How much does it cost to move an electrical panel?
How much does it cost to move an electrical panel?
$1,000 – $4,000 average total cost
Average cost to relocate an electrical panel
The average cost to move an electrical panel is $1,000 to $4,000, depending on the panel type and how far you're moving it. Circuit breaker boxes are more complex and intricate than fuse boxes and tend to cost more to relocate. Repairing or upgrading your panel will increase the final cost.
| Panel type | Average relocation cost |
|---|---|
| Breaker box | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Fuse box | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Subpanel | $1,000 – $3,000 |
Breaker box
Relocating a breaker box costs $1,500 to $4,000. A circuit breaker box distributes power to multiple electrical circuits throughout the house. This system is more convenient than a fuse box and just requires flipping a switch to reset an overloaded circuit rather than replacing a fuse.
Fuse box
Moving a fuse box costs $1,000 to $2,500 on average. A fuse box is an older type of electrical panel that protects circuits using replaceable fuses. Your electrician may recommend upgrading to a more modern breaker box while moving your wiring.
Subpanel
Installing a subpanel costs $1,000 to $3,000. A subpanel is a small electrical panel with its own breakers that connects to the main breaker box. It distributes power to a specific part of your home, like an addition or detached garage.
During the relocation, you'll have the opportunity to update equipment and increase the number of Amps. Updating an electrical panel costs $850 to $4,000.
Electrical panel relocation cost factors
Several factors influence the cost of moving an electrical panel, including:
Inside vs. outside: Moving your electrical panel from your garage to inside your home (or vice versa) involves a lot of skill and planning. The electrician has to reroute the electrical supply, install conduits or wiring, and make sure everything is properly protected from moisture.
Home layout: The electrician may take longer and charge more to move an electrical panel depending on the complexity of the job and how hard it is to access everything.
Distance: If the new location of the panel is far from the original location, it may involve higher labor and material costs.
Repairs: Moving your electrical panel requires removing drywall to access the wiring. Repairing drywall costs $200 to $750 on average. After that, interior painting costs $1 to $3 per square foot.
Permit: Getting a permit for electrical work costs $50 to $350. Your electrician should obtain the permit for you before starting.
Labor
Electricians charge $50 to $130 per hour, depending on their skill level. More experienced professionals usually charge more for their labor. Many electricians charge a $100 to $200 service fee for the first hour to cover the cost of smaller jobs.
Process
The process of moving an electrical panel involves these steps:
Planning: The electrician will inspect the system and the new location, evaluate the wiring, and make sure everything will follow safety codes.
Disconnecting: They'll safely disconnect your power and shut down the panel to prevent injury.
Rerouting: Then, they'll reconfigure the wiring and conduits to make sure they reach the new location.
Installation: The electrician will mount the panel in the new location, reconnect the circuits, and make sure everything is properly grounded.
Inspection: Lastly, they'll thoroughly test their work and check for any issues.
Successfully moving an electrical panel is a complex, challenging task. It's best left to licensed, experienced electricians because any mistakes could lead to a fire or serious injury.
FAQs about moving an electrical panel
Do you need a permit to move an electrical panel?
Yes, you'll need a permit to move an electrical panel or do any rewiring for safety reasons. In most jurisdictions, only a licensed electrician can pull the permits necessary to move an electrical panel.
Can you move an electrical panel?
Yes, you can physically relocate an electrical panel from one location to another. Electricians do this by disconnecting wiring, removing the panel from the wall, and reinstalling it in the new location.
Why would I need to move an electrical panel?
There are quite a few reasons why someone might need to move an electrical panel, including:
Remodeling or expanding a home
Adding new circuits
Improving accessibility for other projects
Bringing older homes up to code
Moving it to a more convenient location
How long does it take to move an electrical panel?
Moving an electrical panel takes anywhere from 4 to 8 hours or more, depending on the complexity of the project and how many electricians are working on it. If you have a large home or more circuits than average, the project will take longer.
Can I move my own electrical panel?
No, you should not attempt to move your own electrical panel. This task is complex and dangerous, requiring the expertise of a licensed electrician to ensure safety and compliance with local codes.
Getting estimates from electricians
If you're looking for an electrician or electrical panel repair tech near you, follow these steps to find qualified, reliable contractors:
Look for professionals with positive reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Get 3 or more quotes and ask for a written cost breakdown.
Pick a licensed electrician who has a solid track record.
Beware of extremely low quotes as they may be a sign of poor-quality work or lack of experience.
Questions to ask electricians
Ask these questions to help you choose the best person for your project:
How long have you been relocating electrical panels?
What specific training or certifications do you have?
Do you also do electrical panel upgrades?
Do you charge per hour or a flat rate?
Does this price include materials, labor, and permits?
Can you show me any references or testimonials from past customers?
What additional costs might come up during this project?
Will you reuse any wiring or hardware from the existing electrical system?
How long will the relocation take?
Do you handle drywall repair afterward, or will I have to hire someone else for that?
How do you handle unintentional damage on the job?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.