How Much Does It Cost to Upgrade or Replace an Electrical Panel in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

On average, replacing an electrical panel costs  $1,313, with most homeowners spending between $519 and$2,141. Your costs will vary based on factors like your home's location, the panel size, and the quality of materials. Budgeting for this project is crucial, and hiring a professional ensures safety and compliance.

Cost to Upgrade an Electrical Panel

The cost of upgrading or replacing your electrical panel could range from $125 to $4,400, depending on factors like the amperage required for your home, whether you're replacing or installing a new panel, and if additional work like breaker box replacement or panel relocation is needed. Most homes have electrical service between 100 and 200 amps, which puts you at the lower end of the price range. However, if your home requires a 400-amp panel, you might spend between $2,000 and $4,000.

Material costs for upgrading an electrical panel include the panel itself, which ranges from $100 to $500 or more, depending on the type and features. Additional costs may include a new power supply and meter, which can cost between $100 and $650. Small materials like fittings, connectors, and fasteners usually total less than $100.

Upgrades that keep the same amperage and wiring run the least. When you need an upgrade for added usage or modernization, many aspects may affect the total. Before you commit to an upgrade, consider all of these cost factors.

Cost to Upgrade a Panel by Amperage

The cost to upgrade an electrical panel is $800 to $4,000 for most jobs, but the price to hire an electrician ranges from $40 to $250 per hour. Depending on the project, clients can expect to pay around $1,500 for their project labor.

An average upgrade takes about 4 to 8 hours to complete. This does not include rewiring or installing new electrical wiring.

Before You Start: Breaker, Panel, or Subpanel?

Whether you live in a farmhouse in the country or a modern home in the city, your electrical system is essential. That’s why it’s important to know and identify each part of your electrical panel when budgeting for an upgrade.

• Electrical panel: An electrical panel, also called a breaker panel, breaker box, or service panel, contains all of the breaker switches in your home.

• Circuit breaker: The circuit breakers that control the power in your house are inside the electrical panel.

• Subpanel: The subpanel is a smaller panel that controls specific sections of your home, such as your kitchen, bathroom, or garage.

• Fuse box: Some older houses have a fuse box instead of a circuit breaker.

Circuit Breaker vs. Fuse Box

Replacing a fuse box with a breaker box costs between $1,500 and $2,000. If the wiring needs a complete overhaul, you may spend up to $4,500. Both options control the electrical current in your home, but fuse boxes use wires that melt during an overload and must be replaced, while circuit breakers use a magnetic switch that can be reset and doesn't need replacing.

Additional Upgrades and Changes

While the upfront costs for the electrical panel and installation are straightforward, many upgrades and changes can influence your project's final price.

Cost of Changing Inside vs. Outside Electrical Panels

Moving an electrical panel outside costs between $1,500 and $4,000. If you also need to move your electrical box, expect to pay at the higher end of that range. This price includes outdoor equipment and wiring to reach the new location.

Electrical panels and electrical boxes serve different purposes. The electrical box is the main connection with an emergency shutoff, and current regulations often require it to be installed outdoors. This allows firefighters to safely and quickly shut off power from the exterior in case of a fire. Homes older than 15 years may still have indoor boxes.

Project estimates increase if a professional must tear out the panel or wiring to perform the necessary work. On average, drywall repair/replacement will likely cost $1.50 to $3 per square foot.

Cost to Replace Fuse Box With Circuit Breaker Panel

The average cost to replace the fuse box with a circuit breaker panel is between $1,500 and $4,500. This is because fuse boxes are often on older homes that weren’t built for higher amperages. Your electrician will need to completely rewire your home to accommodate the upgrade and the new breaker panel.

Cost to Move or Remove Electrical Panel

Estimated rates for moving a panel from one area of the home to another range from $1,500 to $4,000. Actual costs can depend on several project factors:

• Whether the unit is indoors or outdoors

• How many floors are in the home

• How many circuits will move

• Whether the code allows using the existing box as a junction point

If extensive work is required, you may need to have your home completely rewired. The cost to rewire a house is between $6 and $10 per square foot, or between $12,000 and $20,000.

Cost of Adding New Electrical Panel and Wiring

The cost to install electrical wiring or panels is $1,500 to $12,000. The total depends on the amount you need to replace. Panel upgrades are not always independent projects. You might have to deal with:

• Old wiring

• Worn outlets

• Outdated fixtures

• Damaged circuits

Electricians who notice extensive wear and tear may recommend upgrades to other components. Although necessary updates can significantly increase the cost of a given project, they support a safe and functional power system.

Federal Pacific & Zinsco Panel Replacement Costs

The cost to replace a Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel ranges from $1,500 to $4,000. Since these are older systems, this includes some upgrades to wiring. If you have one, you’ll want to call a pro as soon as possible to upgrade. The panels have design flaws that could cause a house fire.

Cost to Replace Circuit Breaker Switch or Fuse

The cost to replace a circuit breaker switch or fuse is $100 to $200. Standard, 15- to 20-amp switches cost between $5 and $20 each for parts.

Older circuits and fuses may be difficult to find and cost up to $70. The price for the installation should be about the same.

Signs Your Electrical Panel Needs an Upgrade

You should replace your electrical panel when it no longer meets your rising power demands and displays clear warning signs. These include an age of over 25 years, persistent flickering lights, overheating appliances, electric shocks upon contact, unusual hissing or crackling sounds, burn marks around the panel, and frequent breaker trips with high-load devices. A professional assessment will confirm the need for replacement to maintain optimal safety and performance.

Can I Upgrade My Electrical Panel Myself?

Upgrading your electrical panel is a complex and hazardous task that you should leave to a licensed professional. Handling electrical wiring without proper training poses serious safety risks, including electrocution and fire hazards. A certified electrician will obtain the necessary permits, coordinate with your local power supplier, and ensure the work meets all current codes and safety standards. Hiring a professional keeps your family safe and prevents costly mistakes. To ensure safety and compliance, be sure to hire a licensed electrician for your electrical panel upgrade.

If you're ready to upgrade, start by finding licensed and insured electricians near you. Get quotes from at least three different contractors, and make your final decision based on trust, cost, experience, and reputation.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed over 10,000 real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.