The average cost to replace a home electrical panel is around $2,500.From complete replacements to part upgrades, your cost depends on whether you’re upgrading, replacing, rewiring, or relocating the panel. Here’s what to expect from the process.
You may need to replace an electrical panel due to damage, or you may simply be upgrading an older home or fixing a faulty breaker. Regardless, it’s worth the cost to replace an electrical pane to improve its functionality and safety.
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. Keep reading to learn how to budget appropriately for an electrical panel replacement, which parts you might need, and what to expect from this entire home improvement process. How does an electrical panel work?
Electrical panels deliver electricity from external power lines into your home. Energy travels from the panel to the outlets and devices inside your home before traveling back to the panel along neutral wires.
Typically, electrical panels are located in a centralized spot in the home to better reach the entire property.
You could face dangerous consequences if a panel is damaged or out of date, such as electrocution, overloading, surging, damaged appliances, and even fire.
Sometimes, you can replace faulty parts to fix problems with the electrical panel. You may need to rewire a breaker, for instance. Upgrading parts is usually cheaper than replacing the entire panel.
In some situations, however, you will need to completely replace the panel. If the system is too damaged or too outdated (farewell, fuse boxes!), you may need to purchase a new panel. If it is inconveniently located or not up to code, you may need to move the panel.
Don’t worry—we’ve got answers for every situation!
How much does it cost to replace an electrical panel?
The average cost to replace an electrical panel is $2,500, but you could pay as low as $800 or as high as $10,000 depending on whether you are replacing it with an identical one or upgrading to a new (more powerful) one.
If you are replacing a very simple 100 amp panel with no housing around it, you might pay as low as $800. To completely replace a panel with a new model and housing will cost about $2,500. To replace a 400 amp panel with new housing, you’ll pay at least $10,000.
Your cost also depends on the brand or manufacturer of the parts. For example, older systems like Federal Pacific and Zinsco may have design flaws or outdated parts that would be costly to source—or inappropriate to replace. Instead, you’ll need to replace the entire panel with new (costlier) parts from a reputable manufacturer like General Electric or Siemens.
Finally, GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) vs. AFCI (arc fault circuit interrupter) unit pricing may affect your cost. If your area requires one of these components, you may pay between $30 and $100 each. For this extra protection, you’ll pay up to 10x the price of a standard breaker. Your electrician should handle this but be aware there may be an extra cost.
Cost to replace an electrical panel
Depending size of the electrical panel, as well as the specs listed above, replacement costs will vary dramatically. Here’s a breakdown:
What size electrical panel do I need? Ask a qualified electrician. In general, you will need at least 100 amps for a medium-sized home to power several 240-volt appliances. Remember that you must also adhere to local building codes. In some areas, the local codes dictate a minimum panel size of 200 amps.
Key Takeaway Think carefully about whether you want to upgrade a few parts or completely replace the electrical panel. By spending more money now, you could avoid problems in the future.
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Cost to replace vs. upgrade an electrical panel
To upgrade an electrical panel with a few new parts, you will pay between $800 and $4,000.
If you must replace the entire system, expect to pay an additional $500 depending on your system or between $1,200 and $4,500 including labor.
You might be able to get away with updating components rather than replacing the entire panel. For instance, an electrician may identify the problem as needing new wiring or breakers.
However, you may not have a choice. There are two situations in which you may be required to replace the whole system. If an electrical panel is not meeting the needs of your home, you need to install one with greater amperage. If there is a safety problem or flaw in the current system, you need to replace the panel with a new one of the same amperage.
Cost to upgrade an electrical panel
If you’re concerned about futureproofing, a 200 amp system can handle enough electrical load for most dwellings. It will allow you to add more appliances without overloading your electrical system.
When to upgrade your electrical panel
You should upgrade your electrical panel if:
It no longer functions or is faulty
It does not meet the city’s code standards
It is undersized to meet the home’s needs (or is operating at max capacity)
It is no longer safe due to smoke, fire, or other damage
You want to plan for a future project (in-ground pool, backyard workshop, mother-in-law suite, Airbnb, etc.)
Some clear signs indicate you should upgrade or replace an electrical panel. If circuit breakers are constantly tripping, it means that your electrical system is overloaded or there’s a problem. Flickering lights and newly installed appliances not running at peak efficiency are warning signs, too.
Get help from a professional to find out whether you should upgrade. An electrical panel upgrade inspection costs about $100 for up to an hour. They will inspect your electrical system visually and they may test the circuitry to determine the needs of your project.
Check your local guidelines—in some places you need to have a building code inspector present.
MORE: Home insurance terms you need to know
Cost of a new electrical panel
The price of a brand new electrical panel depends on the wiring for the panel, the unit size, the new housing box, and whether you’re leaving room for additional circuits in the future.
Here’s the average price range by amperage for materials only (not including labor):
125 amp box: $115 to $250
150 amp box: $150 to $300
200 amp box: $300 to $400
Cost to install a new electrical panel
The cost to install a new electrical panel is between $320 and $1,200.
On top of materials, you will pay for labor. Hourly fees for licensed electricians range between $40 and $120 per hour, but the average is $100. The installation may take between 8 to 10 hours depending on complexity so you should expect to pay about $1,000 in labor costs.
Here are some of the tasks an electrician must perform:
Replace unit and wire correctly
Potentially open up a wall
Drywalling to patch holes
Your price might be higher if:
The box must be moved to a new area
The wiring must be replaced
Cost to replace electrical panel components
If you do not need to replace the entire unit, you’ll save money! A qualified electrician can help assess your situation and determine if you should replace parts instead of the entire unit.
Here are a few electrical panel components that may need to be replaced and their cost:
Cost to replace fuse box with a breaker panel
It costs between $1,500 and $4,500 to replace a fuse box with a breaker panel.
A fuse box and circuit breaker do the same thing: control the flow of electricity around your home. They keep your home safe by interrupting the flow if there is a surge that could damage the wiring or start a fire.
The difference is that a circuit breaker has a switch that trips to break the current, which is flipped to reset it. A fuse box has fuses with filament wire. If it gets overloaded, the wire will break and you must replace the fuse.
Fuse boxes are very uncommon since they were mostly installed in the 1960s. They can still function but modern electrical needs have outgrown most fuse boxes.
Overall, it is generally a good investment to replace a fuse box with a breaker panel—it might even be required by your local building code.
MORE: Can you negotiate upgrades on new construction homes?
Cost to move an electrical panel
It costs between $1,000 and $4,000 to move an electrical panel, depending on the complexity of the move. This is generally an extensive project that lasts several days. You’ll pay more if you need a new panel, new wiring in the home, and you’re moving it a long way.
Cost to rewire an electrical panel
It costs between $500 and $4,500 to rewire an electrical panel. Most of this fee is labor. This process can take several hours to complete. If you only need a few breakers rewired, your cost will be at the lower end.
Pro Tip Fraying, fire damage, melted plastic or metal—these are really dangerous! Don’t touch damaged parts and get new wires ASAP.
Enhancement and improvement costs
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Additional considerations and costs
There are a few factors that may complicate your electrical panel replacement—and raise the cost.
Outdoor installation: You may need a master switch outside or to relocate it so that emergency workers can shut off power in an emergency
New problems: You may discover other problems (like worn-out outlets). Get a quote for the complete cost and try to take care of it all now.
Trench investment: For big upgrades, you’ll need to hire other professionals to dig the trench for laying the wires.
Permits: Panel work requires permits in some areas, which can cost between $30 and $300. Ask your electrician if this is included in your estimate or not.
Brands: Brands like GE, Siemens, and Leviton cost more but offer better warranty coverage.
Custom high amp box: For 300 or 400 amps, you will need a special box and approval from your utility company.
It’s not all bad news, though! A new electrical panel can increase the value of your home if you choose to sell in the future.
Don’t be tempted to DIY electrical panel repairs. It’s dangerous to do this type of work without training. You may have less warranty protection if you DIY. Plus, you will benefit from hiring someone who knows the current building codes.
You may be wondering if home insurance covers electrical panel replacement. The answer is probably no—unless the electrical panel suffered damage directly from a named peril.
MORE: The 16 perils of home insurance
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