Several factors affect the cost of replacing a fuse box, including the location of the box within your home, as well as the amperage and type of the fuse box.
the current
Amperage is among the biggest factors that affect electrical panel replacement costs. In general, the more current the box offers, the more you can expect to pay. Most homes can do well at 150 or 200 amps, but very large homes with a lot of appliances may require 400 amps, while smaller homes may only need 100 amps.
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The type of circuit breaker you get to replace your fuse box also affects costs, but you can expect to pay between $10 and $100.
Standard circuit breakers: Standard circuit breakers, which meet the needs of most homes, usually only cost about $10. Ground fault circuit breakers: Ground fault circuit breakers, often called GFCI breakers, cost between $30 and $100. GFCI breakers help prevent electrical shock if water gets into the box. Arc Fault Circuit Breakers: Some municipalities require arc fault circuit breakers. These breakers also cost between $30 and $100, and can help detect many electrical faults to prevent fires.
location
Fuse boxes can be found in any number of areas in a home, from outside in a waterproof box to inside a basement, attic, or other room. In general, the easier it is for a professional to access the fuse box and connecting wires, the less you will need to pay since electricians charge by the hour and hard-to-reach areas can take longer to reach and work.
Transport
Speaking of location, if you need to move your fuse box to another location in the home or outside, this will increase your fuse box replacement costs. Moving a fuse box or circuit breaker usually costs between $1,000 and $3,000 depending on factors such as the size of your home, the accessibility of the new location, and whether your box will also serve as a circuit breaker.
Allow
Most areas require you to obtain a permit to replace your fuse box. The cost of permits can range from $50 to $300 depending on your location. Many electricians will obtain the permit for you and include the cost in your estimate.
Digging trenches
In some cases, homeowners want to bury the overhead electrical line that connects to the new breaker. This is a relatively large-scale operation and requires a professional excavator as well as an electrician. Trenching typically costs $6 per linear foot.
Rewiring
Sometimes, an electrician will need to replace all or some of your old wiring to ensure the fuse box is replaced safely. Replacement wiring typically costs $6 per linear foot.
Additional ports
If you want to add new outlets to your home, you can often save money on labor costs by installing the new outlets when replacing your fuse box since an electrician will already be in your home. Depending on the outlet’s wiring and location, new outlets usually cost between $100 and $200 on average.
New subpanel
Fuse boxes and circuit breakers can only hold so many fuses and switches. In some cases, you will need to add a subpanel to accommodate the new electrical connections and the associated fuse or circuit. Subpanels typically range from $400 to $1,800. Subboards with high current and many circuits will cost at the higher end of this range, while subboards with low current with few circuits will approach $400.
Replace the electricity meter
Electricity meters are installed in weatherproof boxes outside your home and measure the amount of electricity you use. If you added a new subpanel while replacing the fuse box, you’ll likely need a new electrical meter as well. Electric meters typically cost between $100 and $700, including labor and materials.
