How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Electrical Panel?

If your lights flicker or you hear a buzzing sound coming from your electrical panel box, it's probably time to update the panel. Depending on complexity and capacity, the cost of replacing an electrical panel can range from $4,000 to more than $10,000.

At Patrick Riley | Isley's, our average cost to replace an electric panel is $7,000, but there are many factors that can impact the price. Some of the most important include:

• Replacing vs. installing
• Amperage and circuit breaker needs
• Panel location
• Importance of a trustworthy estimate
• Financing options

In this article, we'll explain how these factors impact price and what you can expect when it's time to put in a new electrical panel for your home.

Contact Patrick Riley | Isley's to Replace Your Electrical Panel Today

For qualified electrical panel replacements that come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, Patrick Riley | Isley's is your go-to option. Our flexible scheduling means we can be at your home when it's convenient for you and deliver polite, professional service on every occasion.

Replacing vs. Installing

If your power needs haven't changed and all you need is an update to your existing panel box, a licensed electrician can simply swap out the older model for a newer one. Very little wiring happens during the process, which often takes just an hour or two. If you want to upgrade to a more powerful box, expect the electrical panel replacement cost to go up and take a bit longer. Your electrician may need to install additional breakers and ensure compatibility with your existing infrastructure.

If you need a panel box installed in new construction or want to add power to a garage or other under-powered area, it's a more involved project. Your electrician will need to run new service lines, put in grounding, set up breakers, connect circuits, install outlets and switches, and put in new wiring to connect everything. Expect your electrical panel installation cost to be higher than a replacement service.

Amperage and Circuit Breaker Needs

Prior to the early 1990s, most homes were built with a 100 or 150-amp panel box to supply all of the power needed for the structure. At the time, many homes didn't have central air conditioning and used a gas or oil-burning furnace for heat. Today, more homes have central air conditioning, and the power needs of a family have shot through the roof.

Major appliances, countertop kitchen gadgets, and an array of electronic entertainment devices pull a lot of power in addition to electric cooling and, in some cases, heating. If you also have an electric vehicle, it's unlikely that a 100-amp panel box is enough for your daily power needs. The more powerful the panel box, the more expensive it is. While a 100-amp panel might be available for as little as $800, expect to pay $4,000 or more for a 400-amp box, and that doesn't include installation.

Panel Location

Is your panel inside your home or out? Do feeder wires run up and out or down and out? How many linear feet of wiring does the job need? The location of your panel can have a direct impact on price. You pay for wire by the foot, which means a big move from one location to another can come with a substantial price jump. However, the added convenience of a panel in an easy-to-reach utility room off the kitchen might be worth the extra investment. Talk through the options with a licensed electrician to find out what the price/convenience comparison looks like for your home.

Importance of a Trustworthy Estimate

One of the most important factors that impact electrical panel replacement cost is the experience and honesty of the electrician handling the work. Some companies may not have licensed electricians on staff, which means doing the work and having it inspected afterward. This can be a safety hazard if the installers aren't fully aware of all the latest code updates and may be more costly in the long run when fixing installation errors.

Make sure to stick to electrical contractors that have a good reputation and current licensing, and only engage with the ones that offer a free, in-home estimate so you can shop around.

Financing Options

The cost of a new panel might be what's holding you back, but a reputable company often offers financing options to make investing in your home less of a burden on your budget. Look for financing options that include an open line of credit and convenient monthly payments for the duration of the loan.

Get a Free Electrical Panel Replacement Estimate Today

Schedule an appointment with our team for a free estimate and get a fair, upfront price on your next electric panel replacement service at Patrick Riley | Isley's. Our team of polite Phoenix professionals also offers flexible financing options to make your home repairs a seamless, stress-free process.