How Much Does It Really Cost to Replace an Electrical Panel?

The electrical panel is the hub of your home's electrical system, distributing power from the main utility lines to various circuits throughout the house. The cost to replace an electrical panel is $2,500. 

You may need to replace the electrical panel if it is damaged, outdated, or if the load capacity needs to be increased to meet the home's electrical demands.

What Is an Electrical Panel?

An electrical panel contains circuit breakers that control the circuits in the house for outlets, lights, and other electrical needs. It is sometimes called a load center, fuse panel, panelboard, or circuit breaker panel.

Average Cost to Replace Electrical Panel

Replacing an electrical panel costs between $520 and $2,100, but that's usually the low end.

"The typical price to replace an electrical panel can range from $2,100 to $2,900," says Gerald Talbot, Master Electrician with Mr. Sparky. "Additional code requirements per jurisdiction will influence the replacement cost."

Other cost factors that can drive the price are the panel amperage rating, number of circuits, type of breakers, and permits. With these extras, the average electrical panel replacement costs around $2,500.

Cost by Amps

Based on the level of amperage needed, an electrical panel can cost from $850 to $1,150 to upgrade a 100-amp panel to $2,000 to $4,000 to install a new 400-amp panel.

Amperage is a major factor in the cost of an electrical panel. Higher amperage electrical panels cost more and use more breakers. A 200-amp electrical panel, sufficient for most average-sized homes, costs from $1,200 to $2,500.

Cost of Parts

When replacing an electrical panel, two parts comprise most of the materials cost: the electrical panel and the circuit breakers. On average, a 20-space electric panel using 20 standard or 40 tandem circuit breakers will cost $370.

The cost is higher if some of the circuit breakers are AFCI/GFCI breakers, which are four to five times more expensive per breaker. However, these breakers eliminate the need to buy individual costlier GFCI receptacles for areas like the bathroom and kitchen.

Electrical Panels

Electrical panels without circuit breakers cost about $210 each for boards with 20 spaces. The spaces can accommodate 20 standard circuit breakers or 40 tandem breakers.

Tandem circuit breakers allow you to fit two circuits into the space of a standard circuit breaker slot.

Circuit Breakers

Standard circuit breakers cost an average of $8 per breaker. Most panels will have a mixture of 15- and 20-amp breakers.

Cost of an Electrical Subpanel

The cost of an electrical subpanel ranges from $400 to $1,750 for a 100-amp subpanel.

A subpanel is an electrical panel that works with the home's main electrical panel. A subpanel groups a section of the home's distribution needs in one panel, such as for a finished basement, kitchen, garage, or ADU (accessory dwelling unit).

Additional Cost Factors

Permits

A permit to change or alter an electrical panel costs between $100 and $300. A permit is always required to replace an electrical panel.

Labor Costs

An electrician costs $50 to $100 per hour. In addition, electricians charge a service call fee for showing up at your home, ranging from $163 to $535.

Cost of New Wiring

New wiring costs from $600 to $2,300. Since the electrical panel is the starting point for all wiring in the house, replacing it may occur along with installing new wiring.

If you plan to install any new circuits, it's a good idea to set them up when installing the electrical panel.

Signs You Need to Replace an Electrical Panel

You may need a new electrical panel if the panel itself needs to be replaced due to damage or corrosion or if the panel is outdated or undersized for the home's needs.

Aging Panel

Even when a house is well-maintained, certain parts age out after enough time: electrical panels, too.

"It is best to have your panel checked out at least once a year," Talbot says. "But commonly we see electrical panels start to get replaced after about 15 years."

Undersized Panel

A 200-amp electrical panel is considered standard for most homes, with some homes requiring a 400-amp panel. If your home has a 100-amp panel and you have determined that it needs more amps, it's time to replace it.

Outdated System

An older fuse-style electrical panel should be replaced with a newer and more common circuit breaker system. The fuse panel cannot be repurposed for circuit breakers, so it must be entirely replaced.

Breaker Trips

Frequent circuit breaker trips may indicate that the breakers need to be replaced with fresh breakers.

"It is common for older electrical panels to malfunction, so upgrades are often necessary," says Daniel Mock, Vice President of Operations at Mr. Sparky.

"If your panel is malfunctioning, it often causes your breakers to trip, or they will fail to trip," Mock says. "Malfunctions can cause a fire, smoke, melted wires, or even shock someone."

High Power Use

Excessive electrical bills may mean that the electrical panel needs to be replaced. Corroded, weak, or rusted wiring should be replaced along with the panel.

Brownouts

If lights consistently dim or brownout, the electrical panel may be undersized for the home. This is especially true when the house has high-power devices like central air conditioners.

Sparks and Smells

Blackened sections of the panel or metallic smells indicate sparks or arcing. This is highly dangerous, and the electrical panel must be replaced immediately.

Rusted Panel

Electrical panels can become rusted and corroded from the back side, since they abut the exterior siding. The service drop and roof-mounted weatherhead above the panels are avenues for moisture in the electrical panel.

Repairing vs. Replacing Electrical Panel

Some parts of an electrical panel can be repaired or replaced, rather than replacing the entire panel.

Best Time to Replace Electrical Panel

Electrical panel replacement is an indoor project, so it can be done throughout the year and in any weather.

For the best prices, it's best to replace the electrical panel during the house building off-season, typically from December to February. During this slower period, you'll have a greater range of electricians to choose from and rates may be competitive.

Warning

The power company must disconnect service for the electrical panel to be replaced. Plan around the service disconnection, especially if you have home-based medical devices dependent on electricity.

DIY vs. Professional Replacement

Replacing an electrical panel is not a do-it-yourself project, no matter one's level of electrical experience. A certified, licensed electrician must wire an electrical panel.

The work must be done in accordance with the local electrical code. The work must be permitted and inspected by municipal building inspectors. Depending on the scale of the project, up to three inspections may be required: rough-in, service, and final.

Once the panel has been installed, though, a DIYer can complete several projects within it. For example, a homeowner experienced in electrical repairs can install a 240V circuit breaker for an electric stove or oven, water heater, dryer, or A/C.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to replace a 200 amp electrical panel?

It costs about $2,500 to replace a 200-amp electrical panel. However, costs can range as low as $520 to $2,100. Additional requirements raise the price range to around $2,100 to $2,900.

How many hours does it take to replace an electrical panel?

It takes from four to eight hours to replace an electrical panel. Adding new circuits in the home or rewiring the home will significantly add to the time.

What is the life expectancy of an electrical panel?

The life expectancy of an electrical panel is about 15 years, though well-maintained electrical panels can last longer. If the electrical panel is properly sized for the home and it's still in good condition, it should not need to be replaced.

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Read the original article on The Spruce.