How Much Does It Cost to Replace Electrical Panels and Wiring?

Electrical panel and wiring replacement costs

Replacing an electrical panel costs from $520 to $2,200 on average, including both parts and labor. The total cost varies depending on several major factors:

• Home size: More square footage typically means more wiring, longer labor time and, in many cases, higher-capacity electrical panels to safely handle power demands.
• Panel type: Replacing many electrical panels falls within the average price range of $520 to $2,200, it could cost $4,000 or more to upgrade to a high-amperage panel. 
• Administrative costs: It’s important to remember that electrical work is a strictly regulated trade. Remember to budget for additional costs, like permits and inspections. 
• Labor: At $50 to $150 per hour, electrician labor makes up the bulk of the cost; replacing just the panel usually takes about four to eight hours ($200 to $1,200 in labor). However, the job can easily take 20 to 30 hours (up to $4,500 total labor costs) when you factor in replacement of wiring and other components. This is especially true for larger or older homes and those with difficult-to-access wiring. 

If you only need wiring replaced, the materials and labor cost an average of $2 to $4 per linear foot of wiring. The total cost to replace home wiring varies by home size, but you’ll typically need as many linear feet of wiring as your home has square feet.

With these average costs in mind, a combined project including both panel replacement and full rewiring can run as low as $2,500 or as high as $24,000. But with such a broad national range, it can be hard to know exactly where your home will fall. In the next sections, we’ll examine how costs change based on varying home sizes, panel and wiring types, and replacement scenarios.

Cost by home size or square footage

Home size plays a major role in the total cost to replace an electrical panel and wiring. Wiring costs rise steadily as square footage increases, while panel costs may increase in larger homes that need higher-amperage panels, though the jump is typically less dramatic than wiring costs.

The table below shows typical cost ranges based on common home sizes, using the average panel price range and wiring estimates of $2 to $4 per linear foot.

Cost comparison: Full rewiring vs. partial rewiring

Full rewiring means replacing all electrical wiring in the home, typically from the panel to every outlet, switch and fixture. Partial rewiring addresses only specific areas, such as a kitchen remodel or sections with damaged or outdated wiring.

Partial rewiring may cost substantially less than full rewiring, depending on how many circuits are replaced and where the work is located. However, while partial rewiring can reduce upfront costs, it may not solve safety or capacity issues. Homeowners often choose full rewiring when upgrading panels or preparing for major electrical upgrades.

Cost by panel amperage

Electrical panel replacement costs vary by amperage, which reflects the amount of electricity your home can safely handle. Higher-capacity panels cost more because they support more circuits and often require additional labor or coordination with utilities.

Labor, permits and utility upgrades can push costs higher at each amperage level.

A 100-amp panel may be sufficient for older or smaller homes, but it often falls short for modern power needs. Many homeowners upgrade to 200 amps to support HVAC systems and electric ranges. A 400-amp panel is typically reserved for very large homes or properties with extensive electrical equipment.

The table below shows typical installed cost ranges by panel size.

Cost by wiring type

Wiring type significantly affects both cost and safety. Copper wiring is the modern standard and costs about $2 to $4 per linear foot installed. It is durable, code-compliant and preferred for full and partial rewiring projects.

Aluminum wiring, common in homes built in the 1960s and 1970s, is less expensive to install but more prone to overheating. Many codes allow aluminum only with approved connectors or remediation, which can add to costs. Full replacement is often recommended for safety.

Knob-and-tube wiring, found in homes built before the 1950s, is typically not code-compliant and may prevent homeowners from obtaining insurance. Replacing it usually requires full rewiring, increasing total costs. In most cases, complete removal is the safest and most cost-effective long-term solution.

Cost by component

When a professional electrician says you need to replace your electrical panel and wiring, they probably mean a lot more than just the panel. When the panel is switched out, many other things need to be replaced. For example, if you upgrade your panel from a 100-amp panel to a 200-amp panel, the exterior wire and meter box will also need to be upgraded to 200 amps.

Some items that an electrician may need to replace include:

• Circuit breaker switch: This is like the boss of your electrical panel. It flips off to stop the flow of electricity if there’s ever an overload or a short circuit, helping prevent electrical fires.
• Electric meter box: This is where the electric company keeps track of how much power you’re using. It’s usually outside your house, counting up the kilowatts your home uses so your energy bill can be accurately calculated.
• Main lug panels: A larger breaker upstream feeds these panels. They are a type of subpanel and are like the middle managers in your electrical system.
• Subpanel: This smaller service panel branches off your main panel to provide more circuits. It’s handy for distributing power to specific areas, like a garage, workshop or a newly finished basement.
• Main breaker: This is the main switch in your electrical panel. It controls the power to all of the circuit breakers in the panel and can shut everything off at once. It’s your go-to for a complete power down or reset.
• Fuse box: Older homes often have these. A fuse box uses fuses instead of circuit breakers. Each fuse is designed to burn out if the current gets too high, cutting off power to that circuit to prevent danger. Typically, these get switched out for a circuit breaker during an upgrade.

Here is a cost breakdown, including parts and labor:

Additional electrical panel and wiring replacement costs

Various factors can change the cost of your panel and wiring:

• Panel relocation: If you need to move your electrical panel, that could add an extra $1,500 to $4,000 to the price.
• Trenching: Burying the electrical wire that comes from the electrical panel, can cost $600 to $2,100.
• Permitting: Permits could cost from $50 to $300 or more, depending on your location.
• Drywall repair: If the drywall is damaged during wiring installation, it can cost $1.50 to $3 per square foot to replace it.

A note about permitting and inspections

Electrical panel and wiring replacements almost always require permits and inspections to ensure the work meets local building codes and safety standards. This process protects homeowners, helps prevent fire hazards and ensures upgrades won’t cause issues when selling or insuring the home. Permit requirements and fees vary by location, but skipping them can lead to fines and failed inspections.

» READ MORE: Electrical industry statistics 2026

Upgrading vs. installing new panels

Consider cost and your home’s capacity needs when deciding between upgrading an existing panel to a higher-amperage version and installing a new main panel or a subpanel.

Homes that need more power or have older electrical systems are usually better off upgrading the main panel. Subpanels (secondary panels connected to the main panel) are useful for additions or remodels, but they don’t raise total electrical capacity. Any option you choose must meet local code and pass inspection.

The table below compares your options.

Warning signs of electrical panel and wiring issues

There are several signs that will let you know if there’s something wrong with your electrical panel and wiring. Here are some of the most common:

• Lights flicker or dim randomly
• The outlets or switch plates get hot
• You can hear buzzing noises
• Your outlets or switch plates give off a strange smell (sometimes referred to as “fishy”)
• You smell a burning odor from outlets or light switches
• Fuses are blowing or breakers are tripping frequently

Does your home warranty cover electrical panel and wiring replacement?

Unless you’re a licensed electrician, you shouldn’t try to save money by DIYing your electrical. However, you may still be able to save money. Typically, home warranty companies cover electrical repairs and replacements. The company will pay for parts and labor. All you’ll need to pay beyond the annual or monthly home warranty premium cost is your deductible.

Most standard home warranties include coverage for electrical systems, which typically means the wiring, service panels, switches and outlets are part of the protection plan. However, it's always a good idea to read your contract’s fine print or talk directly to your warranty provider to understand exactly what's included in your coverage.

» LEARN: Do home warranties cover electrical issues?

FAQ

Bottom line

Replacing an electrical panel and wiring in your home can be a significant investment, and the cost varies widely depending on several factors like the size of your home, the complexity of the existing wiring, local labor rates and the type of panel you choose. Luckily, you may be able to save some money by DIYing the drywall repair and by filing a claim with your home warranty.

It's a good idea to get multiple quotes from licensed electricians to understand the scope and cost of the work needed for your specific home. They can provide a more accurate estimate based on your home’s layout, the local code requirements and the job's complexity.