Electric Panel Cost Calculator
Use this calculator to get an estimated cost range for installing or upgrading an electric panel based on common amperage requirements.
Please note: This is a rough estimate. Actual costs vary significantly based on location, complexity of the job, labor rates, necessary wiring upgrades, permits, and your specific electrical system condition. Always get multiple quotes from qualified electricians.
Enter Panel Amperage
Understanding Electric Panel Costs
What is an Electric Panel?
The electric panel (also known as a breaker box, service panel, or electrical box) is the central distribution point for the electricity coming into your home or building. It contains circuit breakers that protect your wiring from overloads. Over time, panels can become outdated, insufficient for modern power needs, or unsafe.
Why Upgrade or Replace?
Common reasons include:
- Adding major appliances (like air conditioning, electric car chargers, hot tubs).
- Home renovations or additions.
- Frequent tripped breakers.
- Outdated or unsafe panels (e.g., fuse boxes, certain old breaker brands).
- Increasing home value.
Factors Influencing Cost
The cost of an electric panel installation or upgrade can vary widely based on several factors:
- Amperage: Higher amperage panels (200A, 400A) cost more than lower ones (100A, 150A).
- Type of Panel: Different brands and features have different prices.
- Labor Rates: Electrician rates vary by location and experience.
- Location & Accessibility: Panels in difficult-to-access areas or requiring extensive wiring runs will cost more.
- Existing Wiring: Older wiring may need to be upgraded or replaced to meet current code standards, significantly increasing costs.
- Permits & Inspection: Required permits and subsequent inspections add to the total cost and timeline.
- Additional Work: Grounding upgrades, surge protection installation, or moving the panel location will increase the price.
This calculator provides estimates for typical jobs based primarily on amperage, assuming standard conditions.
Electric Panel Cost Examples
Here are estimated cost ranges for typical scenarios based on common amperages:
Example 1: Basic 100 Amp Panel Replacement
Scenario: Replacing an old 100 amp panel with a new 100 amp panel in a relatively straightforward location with minor wiring updates needed.
Amperage: 100 Amps
Estimated Cost Range: $1,000 - $2,500
Conclusion: A simple like-for-like replacement without major complications usually falls within this range.
Example 2: Upgrade from 100 to 200 Amp Panel
Scenario: Upgrading an existing 100 amp service and panel to 200 amps to support modern electrical demands or additions.
Amperage: 200 Amps
Estimated Cost Range: $2,000 - $4,500
Conclusion: This is a very common upgrade; the cost can vary based on the extent of wiring modifications needed.
Example 3: New 200 Amp Panel for New Construction
Scenario: Installing a primary 200 amp service panel in a new home or building where wiring is being installed to current standards.
Amperage: 200 Amps
Estimated Cost Range: $1,800 - $4,000
Conclusion: Costs can be slightly lower than upgrades if the infrastructure is new, but complexity still plays a role.
Example 4: Upgrading to a 400 Amp Panel
Scenario: Installing a large 400 amp service, typically for very large homes, multi-unit buildings, or properties with exceptionally high electrical needs (e.g., multiple EV chargers, workshops, etc.).
Amperage: 400 Amps
Estimated Cost Range: $4,000 - $8,000+
Conclusion: 400 amp services are significant projects often requiring extensive work beyond just replacing the box.
Example 5: Replacing an Old Fuse Box with 150 Amp Panel
Scenario: Replacing an outdated fuse box with a modern 150 amp breaker panel.
Amperage: 150 Amps
Estimated Cost Range: $1,500 - $3,000
Conclusion: Upgrading from fuses often involves more labor than upgrading breaker panels, potentially pushing costs higher within the range.
Example 6: Panel Relocation During Upgrade (200A)
Scenario: Upgrading to a 200 amp panel and needing to move its physical location, requiring significant rewiring.
Amperage: 200 Amps
Estimated Cost Range: $3,000 - $6,000+
Conclusion: Relocating the panel adds significant labor and material costs due to the required rewiring.
Example 7: Adding a Sub-Panel (e.g., 100A equivalent)
Scenario: Installing a 100 amp sub-panel in a garage or addition, fed from the main panel. (Cost is for the sub-panel installation itself, not including main panel upgrades needed to support it).
Amperage (Sub-panel capacity): 100 Amps
Estimated Cost Range: $800 - $2,000
Conclusion: Sub-panel costs are typically lower than main panel replacements but vary based on distance from the main panel and wiring needs.
Example 8: Panel Upgrade with Service Entrance Cable Replacement (200A)
Scenario: Upgrading to a 200 amp panel, requiring the main service entrance cable from the meter to the panel to be replaced due to age or size.
Amperage: 200 Amps
Estimated Cost Range: $2,500 - $5,000+
Conclusion: Replacing the main service cable adds complexity and cost to a standard panel upgrade.
Example 9: Emergency Panel Replacement (150A)
Scenario: Replacing a failing 150 amp panel on an emergency basis.
Amperage: 150 Amps
Estimated Cost Range: $1,800 - $3,500+
Conclusion: Emergency services can sometimes incur higher labor costs, but the range for a 150A panel is similar to planned work, depending on other factors.
Example 10: Panel Upgrade in an Area with High Labor Costs (200A)
Scenario: A standard 200 amp panel upgrade performed in a metropolitan area with significantly higher labor rates.
Amperage: 200 Amps
Estimated Cost Range: $2,500 - $5,500+
Conclusion: Geographical location and local labor costs are major variables that can push estimates higher than the national average.
Amperage Reference
Here's a rough guide to common panel amperages and what they typically support:
| Amperage | Typical Use Case | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 60 Amps | Very small homes, apartments, or sub-panels | Often insufficient for modern needs; rarely installed as a new main service |
| 100 Amps | Older small to medium homes | May be adequate if no major electric appliances or future additions are planned |
| 150 Amps | Medium-sized homes, or smaller homes with several electric appliances | A good option when 100A is borderline but 200A isn't strictly necessary |
| 200 Amps | Standard for most new homes; larger homes; homes with central AC, electric heat, EV chargers, etc. | Commonly recommended for upgrades to accommodate modern electrical loads |
| 400 Amps | Very large homes, homes with extensive electric heating/cooling, multiple EV chargers, workshops, or small commercial properties | Requires heavy-duty wiring and often a larger meter base |
Frequently Asked Questions about Electric Panel Costs
1. Why do electric panel costs vary so much?
Costs depend on the panel's amperage, type, labor rates, complexity of installation (wiring, location), need for service cable upgrades, permits, and whether existing issues need to be brought up to code.
2. What is a typical cost range for upgrading to 200 amps?
Based on national averages, upgrading to a 200 amp panel typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,500, but this can be higher or lower based on the factors mentioned above, especially location and existing wiring.
3. How long does it take to replace an electric panel?
The physical replacement often takes a single day. However, the entire process, including getting quotes, permits, scheduling, the work itself, and inspection, can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.
4. Do I need a permit to replace my electric panel?
Yes, almost always. Electrical work, especially main panel replacement, requires a permit and inspection to ensure the work meets safety codes. Working without a permit is dangerous and can cause issues with insurance or future home sales.
5. Can I replace my electric panel myself to save money?
Replacing an electric panel is highly dangerous and should only be performed by a licensed and qualified electrician. It involves working with the main power supply, which can be lethal. DIY work can also violate codes and void insurance.
6. What is the difference between a 100 amp and a 200 amp panel?
The amperage rating indicates the maximum amount of electrical current the panel and service can safely handle simultaneously. 200 amps provides twice the capacity of 100 amps, necessary for homes with higher power demands from modern appliances.
7. What are common reasons for a panel upgrade beyond adding appliances?
Safety concerns with old panels (like Federal Pacific or Zinsco), frequently tripping breakers, or outdated fuse boxes are common reasons to upgrade even without adding major new loads.
8. How does the location of the panel affect the cost?
If the panel is in a hard-to-reach area (e.g., tight crawl space, finished wall requiring demo), or needs to be moved, labor time and complexity increase, driving up the cost.
9. What's the difference between a main panel and a sub-panel?
The main panel is where power enters the building and contains the main breaker. A sub-panel is a smaller panel fed from the main panel, distributing power to a specific area like a garage or addition. Main panel replacements are usually more extensive and costly.
10. Will upgrading my panel increase my home's value?
While not a guaranteed direct return on investment, a modern, adequately sized electrical panel is a significant safety feature and a necessary component for potential buyers, especially in older homes, making it a worthwhile upgrade that facilitates sales and ensures the home can handle modern electrical needs.
