The expense of upgrading an electrical panel ranges from $530 to $1,962, with $1,174 being the national average. Like many other electrical service companies, West Lake Village Electricians has thoroughly researched the costs of these operations and can safely state that our estimations are rather realistic.
The price of having an electrical panel installation service upgrades or replacing electrical panel items, like wiring and breakers, is determined by the type of replacement or repair required. If you need new outlets, additional electrical panels, a variety of breaker boxes, or more amperage, the cost of changing the breaker box may soon snowball into high prices.
We’re here today to help explain a few of these electrical panel upgrading prices so you can better understand how much money you could be paying.
The Type of Electrical Panel Being Installed
Electrical panels are classified into four types: main breaker panels, fuse boxes, subpanels, and main lug panels. The main breaker panel’s job is to regulate the circuit breakers and the amount of power utilized in residence. The type of required panel determines the price of installing a new electrical panel.
The Amperage That the Electrical Panel Needs
“How much would I be paying to acquire a new electrical panel?” is what you may be thinking. The amperage of the electrical panel, or the intensity of the electrical current, determines a substantial portion of the cost. Here are the costs to increase the amperage of an electrical panel.
- 100 amps – Although 100 amps are often regarded as the minimum number of amperage required for a residence, some properties (particularly older ones) have lesser amperage in their electricity supply (from 60 to 80 amps). It might cost around $500 and $1,500 to upgrade them to 100 amps.
- 150 amps – Whenever multiple appliances are running simultaneously, or different power outlets are being utilized, 150 amps provide additional electrical versatility, and you’ll need to spend around $500 and $1,750.
- 200 amps – A 200-amp electrical panel is a great advantage for larger houses or buildings over 1,800 square feet with expansions, high energy consumption, garages, and many appliances functioning simultaneously. Increasing to 200 amps might cost between $750 and $2,000.
- 300 amps – It is a substantial addition that is uncommon but advantageous for larger households/buildings or residences with a workshop adjacent to it. These modifications might range between $1,800 and $3,500.
- 400 amps – When specialized appliances or electronics require a large quantity of energy, an increase to 400 amps is required, costing $1,500 to $4,000 and sometimes more.
Labor Costs
The job’s intricacy largely determines labor prices. However, electricians often pay approximately $40 and $120 or higher per hour, based on the project’s difficulties.
It’s reasonable that folks are hesitant to upgrade their household’s or building’s amperage requirements. One of the most commonly asked inquiries is, “Can you convert a 100 amp panel to a higher one, like a 200 amp panel?” Worry not because our residential electrical panel installation in Westlake Village can answer that question today!
Can You Upgrade a 100 AMP Panel to 200 AMP?
Yes, it is possible (and it has been done numerous times) to upgrade the 100 amp wattage of your building or home. West Lake Village Electricians offers this service to clients with older residences or buildings that can’t keep up with the modern-day electrical demands. But do you need to upgrade the amperage of your electrical system? Let’s go ahead and find out!
Why is it Important to Upgrade the Electrical Service Panel?
When deciding to get electrical panel installation service upgrades, it is critical to validate your selection before proceeding with the suggested job. The notion of increasing the electrical panel’s capacity from 100 amps to 200 amps ought to be no different.
The desire to perform this sort of renovation is ultimately related to families consuming more energy than ever before. Whether you’ve had an addition built since the electrical panel was constructed or utilize more devices and appliances compared to what you had 10 years ago, the upgrading will provide a variety of benefits, such as:
- Flexibility – Switching to 200 amps provides complete flexibility in how you address your electrical needs. The enhanced electrical panel may use a higher number of independent secondary circuits, and each circuit has its capacity limit.
- Increased Safety – Electrical circuits should never be operated at more than 80% capacity; otherwise, they will constitute a severe hazard. Considering that lights and HVAC units alone may consume 40 amps, a 100 amp electrical network is already at half of the 80% level, and you haven’t even turned the washing machine or TV on at that point.
Separately, the additional load capacity potential helps prepare your house for any future expansions or improvements. Preparing for the extra requirements is critical when constructing a new pool, converting an attic, or adding a garage.
The Fundamentals of Electrical Panel Upgrade
Transforming the electrical panel entails more than just finishing add-ons or replacing a single component. It entails dismantling the 100 amp device and replacing it with a new 200 amp panel board. The following stages will comprise the full process:
- Turning off the electricity supply provided by the utility provider.
- Arranging the electrical panel for disassembly by disposing of all cables.
- Detaching the 100 amp panel and properly disposing of it.
- Installing the new 200 amp panel on the wall or wherever it will be stored.
- Reconnecting the existing good cabling.
- Introducing additional wires and secondary connections for appliances.
- Using a copper electrode to ground the fuse box.
- A professional building inspector will check the work.
- Restarting the power supply through the utility company.
- Final inspections to ensure you’re ready to return to your house or building.
To complete the task, you will want the assistance of a utility company and a building inspector. Hiring highly skilled electricians like us here at West Lake Village Electricians and our residential electrical panel installation in Westlake Village is the ideal method to obtain such a vital electrical improvement.
A respectable electrical service provider is difficult to locate, but West Lake Village Electricians provides world-class solutions. Gain the benefits of our incredible services by contacting our expert electricians promptly!