How Much Does It Cost to Replace An Electrical Service Line? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost to replace a wire from a meter to a breaker box is $250, including new wiring and professional installation. Most homeowners spend $225 to $500, with the spread driven by wire length, local permit requirements, and whether the service line runs overhead or underground.

Cost of Replacement Wires by Type

Replacement wires for an electrical service line cost $1.50 to $15 per foot for materials alone. Modern homes have 200-amp service breakers that handle today's electronics and appliances, and those panels require specific wire types that fall at different points within that range. Costs vary by wire material, as the breakdown below shows:

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. You can also check your local electrical codes to verify which type of wiring is required.

Cost to Replace a Service Line by Length

Replacing an electrical service line costs $1.50 to $15 per foot, and the total length you need depends on your home's electrical setup and local code requirements. Most homeowners should plan to purchase about 10 to 15 feet of wiring, since many codes cap interior wire runs at 5 to 6 feet. Costs vary by wire length, as the breakdown below shows:

Electrician Costs: What Homeowners Pay for Labor

Hiring an electrician costs $50 to $100 per hour on average, and replacing 10 feet of wiring or cabling takes about 1 to 2 hours. If your pro finishes ahead of schedule, it's worth budgeting for additional projects at the same visit, such as installing an outlet for $100 to $450, installing a light switch for $60 to $300, or adding a light fixture for $150 to $1,000.

Additional Cost Factors When Replacing an Electrical Service Line

Several factors beyond wire type and length can affect the total cost of replacing electrical wires, and this is not a project where cutting corners is an option. You will need to work with a licensed electrician to obtain the proper permits and ensure all repairs meet code before work begins.

Permits

Electrical service line work typically requires a permit and must comply with local electrical codes, with permit fees ranging from $10 to $500 depending on your municipality. Confirm permit requirements with your licensed electrician before work begins, since skipping this step can create code violations that are costly to resolve later.

Service Entrance Cables

Replacing exterior service entrance cables requires coordination with your local utility company and costs about $1,500, rising to $5,000 when the cables run underground. Underground installations involve trenching and additional materials, which drive the higher end of that range.

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.

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. 

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