Cost to Upgrade Electrical Panel – 2023 Price Guide
Joe is the creator of Inch Calculator and has over 20 years of experience in engineering and construction. He holds several degrees and certifications.
When you purchase an older home to reside in, rent or resell, the health of your electricity should be one of your highest priorities. Especially when you consider many older homes still have fuse boxes or insufficient current for today’s modern appliances.
2023 Electrical Panel Upgrade Costs
Calculate local project costs by entering your zip code.
Custom Location
| National Average Price | $1,100 |
| Typical Price Range | $500 - $3,000 |
Get free estimates from contractors near you.
On this page:
How Much Does a Circuit Breaker Box Install Cost?
To support high current appliances and numerous electrical devices, homes should have a minimum of 100-amp service. Most modern homes are switching to a 200-amp service to support more high current appliances and lighting.
The national average to replace or upgrade an electric panel is right at $1,100, and upgrades regularly cost $500 – $1,500. Installing 200-amp service could cost $2,500 – $3,000. However, there are many variables to consider before making the upgrade. These factors will affect how much the homeowner pays.
200-Amp Service Upgrade
An upgrade to a 200-amp service will cost between $1,500 and $3,000 depending what else you require. The first step is to check with the electric service provider to ensure the current power line can hold the extra amperage. If not, your expense could more than double if the electric company has to dig up and replace the power line.
If your current line can hold 150-amps, you might want to consider that if your budget cannot handle nearly $5,000 for the upgrade to 200-amp service. Typically, installing a 100-amp service will cost $800 – $1,000. A 150-amp service might only cost $200 or so more, or roughly $1,000 – $1,200. However, when you need a 400-amp service, or you want to leave room for future upgrades, you might spend $4,000 just for the box and installation.
Get an electrical engineer to estimate how much amperage you need to add before planning to install central heat and air or new appliances such as an electric range, a dryer, and others, which use 240-volt power. Our electrical calculators are another excellent reference source.
Higher current panels will add support for more concurrent wattage to be consumed at the same time. Calculate your amperage requirements using our watts to amps calculator.
Fuse Box Replacement
Particularly when you are remodeling a home for resale, upgrading from a fuse box to a circuit breaker panel could add to resale value. Fuse boxes are rare today and should be replaced with a modern circuit breaker panel.
Changing fuses poses a shock risk and costs money to purchase the new fuses. Another major drawback to a fuse box is you cannot use it with ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacles.
Although it could cost $1,500 to $2,000 to replace a fuse box, you might need to if you plan to add circuits and wiring. When selling a home, many home inspectors will also require modernizing the fuse box before a home sale.
Which is Better? AFCI or GFCI?
The Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) impedes damage to electrical wiring, which could prevent a home fire. You might need to install this receptacle in entertainment rooms or other areas with large voltage requirements. These retail at electrical supply outlets and hardware stores for $40 – $80.
The GFCI prevents or minimizes electrocution. Most electrical code requires a GFCI for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and landscaping or anywhere moisture is a factor. These also retail for about $40 – $80.
Neither of these specialty circuits are better than the other; they serve different purposes. Furthermore, there’s no need to choose. You can buy a combination breaker for roughly the same price.
Installing a New Sub-Panel
When remodeling or adding an addition or mother-in-law suite over the garage, you might want to add a sub-panel. This additional box usually costs $500 to $1,000.
The true cost will depend on the size, distance from the main breaker, and labor. The complexity of running a line to the new sub-panel will also impact the cost.
The cost of a sub-panel is usually less than a full-sized breaker panel due to its smaller size, lower amperage rating, and fewer circuit breakers.
Replacement of a Single Circuit Breaker
Replacement circuit breakers cost $15 – $25 and an electrician will charge $50 – $100 for labor. Most will charge a minimum fee for a house call of $75 – $100. However, if your replacement is cost is $125, that will often include the minimum charge.
The cost of labor is usually set by the local National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), although non-member electricians are not bound by their hourly wage.
Things to Consider Before Hiring an Electrician
Siemens, GE, Eaton, and Square D are currently the most popular circuit breaker panels. These cost between $50 and $500 and offer various warranties, from one year to a lifetime. Although the electrical contractor will likely choose one, most often the one with the longer warranty or one they prefer to work with, you can choose another if you have a preference.
When hiring an electrician, we suggest getting three or more estimates from professionals in your area or your network. We encourage you to review their statement of work to ensure you are on the same page, and then check their references, license, and insurance.
Also, consider that a circuit breaker panel upgrade will likely require an electrical permit and inspection. Permits for electrical work are generally $20 to $100 or more depending on the locality. Consult with your electrician to ensure these costs are covered in the estimate.
All pricing information on this page is based on average industry costs, and is subject to variance for project-specific materials, labor rates, and requirements.