An electrical panel, often referred to as a breaker box, is the central hub of a home’s electrical system. This critical component distributes incoming electricity from the utility company to the various circuits within the home. Due to its pivotal role in ensuring both the efficiency and safety of the electrical system, maintaining a properly functioning electrical panel is essential. Over time, however, panels may require replacement due to age, capacity limitations, or compliance with updated electrical codes.
Are you looking to upgrade your electrical panel? We will explain the factors that contribute to the average cost to install a new electrical panel. Understanding these costs is crucial for homeowners considering an upgrade or replacement to enhance their home’s electrical safety and functionality. We will delve into the various elements that affect pricing, including panel capacity, the complexity of installation, and additional considerations like permits and code compliance. Additionally, we will offer strategies for managing these expenses effectively, ensuring that homeowners can make informed financial decisions without compromising on quality and safety.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Replacement
There are a number of factors which influence how much you should expect to pay for installing a new service panel in your home. These factors may include, but are not necessarily limited to the following:
Size & Capacity of Panel
The size and breaker capacity of the panel you wish to install will have an effect on the overall price. Panels with a larger ampacity rating (200A vs 100A or smaller) will generally come at a larger cost, although the price of the panel itself is of low impact to the overall cost of the install. A standard 100A residential panel sells at electrical suppliers for $150-200, while a 200A model is generally in the $2-300 range
Breaker capacity matters here as well, panels with larger amounts of breaker space sell at a small premium to those with lesser capacity.
Number & Type of Breakers
This is where a lot of your money will be spent. Depending on the number of breakers to be installed and the type required depending on your home wiring, the total cost may run from just a few hundred dollars to a total exceeding $2000.
Modern electrical codes require GFCI & AFCI breakers be installed in a number of distinct locations within the panel, dependent on the type & number of circuits wired within your home. A newer detached home may have up to 20 AFCI breakers installed in a single panel. Varying by make & supplier, these will cost $50-100 each. GFCI breakers, if required, will cost from $100-300 a piece and standard breakers from $10-50 a piece depending on manufacturer & size.
An example of the breakers used in a recent panel replacement at Celtex Electric:
**200A Eaton Panel, 48 space model**
15pcs – 15a, single pole AFCI Breaker @ $80 each
1pc – 15a, 2 pole GFCI Breaker @ $240
3pcs – 15a, 2 pole standard @ $35 each
3pcs – 20a Tandem Breaker @ $20 each
2pcs – 15-40-40-15 Quad Breaker, Standard @ $75
2pcs – 15-30-30-15 Quad Breaker, Standard @ $75
2pcs – 15a Tandem Breaker, Standard @ $20 each
Total = $1945
Location & State of Existing Panel
The location of your existing panel is likely not a significant concern, but a panel located in a difficult to access area of the home is likely to increase the cost of labor associated with removal & install of a new unit.
The state of the panel (meaning the state of the wiring) has importance for the same reason. A clean and well-organized panel is much easier to disassemble & organize for re-installation, while a rat’s nest (of wires or a real one) presents a hurdle that will eat up labor hours while your electrician ensures the job is performed in a safe and well-organized manner.
A messy panel, or one that is difficult to access may add from 1-4 hours labor onto the overall price of a panel replacement project.
Number of Circuits
Here we are referring to the overall size of the panel in terms of breaker space. Residential electrical panels are typically sold in sizes ranging from 12 to 60 breaker spaces, with 12, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48 & 60 space panels being common sizes you will find at your local electrical supplier.
Naturally, the larger the panel and the more circuits there are to be installed, the greater your overall cost in breakers & install labor will be.
Labour Costs
Labour costs for your installation is a reference to the overall amount of time expected for installation in hours worked multiplied by the hourly rate of your contractor.
Local Calgary rates for a journeyman electrician are in the ballpark of $110 per hour, with a Master Electrician often charging out at $130 per hour.
At Celtex Electric & Automation our typical labor charge for the average 200ampere panel install is 8-10 hours, depending on size & complexity. Thus, you can reasonably expect that your labor cost charges for install of a similar panel may range from $900-$1100 as a ballpark estimate.
Permitting & Inspections
Each and every panel installation project requires permitting & inspection by your local municipality. The City of Calgary charges a floating rate for electrical permits, with higher project values generating a higher cost to permit the project. A reasonable permit fee from your contractor should be in the $3-500 range.
Utility Shut-On/Off Fees
Another critical component of your panel swap project will be the electrical shutoff performed by your utility provider. Enmax, our local utility provider in the Calgary, Alberta area charges a fee of approximately $400 to remove the electrical meter and/or disconnect power to a residential home.
This is something that has to occur for the safety of your electrician. The main electrical feed from utility is installed directly into the electrical panel. Should it remain “live” (have electricity present) during the project, catastrophic damage or death & injury could occur.
Connectors & Miscellaneous Consumables
Your new electrical panel & breakers are not the only parts involved in making your new panel come to life. A number of additional items may be necessary to complete the job, including lockrings, grounding rings, wire connectors, hardware, lugs, antioxidant paste, tape, labels & numerous other assorted items.
Your contractor is likely to charge a nominal fee which covers the use of these parts which will not have a large overall effect on the project cost except in unusual circumstances.
Ancillary Components
Items which already exist in your panel or that you wish to add, such as surge protectors, load monitoring systems or other add-ons will increase the cost of your project accordingly. Be aware!
Electrical Service Size & Location
When we refer to your electrical service, we are talking about the wires fed into your home from your utility provider and how they are installed.
If a service upgrade is part of your panel install, it is reasonable to expect additional time for completion of the project. This would mean full removal of the original cables and installation or new, larger wires which come in the form of a heavy cable, or individual wires fed through a pipe.
Larger wires are heavy, stiff, and difficult to deal with. Additionally, if new piping is required for your utility feed there will be parts and labor involved in this portion of the install which go beyond the typical panel replacement scope.
While this is not normally a significant concern, it is worth noting under some circumstances when budgeting for a panel replacement project. Charges relating to this portion are not typical however unless other changes are pre-planned as something relevant to the job.
Sub-Panels
Does your home contain a sub-panel for the basement suite or garage? If so, this is something you should take into consideration when planning a panel replacement.
A sub-panel is any other electrical panel on your property containing breakers which receives its electrical power from your main panel. Any sub-panel you have will be marked on your main panel and likely has a larger amperage breaker associated with it.
Depending on the methods used to bring the sub-panel wire feed into your main panel, it may increase the level of difficulty for the overall project by a small amount. Otherwise, the only additional cost you should expect will be for the larger breaker needed to provide electricity to your additional panel.
However, if you plan to install a sub-panel at the same time, expect the overall cost of your project to increase by a total of $500-600 at minimum, with larger and more complex sub-panel installations running into the 4-figure range.
If you plan to install a sub-panel in the future, ensure your new equipment will have the additional breaker space and load capacity necessary to do so before your project begins.
Ways to Save on Panel Replacement Costs
Replacing an electrical panel can be a significant investment. However, there are several strategies you can employ to help manage and reduce these costs without compromising safety and efficiency. Here is how you can save money when planning a panel replacement:
Comparing Quotes
- Multiple Estimates: Always get quotes from several licensed electricians to compare prices. This not only helps you understand the average cost in your area but also provides leverage in negotiations. At Celtex Electric & Automation, we have provided quotations for panel swap projects at $4,000 and had the residents of these homes tell us other contractors quoted $6,000 and up for the exact same project!
- Check Credentials: Make sure the electricians are properly licensed and insured. While it might be tempting to go with the lowest quote, ensuring that the electrician has the proper qualifications is crucial for safety and quality workmanship. Personally, I have come across numerous situations in which a poor quality or unlicensed contractor has failed to complete a job, taken their pay and left the homeowner high and dry. Vet your service providers thoroughly!
Timing of Replacement
- Off-Peak Discounts: Some electricians offer discounts during their less busy times of the year, typically during the December – February time period. Scheduling your replacement during these times might save you money.
- Combine Projects: If you are planning multiple home improvement projects, consider combining them to save on overall costs. Electricians might offer package deals or lower overall labor rates if they are hired for multiple jobs at once. This is because the cost to return time after time or restart individual projects without preparation work is something a quality contractor will charge for. Plan ahead!
DIY Elements
- Preparation Work: While the actual panel replacement should always be done by a professional, you can save on labor costs by doing some preparatory work yourself. This might include clearing the area around the panel, removing obstructions, or even painting or finishing work after the installation.
- Purchase Your Own Materials: Some electricians allow you to purchase your own panel and supplies. You can often find deals on materials through various suppliers. However, consult with your electrician first to ensure you buy the correct panel and components that meet local codes and requirements.
Upgrade Decisions
- Right-Sizing: Ensure that you are not under-sizing your new panel. It is important to accommodate future needs, excessively small panels may be a little bit cheaper up front but over time are not a good value for money. Believe me, you will certainly wish you had a panel with additional breaker space down the road. Discuss your current and anticipated electrical needs with your electrician to choose the right size.
- Panel Brand: If your new panel is of the same brand as the old one, there is a chance that your old breakers can be reused. This can represent a significant cost savings! A reputable contractor will recognize this before the project begins, but it is a good idea to check for yourself beforehand and ensure you are receiving maximum value.
Government Rebates and Programs
- Energy Rebates: Some local governments or utility companies offer rebates for upgrades that improve energy efficiency. Check if there are any incentives for installing new electrical panels or related energy-efficient upgrades in your area.
- Low-Interest Loans: Some regions offer low-interest loans for significant home improvements that include electrical upgrades. These programs can make upfront costs more manageable. Some contractors offer this as well. Be sure to ask if you do not have the budget up front.
By exploring these avenues, you can find ways to reduce the financial burden of replacing an electrical panel. Always balance cost savings with the need to adhere to safety standards and regulations, ensuring that any work done on your home’s electrical system enhances its safety and efficiency.
Electric Panel Upgrade Cost
The average cost to replace a home electrical panel can vary widely depending on the size of the panel, project complexity, local labor rates and several other factors. In the City of Calgary and Southern Alberta in general, a reasonable price for replacement of a home electrical panel ranges from $3500-$5000 assuming normal conditions and project scope.
The team at Celtex Electric & Automation are your local Calgary panel upgrade specialists, with hundreds of successful circuit breaker panel upgrade projects under our belt. We provide all of our clients with hassle free, no obligation quotes and carry a stellar reputation for quality & safety. Give Calgarys best panel electricians a call today!