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The electrical panel serves as the central point of your home’s electrical network, channeling electricity from the primary utility lines to different circuits within the residence. Replacing an electrical panel typically costs around $2,500.
It might be necessary to upgrade the electrical panel if it is faulty, obsolete, or if the load capacity must be enhanced to accommodate the electrical requirements of the home.
Contents
- 1 Typical Expense for Electrical Panel Replacement
- 2 Price based on Amperage
- 3 Price of Components
- 4 Price of an Electrical Subpanel
- 5 Extra Expense Considerations
- 6 Expense of New Electrical Wiring
- 7 Indicators That It’s Time to Replace Your Electrical Panel
- 8 Fixing vs. Substituting an Electrical Panel
- 9 Optimal Moments for Upgrading Your Electrical Panel
- 10 Do-It-Yourself vs. Expert Replacement
What is an electrical distribution board?
An electrical panel houses circuit breakers that manage the various circuits within a home, including those for outlets, lighting, and other electrical requirements. It may also be referred to as a load center, fuse panel, panelboard, or circuit breaker panel.
Typical Expense for Electrical Panel Replacement
The expense of swapping out an electrical panel typically ranges from $520 to $2,100, with the lower figure often being the starting point.
According to Gerald Talbot, a Master Electrician at Mr. Sparky, the usual cost for replacing an electrical panel falls between $2,100 and $2,900. The cost of replacement can be affected by specific code requirements in different areas.
Additional cost elements that can influence the overall price include the amperage rating of the panel, the quantity of circuits, the type of breakers used, and the necessary permits. When accounting for these factors, the typical expense for replacing an electrical panel is approximately $2,500.
Price based on Amperage
The cost of upgrading an electrical panel varies depending on the required amperage. Upgrading a 100-amp panel typically ranges from $850 to $1,150, while the installation of a new 400-amp panel can cost between $2,000 and $4,000.
The amperage rating significantly influences the price of an electrical panel. Panels with higher amperage tend to be more expensive and require additional breakers. For instance, a 200-amp electrical panel, which is adequate for the majority of standard-sized homes, ranges in price from $1,200 to $2,500.
| Amperage | Upgrade | New | Service Type |
| 100 amps | $850 to $1,150 | $1,200 to $1,600 | Older homes, basic lighting and outlets, no central A/C |
| 200 amps | $1,200 to $1,600 | $1,750 to $2,500 | Standard size, powers large appliances, central A/C, hot tubs |
| 400 amps | $1,800 to $4,000 | $2,000 to $4,000 | Added power for larger custom homes, large A/Cs or ADUs |
Price of Components
When upgrading an electrical panel, the primary components that contribute to the material expenses are the panel itself and the circuit breakers. Typically, the cost for a 20-space electrical panel, which accommodates 20 standard circuit breakers or 40 tandem breakers, averages around $370.
The expense increases when certain circuit breakers are AFCI or GFCI types, as they are priced four to five times higher than standard breakers. Nevertheless, these breakers negate the necessity of purchasing separate, more expensive GFCI outlets for locations such as the kitchen and bathroom.
Electrical Distribution Boards
Electrical panels that do not include circuit breakers are priced at approximately $210 for models featuring 20 slots. These slots are designed to hold either 20 standard circuit breakers or 40 tandem breakers.
Tandem circuit breakers enable the installation of two circuits within the area of a typical circuit breaker slot.
| Electrical Panel | Average | Low | High |
| 16 circuits, 8 spaces | $190 | $180 | $200 |
| 40 circuits, 20 spaces | $210 | $200 | $220 |
| 60 circuits, 30 spaces | $250 | $240 | $260 |
| 80 circuits, 40 spaces | $270 | $240 | $300 |
Electrical Disconnect Switches
The typical price for standard circuit breakers is around $8 each. Generally, electrical panels contain a combination of 15-amp and 20-amp breakers.
| Circuit Breaker | Average | Low | High |
| 15 amp breaker | $8 | $7 | $9 |
| 15 amp breaker, tandem | $15 | $14 | $16 |
| 15 amp AFCI/GFCI breaker | $65 | $60 | $70 |
| 20 amp breaker | $8 | $7 | $9 |
| 20 amp breaker, tandem | $18 | $15 | $20 |
| 20 amp AFCI/GFCI breaker | $65 | $60 | $70 |
| 30 amp breaker | $18 | $17 | $19 |
| 50 amp breaker | $130 | $120 | $140 |
Price of an Electrical Subpanel
The price for a 100-amp electrical subpanel typically falls between $400 and $1,750.
A subpanel is an electrical unit that operates in conjunction with the primary electrical panel of a house. It consolidates the electrical requirements of a specific area of the home, such as a finished basement, kitchen, garage, or accessory dwelling unit (ADU), into a single panel.
Extra Expense Considerations
Permits
The cost of obtaining a permit for modifying or replacing an electrical panel ranges from $100 to $300. It is mandatory to secure a permit for any electrical panel replacement.
Expenses Related to Labor
The hourly rate for an electrician typically ranges from $50 to $100. Additionally, there is a service call fee for their visit, which can vary between $163 and $535.
Expense of New Electrical Wiring
The expense for new wiring ranges between $600 and $2,300. As the electrical panel serves as the central hub for all wiring within the home, it is often replaced simultaneously with the installation of new wiring.
When installing the electrical panel, it’s advisable to configure any new circuits at the same time.
Indicators That It’s Time to Replace Your Electrical Panel
A new electrical panel might be necessary if the existing one is damaged, corroded, outdated, or insufficient for the electrical demands of the home.
Ageing Panel
Even in a well-cared-for home, some components, including electrical panels, eventually reach the end of their lifespan over time.
Talbot recommends having your electrical panel inspected at least annually. Typically, we observe that panels begin to be replaced around the 15-year mark, he adds.
Small-Sized Panel
A 200-amp electrical panel is typically the norm for the majority of residences, while certain homes may necessitate a 400-amp panel. If your house is equipped with a 100-amp panel and you’ve concluded that additional amperage is needed, it’s the right moment to upgrade.
Obsolete System
An outdated fuse-style electrical panel needs to be upgraded to a modern circuit breaker system. Since the fuse panel cannot be converted to accommodate circuit breakers, a complete replacement is necessary.
Circuit Breaker Trips
Frequent trips of the circuit breakers could suggest that it’s time to replace them with new ones.
According to Daniel Mock, Vice President of Operations at Mr. Sparky, it’s typical for aging electrical panels to experience issues, making upgrades frequently essential.
When a panel is not functioning properly, it frequently leads to circuit breakers either tripping unexpectedly or not tripping at all, explains Mock. Such issues can result in fires, smoke, melted wiring, or even electrical shocks.
Intensive Power Consumption
High electricity bills could indicate that the electrical panel requires replacement. Additionally, any corroded, weakened, or rusted wiring should be replaced alongside the panel.
Brownouts
If the lights frequently flicker or experience brownouts, it could indicate that the electrical panel is inadequate for the household’s needs. This is particularly the case when the home is equipped with high-demand appliances, such as central air conditioning units.
Flashes and Fragrances
Discolored areas on the panel or the presence of metallic odors suggest the occurrence of sparks or arcing. This poses a significant risk, and it is essential to replace the electrical panel without delay.
Corroded Sheet
Electrical panels may develop rust and corrosion on their rear side due to their proximity to the outer siding. Additionally, the service drop and the weatherhead installed on the roof above the panels can introduce moisture into the electrical panel.
Fixing vs. Substituting an Electrical Panel
Certain components of an electrical panel can be fixed or substituted instead of having to replace the whole panel.
| Cost | Part |
| $3 | Single-terminal ground bar |
| $7 | Bonding screws (4) |
| $7 | Circuit filler plate |
| $8 | 15-terminal ground bar |
| $8 | 15- or 20-amp standard breaker |
| $13 | Conduit or raintight hub |
| $25 | Door lock |
| $65 | Replacement door |
Optimal Moments for Upgrading Your Electrical Panel
Replacing an electrical panel is an indoor task, allowing it to be completed at any time of the year, regardless of the weather conditions.
To secure the most favorable prices, consider upgrading the electrical panel during the off-peak season for home construction, which generally spans from December to February. This quieter time allows for a wider selection of electricians, and you may find more competitive pricing.
Warning
The utility provider will need to cut off the electricity to allow for the replacement of the electrical panel. Make arrangements to accommodate this service interruption, particularly if you rely on medical devices at home that need power.
Do-It-Yourself vs. Expert Replacement
Changing an electrical panel is not a task suitable for DIY enthusiasts, regardless of their electrical knowledge. It is essential for a qualified, licensed electrician to handle the wiring of an electrical panel.
The project must comply with the local electrical regulations. It is necessary to obtain the appropriate permits and have the work evaluated by municipal building inspectors. Depending on the project’s size, there may be a need for as many as three inspections: for the rough-in, the service, and the final stages.
After the panel is set up, a do-it-yourself enthusiast can undertake various projects involving it. For instance, a homeowner with a background in electrical work can add a 240V circuit breaker for appliances such as an electric stove, oven, water heater, dryer, or air conditioning unit.
What is the price for replacing a 200 amp electrical panel?
Replacing a 200-amp electrical panel typically costs around $2,500, but prices can vary, starting from approximately $520 and going up to $2,100. If there are extra requirements, the total cost can increase to a range of $2,100 to $2,900.
What is the estimated time required to swap out an electrical panel?
Replacing an electrical panel typically requires between four to eight hours. However, if new circuits are being added or if the home is being rewired, the duration of the project will increase considerably.
What is the typical lifespan of an electrical panel?
An electrical panel typically has a lifespan of around 15 years, but with proper maintenance, it can endure for a longer period. If the panel is appropriately sized for the residence and remains in good shape, there should be no necessity for replacement.
