Electrical Panel Replacement Cost
Reviewed 2026-07-30
Typical range
$1,800 – $4,500
National average
$2,800
Electrical Panel Replacement cost breakdown
| Line item | DIY cost | Professional cost |
|---|---|---|
| 100A to 200A panel upgrade with new breakers | Not legal or safe — requires licensed electrician and permit | $1,800 – $3,500 |
| Meter base and service entrance replacement | Not permitted for homeowners in most jurisdictions | $500 – $1,200 add-on |
| Permit and utility coordination fees | N/A | $150 – $500 |
| Sub-panel installation for additions or garages | Not recommended | $800 – $2,000 |
| Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel removal (higher labor/disposal) | Not applicable | $2,200 – $4,500 |
| Whole-house surge protector add-on | N/A | $150 – $400 |
What pushes electrical panel replacement cost up
- Upgrading amperage (e.g., 100A to 200A) to support EV chargers or additions
- Removing outdated or recalled panel brands like Federal Pacific
- Relocating the panel to a new location in the house
- Utility company requiring a service upgrade or meter relocation
- Permitting delays or jurisdictions requiring multiple inspections
- Difficult access, finished walls, or knob-and-tube wiring needing rework
- Adding a whole-house surge protector or generator interlock
What brings electrical panel replacement cost down
- Straightforward like-for-like panel swap without amperage change
- Panel already in an easily accessible location
- Bundling with other planned electrical work to share labor costs
- Off-peak scheduling in electrician's slow season
- Utility already provides adequate service capacity, avoiding meter work
Electrical Panel Replacement diagnostic and emergency fees
$100 – $200, usually credited toward the job if hired
Emergency panel replacement after a fire, scorching, or total power loss can run 25–50% higher due to rush labor, parts sourcing, and expedited permitting.
Questions to ask before you approve electrical panel replacement work
- What amperage panel do I actually need for my home's current and future loads?
- Will you pull a permit and schedule the required inspection?
- How long will my power be off during the swap?
- Do you handle the utility company coordination and meter disconnect?
- Is my current panel brand (e.g., Federal Pacific) a known hazard?
- What warranty do you offer on labor and the new panel?
Electrical Panel Replacement cost questions
How long does a panel replacement take?
Most replacements take a full day, though power is typically only off for 2–6 hours while the old panel is disconnected and the new one wired in.
Do I need a permit to replace my panel?
Yes, virtually all jurisdictions require a permit and inspection for panel replacement because it involves the main electrical service.
Is it worth upgrading to 200A if I only have 100A now?
If you plan to add an EV charger, hot tub, or major HVAC upgrade, upgrading now avoids paying for a second service call later.
Problems electrical panel replacement solves
- Why Is My House Having Half the Power Out?
- Why Is My House Having a Breaker That Keeps Tripping?
- Why Is My House Having Warm Electrical Outlets?
- Why Is My House Getting High Energy Bills?
Sources for these electrical panel replacement costs
- NFPA 70 National Electrical Code
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Electrical Safety guidance
- Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI)