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Breaker Panel Replacement Cost?
nunn
Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 36,078 ******
The electrician who replaced my storm-damaged weatherhead and meter base suggested that we also replace the breaker panel. He said the one we have is old, and of a brand that has proved problematical over the years. Well, we've had no problem with it, but it is old, so I may entertain replacing it.
How much should I expect to pay for a replacement? The electrician estimated around $5G, which I felt was probably a little high.
Thanks!
Comments
That is totally nonsense high Unless he is wiring the home . Lowes sells square D, GE panal boxes. Labor with box should be less than 1k unless extra wiring is required. A normal 200 amp change out takes just a few hours.
That sounds extremely high. We replaced ours several years ago to go to a 200 amp panel. All new panel, breakers etc. was $1,200.
However, I know we just had some work done for us at my wife's business. Put in a new 50 amp service. Run was about 30 feet from the panel. Cost with wire, breaker and labor was $585, most of the cost was for the parts, electrician only spent about an hour of his time.
In speaking with the electrician he said parts costs are out of site even if he can get them.
I Son just had his flip house done with some extra work was 2k - 5 k is very high imo, obviously a second and third quote is in order -
A new 30 amp double pole Square D breaker is $28 at Lowes.
I want to change mine out and priced parts awhile back. 5K Seems like an attempt at a hard gouge to me. But I do not know what may be involved with your service.
Get a second and/or third quote.
I used to do them for $600 plus materials. One man should be able to do one in 3-4 hours. Last job I did was a service for a double wide -$2800 including materials.
Warning- Don't leave an electrician alone with your wife.
Is that speaking from your, or your wife's experience?
Shouldn't she be properly grounded?
Well.......If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
Just sayin
agree get more estimates that does sound high
about ten yeras ago I found a brand new square D 200 amp box and and about 8 or 10 new breakers all in the boxes at a garage sale 100.00 great deal I bought it knowing I was going to up date mine at some point , I was going to do to up grade my old 100 amp and out of date hard to find breakers
I do all my own work ( 995 any way ) on every thing then decided for insurance or inspection I just had a local electrical company stop by that way it would be done by " licensed electricians'" they charged me about 2 or 3 hundred dollars for time and a few feet of cable and connectors . and about three hours if that to do it
my breaker box is just on the opposite side of the wall from the meter so easy / peasy day for them
I could have easly done it but wanted a CYA in paper work form if any thing ever came up
Way too much to change out he panel. Folks plan on it costing about 2x more than it did a couple years ago. $$$$$$$$$$ thanks to Brandon.
Don't use square D. GE or Siemens is best. Seems like box stores keep square D and only Square D breakers will fit it. Other brands are interchangeable.
May need the power cut off and the turned back on by electric provided and a smart electrician won't by pass the inspections if required.
I did see a fellow change out the meter base and panel years ago with power still on. Balls of steel for sure.
been there done that I never killed the power to any thing electric or wiring I worked on when younger .
made it to be old enought to know better never again wised up many years ago ..
once many years ago I handed a fellow a shovel I told him stand back and If I look like I can't move / in trouble or smoking use the shovel to knock me loose . not the best decision I ever made . but lived thru it
Quote; Don't use square D. GE or Siemens is best.
My main house breaker panel is a Siemens. There is one 20 amp breaker in the box that is a Square D breaker and it has been kind of driving me crazy for some time. The year we bought the place, I had an electrician over and he showed me the non matching breaker. I made an appointment with him to come back and fix it along with several other electrical jobs but the guy passed away before the appointment date. Tried hiring other local electricians but all were too busy in my area with new constructions.
UPDATE: I just did some online surfing and learned my Square D breaker is OK in the Siemens box. The old saying "if it aint broke don't fix it" works well for me! ☺️
I was also told that Siemens was a very low end type of power panel by the guy who died.
If it is not having problems, I would keep what I have. Just don't overload anything.
It's not its age...............it's how hard its lived.
Inspect(everyone has an electrician "friend") the panel...........buss bars, lugs, wiring/cables, and of course incoming and individual breakers.
Hope this helps.