Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost & Safety Calculator

A 200A panel upgrade typically runs $2,000–$5,000 for a straightforward swap (same location, no service entrance cable replacement). Complex upgrades involving service entrance cable, meter base, or relocation may reach $5,000–$8,000. 400A upgrades for large homes or EV chargers are typically $4,000–$8,000. Always get at least 3 written quotes from licensed electricians.

Immediately if you have a Federal Pacific Stab-Lok, Zinsco, or certain Challenger panels — these have known design defects that prevent breakers from tripping during overload and are fire hazards. Also replace if the panel is 60A or fuses (undersized for modern homes), shows signs of rust/corrosion, breakers frequently trip, or you're adding major loads like EV chargers or heat pumps.

200A is the minimum standard for new construction and supports most modern electrical loads including central AC, electric range, clothes dryer, and general household circuits. If you plan to add two EV chargers, an electric tankless water heater, or a large home workshop, consider 400A. The electrician will perform a load calculation to confirm.

No. Working inside a live electrical panel can cause severe injury or death. Panel replacement requires the utility company to disconnect/reconnect service at the meter, permits from the local building department, and inspection before reconnection. Only licensed electricians should perform this work.

Assumptions (not a quote): 1,500–1,700 sq ft ranch, existing 100A breaker panel (not FPE/Zinsco), same location, utility reconnects same day. Licensed electrician quotes 200A panel + breakers + surge protector + permit: roughly $2,400–$4,200. If service entrance cable and meter base also need replacement, plan $4,500–$7,500. Your panel brand, amperage, and utility fees will change the number. See the local electrical panel market answers for citeable planning context.