Electrical subpanels allow you to use appliances and electronics safely. This cost guide explains the important factors to consider when installing a subpanel.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace An Electrical Service Line? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $225 - $500
The cost to replace an electrical service line ranges from $225 to $500, with an average cost of $250. Your final cost will depend on the type of wire you use and the length of wire needed.
How we get this data
Photo: bmak / Adobe Stock
Photo: bmak / Adobe Stock
Cost Insights
Aluminum wires are 3 times more affordable than copper but break down much faster.
Consider upgrading outlets or adding light fixtures while you are already paying for electrical labor to maximize your cost.
Your electrician may also recommend changing your breaker box or meter to improve ROI.
The cost to replace wire from a meter to a breaker box is about $225 to $500, including the cost of new wires and professional installation. The average cost is $250. The cost of replacement wires varies from $1.50 to $15 per foot for just the wiring, not including labor.
When it comes to powering the appliances and devices in your home, you want your electrical wiring to be safe and reliable. Service entrance cables keep your home connected to the local grid. But if they become cracked or otherwise faulty, you’ll want to consider hiring a licensed electrician to fix the problem.
Cost of Replacement Wires by Type
Photos: Jose A. Bernat Bacete / Moment / Getty Images, Liudmila Chernetska / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
The cost of replacement wires varies from $1.50 to $15 per foot for just the wiring, not including labor. Modern homes have 200 amp service breakers, which can better handle the amount of electronics and appliances we use today. These types of panels require specific wires, which may vary in cost. Copper and aluminum are two common types of wire you can choose from.
| Type of Wire | Average Cost Per Foot |
|---|---|
| Copper | $5–$15 |
| Aluminum | $1.50–$5 |
While aluminum wires are less expensive, they are also less conductive. Copper wires tend to be more stable and durable, meaning they will last longer and won’t corrode like aluminum wires can. You can also check your local electrical codes to verify which wiring type is required.
Cost to Replace a Service Line by Length
The cost of replacing an electrical service line primarily depends on the length of wires required, which ranges from $1.50 to $15 per foot. The total length is contingent on your home’s electrical setup and local electrical codes, but expect to purchase about 10 to 15 feet of wiring. Many codes allow a maximum of 5 to 6 feet of wire inside the home.
| Wire Length | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 foot | $1.50–$15 |
| 10 to 15 feet | $15–$225 |
Electrician Costs
Hiring an electrician costs an average of $50 to $100 per hour. For example, replacing 10 feet of wires or cables will take about 1 to 2 hours for an electrician. If your pro finishes the job early, you might also consider budgeting for other common projects including:
Installing an outlet: $100–$450
Installing a light switch: $60–$300
Adding a light fixture: $150–$1,000
Additional Cost Factors
There are additional factors that can impact the final cost of replacing electrical wires. This isn’t a project to cut corners on, so you’ll need to work with a licensed electrician to obtain proper permits to start the necessary repairs.
Permits
Working with these electrical wires typically requires a permit and must adhere to local electrical codes. Obtaining a permit for this project may cost anywhere from $10 to $500.
Service Entrance Cables
Replacing exterior cables requires help from your local utility company, and costs about $1,500 or up to $5,000 if the cables are underground.
Why You Should Hire an Electrician
Your electrical service line supplies electricity to your entire home, and replacing it means working with high-voltage components and coordinating with the utility provider. Working on electrical systems comes with inherent risks, including fire, shock, and long-term electrical reliability issues. Hire a licensed electrician near you to ensure the line, panel, grounding, and meter setup work safely together.
Here’s why it’s ideal to hire an electrician
Other reasons you should hire an electrician include:
Electricians understand utility coordination, code requirements, and safe wiring practices.
Pros know how to correctly size and install service lines and panels.
They have the necessary equipment to do the job correctly.
Pros are able to ensure that grounding and bonding systems are secure for future safety.
Your electrician can assess circuit capacity and distribution to ensure optimal electrical service.
Licensed electricians obtain permits and have their work inspected for code compliance.
Some offer warranties on their work and the materials they install.
Tips to Reduce Cost While Replacing An Electrical Service Line
Consider these practical ways to save money when replacing a service line:
Shop around for the best deals and buy materials on your own.
Opt for a quality but budget-friendly wire material, such as aluminum.
Call a licensed electrician at the first sign of an issue to avoid more expensive future issues.
Get a detailed quote from at least three electricians before hiring one.
Bundle multiple electrical jobs on the same visit to save on service costs.
Does Replacing A Service Line Increase Home Value?
Yes, replacing a service line in your home can increase the value of your home. A quality electrical job increases the safety of your home and minimizes the likelihood that more serious, costlier electrical problems will occur in the future. Aside from the monetary value, you can’t quite put a price on the peace of mind that comes from knowing your service cables are in working order and you’ll have access to electricity.
Next Steps: Finalize Your Project With a Pro
Ask your electrician if your service line upgrade will be overhead or underground, and how this affects the cost and functionality.
Confirm the new service amperage and determine if it's sufficient for your household's needs.
Consider whether this is a good time to relocate your electrical panel to a more accessible or convenient area.
Review the project timeline to find out if your power will be interrupted for extended periods during the installation.
Let your pro know if you want to add items like surge protectors, backup power connection ports, and smart energy monitoring devices.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
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