How Much Should It Cost to Replace a Fuse Box?

In most of the U.S., replacing an old fuse box with a modern breaker panel typically costs $1,500–$4,000 for a straightforward 100–150A swap, $3,000–$6,000 for a 200A service upgrade, and $3,500–$7,500+ if your utility service, meter, or grounding also needs work; complex or older homes can reach $8,000–$12,000. Prices vary by region, home conditions, and code requirements. Below, we break down what drives the price, typical line items, and how to get a reliable quote.

What “Replacing a Fuse Box” Usually Means Today

Most homeowners asking about replacing a fuse box are really talking about upgrading to a modern circuit breaker panel (often called a load center) and, in many cases, increasing the home’s electrical service capacity (for example, going from 60–100 amps to 150–200 amps). The actual scope can range from a like-for-like swap to a full service upgrade that includes new service entrance conductors, meter base, grounding, bonding, and utility coordination.

Typical Cost Ranges by Scenario (U.S.)

These scenario ranges reflect typical 2025 pricing and include materials, labor, and permitting. Local labor rates, panel brand, and code upgrades can shift costs up or down.

• Like-for-like panel swap (100–150A, no service upgrade): $1,500–$4,000
• 200A service upgrade (common for EVs, electric ranges/heat): $3,000–$6,000
• Service upgrade with new meter base, mast/weatherhead, grounding/bonding: $3,500–$7,500+
• 400A service or complex multi-unit/smart panel projects: $6,000–$12,000+
• Add-ons: whole-home surge protector ($350–$900 installed), AFCI/GFCI or dual-function breakers ($40–$80 each), drywall repair ($100–$500)

Expect the lower end for simple, accessible installations with minimal code updates, and the upper end when utility work, relocation, or extensive code remediation is required.

What Drives the Price Up or Down

Several technical and site-specific factors influence your final bill. Understanding these helps you evaluate quotes and avoid surprises.

• Service size and scope: Swapping a panel in the same location is cheaper than upgrading service capacity or relocating equipment.
• Code compliance upgrades: Modern codes may require AFCI/GFCI protection, whole-home surge protection in some jurisdictions, and updated grounding/bonding.
• Condition of existing wiring: Knob-and-tube, aluminum branch circuits, or brittle insulation can add remediation costs.
• Utility coordination: Moving the meter, replacing a mast, or underground service changes increase cost and lead time.
• Accessibility and structure: Tight spaces, long conductor runs, masonry walls, or finished interiors add labor and patching.
• Breaker choices and count: Dual-function (AFCI+GFCI) and high-amp two-pole breakers cost more; a full set of new breakers can add hundreds.
• Regional labor rates: Urban centers and high-cost-of-living areas trend higher.

When comparing bids, ask electricians to specify which of these items are included versus potential extras, so you’re comparing like for like.

Itemized Cost Breakdown (Typical U.S. Job)

While every project is unique, these ballpark figures can help you understand where the money goes.

• Panel/load center (100–200A): $150–$600 (panel only; premium/smart panels cost more)
• Breakers: $15–$35 standard; $30–$50 GFCI; $40–$70 AFCI; $40–$80 dual-function; total often $300–$1,200
• Labor: $85–$150 per electrician hour; typical crew time 6–16 hours, often $1,000–$3,000
• Permit and inspection: $50–$400 (varies by jurisdiction)
• Grounding and bonding upgrades: $200–$800 (ground rods, water/gas bonding)
• Service/meter/mast work (if needed): $500–$2,000+
• Whole-home surge protector: $200–$600 device + $150–$300 labor
• Drywall/patch/finish: $100–$500
• Utility fees/coordination: $0–$400 (varies; sometimes included)

For many homes, the midrange total reflects a new panel, a fresh set of breakers, grounding/bonding updates, and permitting/inspection.

Regional Snapshots

If you’re outside the U.S., expected costs differ due to standards, materials, and labor markets.

• United Kingdom (consumer unit replacement): £600–£1,200 for a modern unit with SPD and RCBOs; £1,200–£1,800+ if main tails, bonding, or remedial work is required. Part P notification typically included.
• Canada: CAD $2,000–$4,500 for a 100–150A panel swap; CAD $3,500–$6,500 for a 200A service upgrade, higher with meter/service changes.
• Australia: AUD $1,200–$2,800 for a switchboard upgrade with safety switches; AUD $2,500–$4,500+ with mains upgrade/consumer mains replacement.

Local codes, equipment specifications, and certification/inspection requirements drive these differences, so always seek region-specific quotes.

Do You Need a Full Service Upgrade or Just a Panel Swap?

Not every fuse box replacement requires larger service, but some conditions make an upgrade wise—or mandatory.

• Signs you may need more capacity: frequent tripping, EV charger plans, electric heat or ranges, heat pump or pool equipment additions.
• Older or undersized service: 60A or 100A mains in all-electric homes are often inadequate for modern loads.
• Unsafe/obsolete equipment: Federal Pacific (Stab-Lok) and Zinsco/Sylvania panels are widely flagged for safety concerns and often warrant full replacement.
• Utility/meter issues: Damaged meter base, corroded service conductors, or mast problems necessitate a broader scope.

An electrician should perform a load calculation and inspect service equipment to determine whether a simple swap is feasible or if upgrading the service is prudent.

How to Get a Reliable Quote

A well-scoped quote prevents change orders and delays. Here’s how to set yourself up for accurate pricing.

1. Request an on-site inspection and written load calculation.
2. Ask for a line-item estimate: panel brand/model, breaker list, grounding/bonding, surge protection, permit/inspection, utility coordination.
3. Confirm whether AFCI/GFCI or dual-function breakers are included where code requires.
4. Clarify scope for meter/mast work, relocation, drywall repair, and any rewiring/remediation.
5. Verify licensing, insurance, and warranty (materials and labor).
6. Plan scheduling around utility shutdown and inspection windows.

Three comparable quotes from licensed electricians will typically reveal a clear market price and scope consensus for your home.

Timeline and What to Expect

Most panel replacements take less than a day once scheduled, though lead times depend on utility and permitting.

• Permitting and scheduling: a few days to a few weeks, depending on jurisdiction and utility coordination.
• Power-off window: typically 4–10 hours on the day of work.
• Inspection: same day or next business day; power is restored once passed (or via temporary release, if allowed).

Clear access to the panel area, labeling circuits ahead of time, and protecting nearby finishes can speed the job and reduce cleanup costs.

Ways to Save Without Cutting Corners

Electrical safety isn’t the place to skimp, but smart planning can keep costs reasonable.

• Stay in the same location: relocating a panel adds labor and patching.
• Bundle work: adding a surge protector or EV circuit while the panel is open is often cheaper than a return visit.
• Choose a mainstream panel brand: readily available breakers are cheaper long-term.
• Use dual-function breakers selectively: only where required by code, not blanket-installed everywhere.
• Prepare the site: clear obstructions and discuss drywall responsibilities in advance.

These steps can trim hundreds from the final bill while maintaining code compliance and future flexibility.

Safety and Code Notes

Panel upgrades bring older homes in line with current safety standards, which is a key value beyond capacity.

• AFCI and GFCI protection: modern codes require these in many locations; your electrician will explain where breakers versus receptacles are appropriate.
• Grounding and bonding: proper electrodes and bonding to water/gas lines reduce shock and fire risks.
• Obsolete panels: Federal Pacific (Stab-Lok) and Zinsco/Sylvania are often recommended for replacement due to documented safety concerns.
• Insurance and resale: Up-to-code panels can prevent insurance issues and help with home inspections when selling.

Don’t skip mandated protections to save on breaker costs; they exist to prevent fires and electrocution and may be required for inspection approval.

Bottom Line

For most U.S. homes, budget $1,500–$4,000 for a straightforward fuse box-to-breaker panel replacement and $3,000–$6,000 for a 200A service upgrade, with higher totals if meter/service equipment or significant code remediation is needed. Get detailed, line-item quotes and confirm what’s included so you can compare contractors fairly.

Summary

Replacing a fuse box typically runs $1,500–$4,000 for a basic U.S. swap and $3,000–$6,000 for a 200A upgrade, rising with utility, meter, or code-driven work. Costs depend on service size, code requirements (AFCI/GFCI, grounding), breaker choices, accessibility, and regional labor rates. Secure on-site, line-item quotes; verify permitting, utility coordination, and warranties; and consider bundling surge protection or EV-readiness while the panel is open.

Is it expensive to replace a fuse box?

The national average cost of fuse box installation is $1,094, and prices typically range from around $528-$2,264, according to Thumbtack data. Prices may vary depending on the type of property you have, where the fuse box is located, and other factors.

How much do electricians charge to change a fuse?

DIY fuse replacement only costs as much as the new fuse. The cost is typically under $5 per fuse unless a particular fuse is rare or discontinued, which could cost upwards of $50 or more per fuse. Hiring an electrician to replace a fuse will cost between $50 and $100 for the service call.

How much for fuse box replacement?

New Fuse Box Installation: What You Should Expect
Costs for a new fuse box installation generally range from £200 to £600, depending on the size of the property, the number of circuits and the complexity of the existing wiring.

How much for an electrician to replace a breaker box?

The cost to replace an electrical panel for your home is $1,313 on average, but can be as low as $200 or as high as $4,400, depending on the location, amperage (electrical current strength) and type of breaker.