 | Low: $800-$1,200 |
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 | Medium: $1,500-$3,000 |
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 | High: $2,000-$4,000 |
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| Power from the electrical company's line flows through a home's outside meter and into the electrical service panel, which controls the flow of electricity into the house. Total electrical usage cannot exceed the panel's capacity, which can be 100, 150, 200 or 400 amps. Homes may also have sub-panels that are located elsewhere, which are smaller versions of the main panel and wired through it. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Typically it costs $800-$1,200 to have a qualified electrician upgrade an existing panel to 100 amps, or $1,500-$2,500 if a new panel is needed.
- Expect to pay $1,300-$3,000 to upgrade to 200 amps, or $2,000-$4,000 to go to 400 amps.
- Installing a new sub-panel runs $500-$1,000.
What should be included: | - Electrical panels in an older home might have a lower capacity, but 100 amps is the current minimum required, while 150 amps is common. Many new homes are being built at 400 amps, which usually is achieved by using a 400-amp meter and two 200-amp panels.
- HomeTips.com describes and illustrates a typical main electrical panel, while HomeTime.com provides a detailed glossary of electrical terms, which helps in understanding exactly what is included in a quote or required in a specific situation.
- This is not a do-it-yourself project; major wiring changes should be done by a licensed electrical contractor. Check with your local planning department for any local restrictions or requirements; generally a permit is needed. Permit costs vary widely nationwide.
- If needed, the upgrading process can include repairing old wiring, adding a copper grounding pole, and removing and replacing the old panel.
Shopping for upgrading an electrical panel: | |
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Article updated May 2007 |
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
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| Replaced existing 200 amp panel |
| Amount: $1,986.00 |
| Posted by: Don P in Palos Hills, IL. | Posted: January 5th, 2010 12:01PM |
| Amps: 200 | Electrician: Safe Electrical Service |
Replaced a 35 year old 200 amp panel with a new one due to the Main breaker going bad and burning up the rail it attaches to. Also replace the wires from the meter to the panel. |
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| Upgrade Electrical Panel |
| Amount: $2,800.00 |
| Posted by: Al J. in San Jose, CA in San Jose, CA. | Posted: March 9th, 2010 11:03AM |
| Amps: 200 | Electrician: via Classic Kitchens, San Jose |
Kitchen remodel. Current electrical panel of 125 amps is maxed out and doesn't meet code. Though got a 125 amp panel 10 yrs ago for new furnace and A/C unit, had jury-rigged (not by me but by electrician) and split 2/3 of circuits through the years. Now require everything GFI in kitchen with individual circuits for electrical stove and dishwasher. Total cost of new 200 amp panel includes permits. |
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| Overhead Pipe Riser Service Upgrade |
| Amount: $1,400.00 |
| Posted by: Jonny V in Rochester, NY. | Posted: March 12th, 2010 05:03PM |
| Amps: 200 | Electrician: GRM Electric, Inc. |
Awesome job! Pulled the permit the day before and had all the work done & inspected by 3:00 pm the following day with the power on and everything. It was a more simple job then I thought. Not that I would have atempted doing it myself but I had estimates from other guys for as much as $2,200 and some said there was a waiting period with the utility Company and that they would have to wait on them to send out a line crew. GRM had everything done before the last guy who I called for an estimate even called me back. Highly recomend them. |
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| Re: Jonny V in Rochester NY |
| Amount: $0.00 |
| Posted by: building inspector in Bay Area, CA. | Posted: March 16th, 2010 04:03PM |
| Amps: any | Electrician: n/a |
Regarding not waiting for a line crew to show up and disconnect the service providers power lines. Here in California getting caught by the serivce provider disconnecting their lines will get the contractor in alot! of trouble. All Electricians are supposed to obtain approval from the power provider/pull a permit/have it inspected by the municipality and then the inspector issues a "meter release" to the power provider and then they line men come back out and install their "permanent splices" to the overhead wires at the weather head. These proprietary splices are how the company can tell if a "bootleg" job was done. If a private electrician grounds those wires it could pull down many house, or if they were to drop the wires on someones house or accross the street their could be huge liability issues, and it could cost the homeowner money, and the electrician his license. Just the facts. |
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| Upgraded to 200amp |
| Amount: $3,500.00 |
| Posted by: kulkulkan in Mississauga, Other. | Posted: March 30th, 2010 07:03AM |
| Amps: 200 | Electrician: contractor |
Upgraded from 100amp to 200amp. Was worth $3500 since contractor needed to remove some concrete (sidewalk) for city's 200amp line to come into the house and fix some wiring not to up to code in the basement. |
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| Panel upgraded to 200 amps |
| Amount: $1,575.00 |
| Posted by: Ron Wheatley in Tacoma, WA. | Posted: April 23rd, 2010 06:04PM |
| Amps: 200 | Electrician: Hi Amp Electric |
I called 4 electrical contractors to bid a panel upgrade. After a week of no-shows I found an electrician on the web. Mike from Hi Amp Electric showed up the next day to give me a bid. He was very knowledgeable and honest. He was also the only one who showed up. He gave us a bid for $1575 plus tax. This included the permit. The job was done in a professional manner with no inspection problems. A honest contractor is hard to find. I would recommend Hi Amp Electric from Tacoma to everyone |
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| 150 amp 3 phase panel |
| Amount: $1,200.00 |
| Posted by: paul garofalo in oceanside, NY. | Posted: June 18th, 2010 09:06PM |
| Amps: 150 | Electrician: royal inc. long island |
Actually the owner himself did the work had to lay off his guys. He replaced the whole panel in about 3 hrs with no mess behind. Then identified and labeled each breaker. Which wasn't done before. Overall 5 stars. |
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| Upgrade/Replace Electrical Panel |
| Amount: $5,700.00 |
| Posted by: JWL in Lilburn, GA. | Posted: July 26th, 2010 04:07PM |
| Amps: to 200 amps | Electrician: Snappy Electric |
My house is 34 years old and the electric box did not meet current standards. The Box had to be moved, the power lines had to be re-routed, which meant a feeder panel had to be installed, a grounding protection had to be installed, the circuit breaker box had to be relocated, with an extension, GFCI boxes had to be installed. I feel like the price was reasonable, but I am not sure. |
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| 100 to 200 Amp service upgrade |
| Amount: $2,400.00 |
| Posted by: Home Owner MA in Millis, MA. | Posted: October 15th, 2010 12:10PM |
| Amps: 200 | Electrician: Everon Electrical |
36 year old home. 100 amp box was full, including one sub panel already. Electrician with one apprentice did the job in 1.5 days. Have used Everon several times and would highly recommend. |
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| Upgrade/Replace 200 Amp Service Panel |
| Amount: $1,400.00 |
| Posted by: Home Owner in Upland, Calif in Upland, CA. | Posted: October 23rd, 2010 06:10AM |
| Amps: 200 | Electrician: Eveready Electric |
I had to replace a 100 Amp overloaded panel.I looked for a qualified electrician. I found a very good electrician right in my area. He was honest and explained everything to me, total cost with permit $ 1400.00. He is now doing recess lights for my kitchen. Thanks again Eveready Electric |
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| electrical panel |
| Amount: $0.00 |
| Posted by: mister sparks in denver, CO. | Posted: December 21st, 2010 01:12PM |
| Amps: 200 | Electrician: yes |
Actually the current minimum is 200amps |
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| Electrical panel upgrade |
| Amount: $2,900.00 |
| Posted by: Jason Lee in San Diego, CA. | Posted: February 7th, 2011 04:02PM |
| Amps: 200 | Electrician: JLR Electric |
After reading several postings on costhelper.com
i read a referal for an Electrical contractor that seemed to good to be true. i must say, after hiring the company for my panel upgrade and seeing the completed project, i too was amazed that an honest contractor could still be had for a price i feel was very fair!
if anybody in the southern california area is in need of this service, do yourself and your wallet a favor and get ahold of this guy.
JLR Electric 951-675-0725 (Jerry) |
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| Electrical panel upgrade |
| Amount: $1,700.00 |
| Posted by: Jeffrey chang in Orange, CA. | Posted: March 9th, 2011 11:03AM |
| Amps: 200 | Electrician: JLR Electric 951-675-0725 "Jerry Ricker" |
I had Jerry to upgrade my Elec-panel,he is not only done a outstanding job, but also gave me a good price. He replaced out my 1958 very old 100Amp panel to a nice 200Amp panel, plus lots of extra slot for me to use in the near future. Thanks for the consideration and design for my project. Please give Jerry a call, if you ever need an Electrical services, he is the man you need! |
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| New panel |
| Amount: $700.00 |
| Posted by: Waty in Lilburn, GA. | Posted: March 18th, 2011 09:03PM |
| Amps: 200 | Electrician: |
If you get people like Mister Sparky to do your work you are paying about 3 times to much. If you get a local electrician to do it your paying a few hundred extra. Get a guy who works for a company and does it on the side too. The total cost for a new panel and breakers is about 300 bucks (depending on how many breakers and what not). I'll gladly pay someone 400 in labor to wire in my panel while its hot and have it done in a few hours. |
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| Replacement of Zinsco/Sylvania 150A panel |
| Amount: $900.00 |
| Posted by: wickedpete in Clearwater, FL. | Posted: May 23rd, 2011 11:05AM |
| Amps: 150 | Electrician: |
Selling my house that was built in 1979 and the inpection revealed that the panel was one recognized for having a bad bus bar. Had a local electrician recommended by the inspector do the work. Nice guy and the price was reasonable. |
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| Replacing GTE/Sylvania 150A Panel - quote only |
| Amount: $4,896.00 |
| Posted by: a user in Houston area, TX. | Posted: July 2nd, 2011 12:07PM |
| Amps: 150 | Electrician: John Moore |
House built in 1978. Breaker faulty so entire box has to be replaced. Amazing how "code" requires them to replace all breakers, but if that is done then they have to replace the aluminum pole, and install new ground and and and.... so a $2000 cost for box replacement almost triples, all because the breaker isn't made anymore. I am getting other quotes. |
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| ELECTRICAL PANEL UPGRADE |
| Amount: $2,450.00 |
| Posted by: NICK P in EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ. | Posted: July 28th, 2011 06:07PM |
| Amps: 200 | Electrician: LES ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS |
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A HOME IN EAST BRUNSWICK NJ WITH A FEDERAL PACIFIC ELECTRIC PANEL. WE RECEIEVED 4 ESTIMATES AND LES ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS WAS THE LOWEST. MY WIFE AND I WERE VERY HAPPY WITH THE SERVICE AND PRICE. |
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| Panel Upgrade |
| Amount: $2,150.00 |
| Posted by: a user in Toronto, OH. | Posted: August 11th, 2011 08:08AM |
| Amps: 200 | Electrician: Electrical D |
Recently bought an old house in Toronto, and i called Electrical D to get a quote on re-wiring and panel replacement,
the re-wiring job cost me $4500, and the panel replacement cost me $2150,
the job was done professionally and clean. |
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| Moving and upgrading my breaker box and changing out 4 plugs in kitchen,and adding 2 smoke detectors as well |
| Amount: $3,200.00 |
| Posted by: No name. in frisco, TX. | Posted: September 2nd, 2011 06:09AM |
| Amps: 150 | Electrician: Milestone electric |
Milestone is going to come in and replace and move my breaker box that is original to my house built in 1970's. The one I have is no longer safe because of the brand, and time it was installed. I thought the price was high but they added in so many other things they are going to do at no extra charge. They also guarantee their work for the life of the electric panel.
I did not want just anyone doing this job. after all, it's my house we are talking about. so I felt Milestone was the best company for the job. they are experienced, and backed by the BBB. A great company.
By the way, my old panel was a Federal Pacafic Electric Panel. |
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| Electrical Panel Upgrade |
| Amount: $2,400.00 |
| Posted by: Alice Walsh in Lakewood, CA. | Posted: April 21st, 2012 11:04AM |
| Amps: 200Amp | Electrician: JLR Electric |
Thanks Costhelper.com! i called one of the contractors from your web site. regarding a panel upgrade and the whole process went smooth as silk. my husband stood behind the electrician the whole time checking his work and when the job was done,inspection card signed. my husband looked at me and said, nice call honey...if you or a friend needs this type work done do yourself a BIG favor and call Jerry 951-675-0725rnrnThanks Again Jerry |
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| Electrial Panel Upgrade |
| Amount: $2,200.00 |
| Posted by: a user in Nevada City, CA. | Posted: May 29th, 2012 08:05PM |
| Amps: 100 to 200 | Electrician: |
Just bought a house built in 1960's that came with an old Zinsco 100 amp panel. Upgraded it to a 200 amp panel. We expected to pay about $2000 and spent just a little over that. Electrician handled permit and coordinating with PG & E, and the county building inspector for the "rough in" (first permit check). Felt it was fair price and money well spent. (This was done in 2012- the date thingy didn't let me change it to 2012.) |
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| Electrical Service Upgrade |
| Amount: $2,600.00 |
| Posted by: Bobby Coe in Woodbridge, NJ. | Posted: June 27th, 2012 11:06AM |
| Amps: 200 | Electrician: Citywide Electrical Contracting |
After getting several estimates on this project we were referred to this contractor. His pricing was competitive and he included add-ons in the basement to bring the home up to current code. The others never mentioned these requirements. The owner was on scene. All their material was laid out in an organized manner. A big relief for me to see based on past experiences. The work was completed in a timely manner and the quality was beyond our expectations. If you are in need of a professional electrician in central New Jersey, Call Citywide |
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| Electrical Service Upgrade-Main Service Line & Panel |
| Amount: $2,350.00 |
| Posted by: Al Nice in Piscataway, NJ. | Posted: August 12th, 2012 02:08PM |
| Amps: 200 | Electrician: 24/7 Electric, LLC |
After reviewing electricians on Angieslist.com, I decided to go with a local electrician here in Piscataway. He also had awesome reviews from customers so I felt comfortable in hiring him. We recently had our kitchen redone and noticed whenever we used the microwave with other applianced plugged in at the same time, the power would cut out. I hired Tony from 24/7 Electric and he made few suggestions to us. We decided it was necessary to upgrade our panel box and main service line outside due to old wiring, aluminum acid build up, old circuit breakers, etc. Added a circuit breaker for the microwave. 24/7 Electric went straight to work without any breaks. They never had any problems while working. They were very courtesy and professional. I would hire these guys again for my next project. |
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| electricalservice upgrade |
| Amount: $1,500.00 |
| Posted by: nw vaughn in Brockton, MA. | Posted: September 18th, 2012 07:09PM |
| Amps: 100-200 | Electrician: NW Vaughn Electric |
average cost for a 100A complete service upgrade 1200 - 1500 200A complete service upgrade 1800-2000 complete upgrade includes new meter, new service drop, new 100A or 200A Panel, utility grounding bridge, 2 ground rods, all necessary breakers. labor and permit fees included. does not include relocation, single family only, over head service with SE cable, service drop in pipe would be an additional 200 to 400 bucks |
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| Los Angeles California / Chino Hills 125 to 200 amp Upgrade |
| Amount: $2,300.00 |
| Posted by: Paul J Maragni in Chino Hills, CA. | Posted: January 7th, 2013 10:01AM |
| Amps: 200 | Electrician: JLR Electric 951-675-0725 |
Jerry did an excellent job. Took out a burned out 125amp and replaced with a 200 amp in 1 1/2 days INCLUDING ALL STUCCO REPAIR MATCHING WORK!! Jerry is now my electrician. He is fair, affordable and walks you thru the process prior to beginning. He will be doing more work for me in the near future. PS He is also a nice guy to meet. |
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| Had 100A to 200a upgrade |
| Amount: $1,963.00 |
| Posted by: KarenSue in Oakdale, MN. | Posted: February 7th, 2013 05:02AM |
| Amps: 200 | Electrician: Kevin~3hrs work.wont use again. |
Electrician to put in new meter socket $980.00. Includes (200A meter socket hardware).
Excel energy changed per foot to dig a trench to bury my overhead lines, then there is a $350.00 minimum fee to come out and connect (all happens on same day).
They buried my power lines 72ft distance from pole to house. Total Excel energy cost $808.00
The 200A breaker box was $125, and an extra 100A breaker for the existing panel $50.(didn't let electrician change old 100A fuse box, he was told to send a jumper from 200A to 100A fuse box only.)
Not included in the cost shown above ::
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I changed the existing 100A fuse box to a 100A breaker box. Took me 5 hours. Glad I didn't let the electrician do it at apparently ($290 per hour). Cost of panel and breakers $200.00. Cost of 5 hours of my time.... priceless. |
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| 400 amp upgrade |
| Amount: $3,600.00 |
| Posted by: Nazi Martinez in riverside, CA. | Posted: February 18th, 2013 09:02AM |
| Amps: 400 | Electrician: ABonner & Sons Electric |
I've upgraded two 200 service in my business in riverside CA. Bonners and sons came in and did a wonderful job. Very reasonable prices. |
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| 200 amp service upgrade |
| Amount: $1,800.00 |
| Posted by: Vicki s in Richboro, PA. | Posted: May 24th, 2013 12:05PM |
| Amps: 200 | Electrician: Grace electric 215-512-0425 |
John(the owner) did a very neat and clean 200 amp service upgrade for me at my home in richboro, pa. My existing panel was way to small and my outside service cable was cracked and dry rotted. I am a realtor and I have recommended and used him on numerous service upgrades and panel changes. The best part is that he always answers the phone personally and does the work himself. |
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