How much does it cost to upgrade an electrical panel?

Upgrading from 100-amp to 200-amp costs $1,500-$3,500. Upgrading to 400-amp costs $2,500-$5,000. Costs include the panel, breakers, labor, permit, and inspection. EV charger or AC additions often trigger the need for an upgrade. Do I need a 200-amp panel?

Do I need a 200-amp panel?

200-amp is the standard for new construction and recommended for most homes, especially with central AC, electric dryer, and modern appliances. If you're adding an EV charger, hot tub, or workshop, you may need 300-400 amps. What electrical work can I do myself?

What electrical work can I do myself?

You can safely replace outlets, switches, light fixtures, and install smart switches with the breaker OFF and verified with a voltage tester. Panel work, new circuits, and anything requiring permits must be done by a licensed electrician. How often should electrical wiring be inspected?

How often should electrical wiring be inspected?

Have a professional electrical inspection every 10 years, or when buying a home, after storm damage, or if you notice warning signs (tripping breakers, flickering lights, warm outlets). Homes over 40 years old should be inspected more frequently.

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Home Improvement

Electrical Basics Guide: Wiring, Panels & Common Upgrades

Lumberama Editorial Team, Electrical & Home Systems Specialists Nov 18, 2026 9 min read

Wiring Types

NM-B (Romex): Standard residential wiring. Non-metallic sheathed cable. 14-gauge for 15-amp circuits (lighting). 12-gauge for 20-amp circuits (outlets, kitchen). 10-gauge for 30-amp circuits (dryers, AC). Cost: $0.20-$0.80/linear foot depending on gauge.

UF-B: Underground feeder cable. Waterproof for outdoor and underground use. Cost: $0.40-$1.20/linear foot. Used for outdoor outlets, landscape lighting, and detached buildings.

THHN/THWN: Individual conductors pulled through conduit. Used in exposed areas, garages, and commercial. Color-coded by function.

Aluminum: Found in older homes (1960s-70s). Fire hazard at connections (oxidizes). Requires special outlets and connectors. Should be inspected if present.

Knob-and-tube: Pre-1940s wiring. No ground wire. Fire hazard when covered with insulation. Most insurance companies require replacement.

Electrical Panel

Standard sizes: 100-amp: minimum for small homes, no central AC. 150-amp: adequate for average homes with gas heating. 200-amp: standard for new construction. 400-amp: large homes, all-electric, EV chargers, pools.

Panel upgrade costs: 100 to 200-amp: $1,500-$3,500. 200 to 400-amp: $2,500-$5,000. New subpanel addition: $500-$1,500.

When to upgrade: Frequent breaker trips. Adding major appliances (AC, EV charger, hot tub). Fuse box (no breakers). Aluminum wiring. Home renovation adding circuits.

Common Upgrades

GFCI outlets: Required within 6 feet of water (kitchen, bath, garage, outdoor, laundry). Cost: $15-$25 per outlet DIY, $100-$200 installed. Prevents electrical shock. Test monthly with test/reset buttons.

AFCI breakers: Required for bedrooms and living areas in new construction. Detects arc faults (prevents fires). Cost: $30-$50 per breaker.

Dedicated circuits: Required for major appliances. Microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, refrigerator, washer, dryer each need their own circuit. Cost: $150-$300 per new circuit.

EV charger installation: Level 2 (240V, 40-50 amp). Requires dedicated circuit from panel. Cost: $500-$2,000 installed (plus charger unit $300-$700). May require panel upgrade.

Whole-house surge protector: Installed at electrical panel. Protects all electronics and appliances. Cost: $200-$500 installed. Highly recommended.

Safety

Never DIY: Panel work, new circuit installation, or anything requiring permits. Always hire a licensed electrician for these jobs. Penalties for unpermitted electrical work can be severe.

Basic DIY-safe tasks: Replacing outlets and switches (with power OFF at breaker). Replacing light fixtures (with power OFF). Installing smart switches and dimmers. All require turning off breaker and testing with voltage tester first.

Signs of electrical problems: Frequently tripping breakers. Flickering lights. Warm or discolored outlets/switches. Burning smell. Buzzing sounds from outlets or panel. Sparking when plugging in devices.