Electrical Panel Upgrade & Replacement

For a straightforward replacement like the Plano project shown in the video, ABR Electric says homeowners can generally expect about $6,000 to $8,000. The final price depends on the existing service, panel location, feeder size, grounding, utility requirements, permits, and inspection needs.

A typical ABR Electric project can include the new 200-amp main-breaker panel, properly sized feeder conductors, an exterior disconnect when required, grounding and bonding updates, whole-home surge protection, breakers and related materials, labor, permits, and inspection coordination. The written quote confirms the exact scope for your home.

A direct replacement in the existing code-compliant location is usually less involved. If a panel is inside a closet, laundry area, or another location that is no longer allowed, it may need to be moved. Extending many branch circuits across the home adds substantial wire, labor, wall access, and repair work, which can raise the price.

Often, yes, but the complete service must be evaluated. On the Plano project, ABR Electric replaced the 150-amp split-bus panel with a 200-amp main-breaker panel and upsized the feeder conductors so the service could safely support the higher rating.

A split-bus panel is an older design that uses multiple disconnects for major loads, with one breaker commonly feeding the lower group of branch circuits. Existing equipment may remain in service in some situations, but replacement work must meet current code requirements and local inspection standards.

ABR Electric recommends having panels around 40 to 50 years old professionally evaluated. Older GE split-bus equipment and certain Federal Pacific, Zinsco, Stab-Lok, and Challenger panels deserve particular attention. Age or brand alone does not diagnose a hazard, so a licensed electrician should inspect the actual equipment and installation.

Yes. ABR Electric checks the home’s grounding and bonding system and updates it as required. Depending on the property, this can include the cold-water bond and exterior grounding electrodes. ABR Electric also includes a panel-mounted whole-home surge protector in the typical project described in the video.

Yes. ABR Electric handles the electrical permit and coordinates the required inspections. When available, a meter-release inspection can allow the utility to restore power sooner. A final inspection is then completed so the homeowner has confirmation that the permitted work passed.

The home will be without power during the changeover. ABR Electric plans the work and inspection sequence to limit that interruption and restore service as soon as the installation and meter-release requirements allow. Exact timing depends on the project, inspector, and utility.

ABR Electric commonly recommends Eaton CH and Schneider Electric Square D QO equipment. Nathan highlights their strong manufacturer warranty coverage and long-term parts quality. The best panel is selected around the home, project scope, equipment availability, and approved design.

For the project described in the video, ABR Electric provides a two-year warranty on its workmanship and supplied parts. Longer manufacturer warranties apply where offered by the panel or surge-protection manufacturer. Warranty terms are confirmed in the project documentation.

Not always. A Level 2 charger needs a properly sized dedicated circuit, so ABR Electric performs a load calculation and checks the service rating, breaker space, and existing demand before recommending a new circuit, load-management equipment, or a service upgrade.