Changing fuse box to breaker box

[fadal]

I would like to change the old style fuse box to a newer breaker box. What kind of price do you think this will be and who do you recommend?

thank you

[sirsunnyslayer]

Depending on your exact requirements I'm going to say between $1000 and $2000. Two guys @$80-85 per hour for at least 4 hours (probably closer to 6) and depending on the situation probably around $400 in parts, thats if you don't need a new meter socket (you probably do) and new service entrance conductors. Changing from a fuse box to a breaker panel isn't brain surgery but it's best left to the pro's and not your buddy or neighbor. Don't forget to get the permit either.

[BoxMN]

I would als add, that if you are 100 amp now, that paying the $$ and cable charge to upgrade to 200 amp can and will save you some insurnace $$ and give you more choices. Something to consider when you are already going to shoot some $$ into the palace already Ask a sparky about it, but maybe you already have 200 amp, not sure.

When I told my insurance guy I had 200 amp, he dropped my price and upped my coverage. Good luck,

[fadal]

Good information thanks guys, well i guess i will have to call a few electricians from the phone book to quote the job.

[Sandmannd]

I had it done five years ago and it was $2200. But at the same time I got rid of my low voltage lights upstairs so that added. You should be able to get this done for around 2k and I would recomend doing it, much easier to use.

[TwinkeeDink]

Not to shoot these quotes in the foot and I don't know if it's big city prices compared to smaller; but, I'm having mine done next week for $500. I have all materials bought; panel, breakers, etc. So all in all, will have it completely done for around $700.

[sirsunnyslayer]

Are you changing from a old fuse box to a breaker panel? This is being done by an class A elctrician thru an electical contracter who is pulling the permit, right? If not it's not legal so it's not really fair to compare prices, and if it is a side job that opens up a HUGE liability issue so be careful. How big panel is it if you can get it and the breakers for $200. Heck, a 200amp 42 space QO is $200 without breakers! Remember, it's just like a garage, it can never have to many spaces and it's always cheaper to make it bigger the first time you do it.

By the way, it's real easy to compare how the prices match up. What labor rate (per hr.) and time estimate did he shoot you?

[walleyeseeker]

I had mine changed last year by a licensed electrician. I went from a 60 amp panel to a 200 amp panel and the total cost was $1150.00. Sounds like big city rates are much higher. Good luck.

[sirsunnyslayer]

I suppose you are right, the big city rates are much higher, but on the flip side they pay higher to so it is probably a wash.

[fadal]

Well I got it all done, for $850.00 he did a great job also.

[Surface Tension]

fedal, good to hear. Was the job only a swap of fuse box to breaker panel or did you have anything done?

[fadal]

prety much it was 60 amp fuse to 100 amp breaker and he rewired a few new lines to microwave and fridge.