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.
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.
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.
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 |
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
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.
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.
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.
Unless you’re a licensed electrician with ample experience in replacing a service line, DIY electrical work is never recommended. It’s always best to hire an electrician near you for maximum safety and optimal results. However, you can still do your part by looking out for signs of any electrical issues. If you suspect your wires are faulty and in need of replacement, call a pro immediately.
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.
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.
If you need to run a wire from the meter to the breaker box, start by turning off the power using the main switch to avoid injury risks from live wires. Then, locate the ground wire from your meter and connect it to the ground bar of the breaker box. Connect the neutral wire using the same method to improve your circuit efficiency.
Next, locate the hot wires running from the main switch to the meter. To connect them to the correct terminals from meter to breaker, unscrew the nuts of the breaker hotwire terminals, insert the positive hotwire, and ensure it’s firmly attached. Finally, secure the wires with electrical tape and wire tie cables before re-securing your breaker box. Keep in mind that this process can be dangerous, so don’t hesitate to hire a local electrician.
Modern homes have a lot of devices and appliances running at once. That means there are many different wires and cables throughout the house. Service entrance conductors (also known as service entrance cables or service feed wires) connect the external weatherhead for the utility pole to the circuit breaker box. This is your home’s connection to your local power grid.
If you’re replacing wires from an electrical meter box to the breaker box, you may also consider installing a new meter or replacing or repairing the breaker box. You can tell if the circuit breaker is bad if you’re dealing with tripping or worrisome burning smells. Both projects should also be handled safely by a licensed electrician.
Yes, you can update your home to have a higher amp service. Upgrading to a 200 amp service will cost an average of $1,300 to $3,000. Today, many homes have about a 100 to 200 amp service, but older homes that haven’t been updated may have as low as 30 amp. That may be fine if you prefer a simple lifestyle—staying warm with a fireplace, cooking with gas, and cozying up with a book instead of watching TV—but modern energy demands require a higher amp service.
