Electrical Panel Replacement Cost in 2026

Replacing an electrical panel — the breaker box that distributes power through your home — costs $850 to $4,000 in 2026. A straight like-for-like swap sits near the low end; a 100-amp to 200-amp upgrade, the most common job, lands right in the middle at roughly $1,800 to $3,000. The number is driven by three things: the amperage you're moving to, whether the job requires a new service mast or meter work with the utility, and any rewiring or code upgrades the inspector requires once the panel is open.

This guide breaks panel replacement down by amperage, shows what pushes the price up, and lists the warning signs that mean it's time — some of which are genuine fire hazards you shouldn't wait on.

Electrical panel work is never a DIY job — it involves the live service feed from the utility. Always hire a licensed electrician, and if you smell burning, see scorching, or feel a warm panel, treat it as an emergency and read our electrical emergency guide.

What a panel replacement costs in 2026

The installed price covers the new panel, breakers, labor, permit, and coordination with your utility to disconnect and reconnect power. Most jobs take four to eight hours.

| Tier | Installed cost | What it usually covers | |---|---|---| | Low | $850 | Like-for-like swap, same amperage | | National average | $1,800–$3,000 | 100A → 200A service upgrade | | High | $4,000+ | 400A, new mast/meter, added rewiring |

Labor is the bulk of the cost — licensed electricians charge $50–$130 an hour, and panel work is skilled, permitted, and inspected.

Cost by amperage

The service size you're moving to is the biggest price driver. Older homes often have 60- or 100-amp service that can't keep up with modern demand (EV chargers, heat pumps, and the like).

| Panel amperage | Typical installed cost | Best for | |---|---|---| | 100 amp | $850–$1,800 | Small homes, modest loads | | 150 amp | $1,300–$2,500 | Mid-size homes | | 200 amp | $1,800–$3,500 | Most modern homes (the common upgrade) | | 400 amp | $3,000–$6,000+ | Large homes, heavy loads, EV + electric heat |

Cost by job type

Whether you're swapping the panel or upgrading the whole service changes the scope — and the price.

| Job type | Typical cost | |---|---| | Panel swap (same amperage) | $850–$2,000 | | Amperage upgrade (e.g., 100A → 200A) | $1,800–$3,500 | | Sub-panel addition | $500–$1,500 | | Full service upgrade (panel + mast + meter) | $2,500–$4,500+ |

What drives the price

• Amperage — a bigger service means a bigger panel, heavier wire, and often utility coordination.
• Service entrance work. A new mast, meter base, or underground/overhead service run adds cost.
• Rewiring and code upgrades. Once the panel's open, inspectors may require grounding, bonding, AFCI/GFCI breakers, or fixing old wiring — a lead-in to a full rewire in older homes.
• Panel location. Moving the panel (for example, out of a closet or bathroom, where code now prohibits it) adds labor.
• Permits and inspection — $100–$500, and always required for panel work.
• Utility disconnect/reconnect scheduling can add time and cost.
• Hazardous existing panels — certain recalled brands (like older Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels) are safety liabilities and a common reason for replacement.

Cost by region

Electrician labor rates vary widely, and so do utility procedures for disconnecting and reconnecting service — both of which move the price. Dense metros with strict permitting and inspection tend to run highest.

| Region | Relative pricing | |---|---| | Northeast & West Coast metros | 15–30% above national average | | Southeast & Midwest | At or near average | | Rural areas | At or slightly below average |

Utility scheduling can also add days to the timeline — the electrician can't energize a new service until the utility completes its part.

Additional costs to budget for

• New meter base and service mast on a full service upgrade: $300–$1,500.
• AFCI/GFCI breakers now required on many circuits: $40–$70 each.
• Grounding and bonding upgrades to meet current code: $100–$600.
• Drywall/access repair if the panel is moved to a code-compliant location.
• Temporary generator or hotel if the power outage during work is lengthy (rare, but possible on complex jobs).

Signs you need a new panel

• The panel is a known-hazard brand (older Federal Pacific, Zinsco) or uses fuses, not breakers.
• Breakers trip repeatedly or won't reset.
• You see scorch marks, feel a warm panel, or smell burning — treat this as an emergency.
• Lights flicker or dim when large appliances start.
• You're adding major loads — an EV charger, heat pump, hot tub, or addition — that the current service can't support.
• The panel is full, with no room for new circuits.

How to save money

• Get three quotes from licensed electricians — panel pricing varies, and this is not a place to hire the cheapest unvetted bidder.
• Bundle work. If you're adding an EV circuit or planning a rewire, do it alongside the panel upgrade to save on labor and permits.
• Right-size once. Going to 200 amps now avoids a second upgrade when you add future loads.
• Ask what code upgrades are included so grounding, bonding, and breaker requirements aren't surprise add-ons.
• Check for rebates. Some utilities and EV/heat-pump programs offset service-upgrade costs.
• Never DIY it. A permit and inspection protect your home and your insurance — see why some electrical jobs are never DIY.

Worked example: A 1970s home with an overloaded 100-amp panel upgrades to 200 amps to support a new heat pump. The panel, breakers, and labor run about $2,400, a new meter base and mast add $500, code-required grounding adds $200, and a $250 permit brings the total to roughly $3,350 — upper-middle of the range, but a genuine safety and capacity upgrade.

FAQ

How much does a 200-amp panel upgrade cost? Typically $1,800–$3,500 installed, more if a new mast, meter, or added rewiring is involved.

How long does a panel replacement take? Usually four to eight hours, plus utility coordination to cut and restore power.

Do I need a permit to replace an electrical panel? Yes, always — panel work is permitted and inspected in every jurisdiction. A licensed electrician handles it.

Is an old fuse box dangerous? Fuse boxes and certain recalled breaker brands are safety liabilities and often can't support modern loads. Replacing them is a common and worthwhile upgrade.

Can I replace my own panel? No. It involves the live utility service feed and requires a licensed electrician, a permit, and inspection. The risk of injury and fire is real.

An electrical panel is a safety system, not just a cost line — if yours is a hazard brand, a fuse box, or showing warning signs, get three licensed bids and don't put it off.

Cost figures are 2026 national averages for general information only, not quotes. Your price depends on your specific job, home, and location. Always get a written estimate before authorizing work.