June 19, 2023
An electrical panel is a link between the utility grid and your home’s electrical system. It distributes power to every circuit, room, and fixture. An old, outdated, or damaged panel must be replaced to avoid outages, overloads, shocks, fires, or electrocutions. Electrical panel installation is not cheap. In this article, we’ll look at the cost of installing a new electrical panel and what you need to know.
In 2023, the average cost of an electrical panel replacement is $1,271, according to Angi. It can range from $524 to $2,073, but on the high end, can exceed $4,000.1 A few factors determine the overall cost of installing an electrical panel. When working with your local electrician, consider the following:
What’s referred to as an electrical panel consists of numerous components. Some upgrades can entail replacing everything, but some updates only require swapping certain parts. Here’s a breakdown of electrical panel installation costs per part:
Main Breaker Box: $500 to $2,000
Fuse Box Replacement: $1,500 to $2,000
Main Lug Panels/Secondary Panels: $400 to $1,750
Subpanel: $530 to $1,940
Circuit Breaker Switches: $100 to $200 each
Electric Meter Box: $100 to $6501
Generally, the more amps you need, the more installing a new electrical panel will cost. The capacity of the panel is a major consideration. But with so many variables, the expense of one project can differ quite a bit from another. To help understand your needs, we’ll look at common panel amperages and what they’re suited for:
≤100A: Small houses and older homes without central AC or high-power appliances.
150A: Homes where multiple appliances are used simultaneously or multiple power strips are plugged in.
200A: Suited for an average-sized home with high energy demands.
300A: Accommodates large homes and home businesses with commercial-grade electrical equipment.
400A: Provides enough power for a large luxury home with high-end electronics and equipment.
When considering your amperage requirements, look at the type and number of appliances used, including air conditioners, convection ovens, and hot tubs. Installing an electric vehicle charger may require upgrading your electrical panel, as can a project such as remodeling a finished basement or garage.
It can cost $1,500 to $2,500 to move an electrical panel outside, factoring in wiring work and labor costs. Installing a new electrical panel outdoors also requires waterproof equipment that’s easy to access. Moving the panel to another area in your home, considering the number of circuits, floors, and hours of work needed to remove drywall, can cost $3,000.1
Many people overlook the importance and cost of a permit. It’s one of the reasons you need a professional for electrical panel installation. The work is inherently risky, so local agencies usually require a permit, which only an electrician can pull. Depending on your location, an electrical permit can cost anywhere from $50 to $300.1
A licensed electrician’s hourly labor rate can range from $50 to $150. Considering it can take 20 hours to completely replace an electrical panel, that means labor alone can amount to $3,000. There’s a lot of variability. Replacing a single panel can take four to eight hours, while a complex job can take 30 hours or more, meaning labor can add just a few hundred or several thousand dollars to the project.
Other costs may be incurred when you replace your electrical panel. These are important to consider as you are planning the project. Additional costs may include:
Trenching: Burying an overhead line requires digging a trench with an excavator (about $6 per linear foot and a total cost of $600 to $2,100 for materials and labor).
Additional Outlets/Wiring: Expect to spend $100 to $185 per outlet added, depending on its location, the need for new wiring, and adding new circuits if necessary. Replacing faulty wiring can cost from $600 to $2,300 or more.
Fixing Drywall: Electrical components are often only accessible by opening drywall. Repairing it after the electrical work costs $1.50 to $3 per square foot.
Specializing in repairing and replacing electrical panels, our licensed electricians are always professional, reliable, and honest about pricing. They’re also committed to your safety, as they are background checked, drug tested, and trained to ensure all jobs are up to code. We offer payment plans and a 100% satisfaction guarantee with each job. If you’re considering installing a new electrical panel in your Northern California home, call 833-600-0991 today.