electrical panel replacement cost varies significantly by location:
| Region | 200-Amp Panel | 100→200 Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast (NYC, Boston) | $2,500-$4,000 | $5,000-$8,000 |
| Southeast (Atlanta, Miami) | $1,800-$2,800 | $3,500-$5,500 |
| Midwest (Chicago, Detroit) | $1,600-$2,600 | $3,000-$5,000 |
| Southwest (Phoenix, Dallas) | $1,700-$2,700 | $3,200-$5,500 |
| West Coast (LA, Seattle) | $2,200-$3,500 | $4,500-$7,500 |
| Rural areas | $1,400-$2,200 | $2,800-$4,500 |
Safety Warnings
Electrical panel work is extremely dangerous and strictly regulated:
- Lethal voltage: Panel work involves 240V at 100-400+ amps
- Arc flash risk: Can cause severe burns and fires
- Licensed work only: All jurisdictions require licensed electricians
- Utility coordination: Power must be disconnected at the meter
- No DIY: Even experienced DIYers should never attempt panel work
- Insurance implications: Unlicensed work voids coverage
Signs requiring immediate professional attention:
- Burning smell from panel
- Scorch marks on breakers or panel
- Buzzing or crackling sounds
- Panel warm or hot to touch
- Sparks when operating breakers
How to Choose an Electrician
What to Look For
- Valid state electrical license (verify online)
- Liability insurance ($1 million minimum)
- Workers compensation insurance
- Experience with panel upgrades (ask for references)
- Permit pulling included in quote
- Written warranty on workmanship
Questions to Ask
- Are you licensed and insured? (verify)
- Do you pull permits and schedule inspection?
- Is the quote all-inclusive or are there potential add-ons?
- How long will my power be off?
- Do you coordinate with the utility company?
- What warranty do you offer?
Red Flags
- Offers to skip permit process
- Cash-only payments requested
- No written estimate
- Pressure to decide immediately
- Significantly lower than other quotes
- No verifiable license
Getting the Best Value
Get Multiple Quotes
- Obtain 3-5 written quotes
- Ensure quotes include same scope of work
- Ask for itemized breakdowns
- Compare warranty terms
Timing Your Project
- Schedule during off-peak seasons (spring/fall)
- Avoid emergency replacement premiums
- Combine with other electrical work for better rates
Questions About Your Quote
- What's included in the price?
- Are permits and inspections included?
- What happens if additional work is discovered?
- What warranty is provided?
- When is payment due?
Conclusion
Electrical panel replacement cost ranges from $850 for a basic 100-amp panel swap to $6,500+ for a full 100-to-200 amp service upgrade. The right choice depends on your home's size, electrical needs, and future plans. For most modern homes, 200-amp service provides adequate capacity with room for future additions like EV chargers.
Always hire a licensed, insured electrician for this work—the safety risks and legal requirements make DIY impossible. Get multiple quotes, verify licenses, and ensure permits are included. While the upfront cost is significant, a properly installed electrical panel provides decades of safe, reliable service.
Cost by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle Type | Parts | Labor | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100-Amp Panel Replacement | $200-$500 | $650-$1,100 | $850-$1,600 |
| 200-Amp Panel Upgrade | $400-$800 | $1,400-$1,700 | $1,800-$2,500 |
| 400-Amp Service Upgrade | $600-$1,200 | $1,400-$2,800 | $2,000-$4,000 |
| 100 to 200 Amp Service Upgrade | $500-$1,000 | $3,000-$5,500 | $3,500-$6,500 |
| Subpanel Installation (60-100 Amp) | $200-$500 | $400-$1,500 | $600-$2,000 |
| Main Breaker Replacement Only | $150-$300 | $350-$1,700 | $500-$2,000 |
| Fuse Box to Breaker Panel Conversion | $400-$1,000 | $1,100-$3,500 | $1,500-$4,500 |