An outdated or overloaded electrical panel is one of the most common — and most serious — problems in DFW homes, especially in houses built before the 1990s. A panel upgrade replaces your home's aging breaker box with a new, properly sized one that can safely handle modern electrical loads.
Typical Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost
| Scope | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Standard panel swap (like-for-like) | $2,500 – $4,500 |
| Full-service upgrade (larger panel, relocation, surge protection) | $5,000 – $9,000 |
| Service line / meter base upgrade included | $7,000 – $12,000+ |
⚡ The Industry Truth
What some companies say: "We can do it for $1,800!"
What's actually true: A quote significantly below $5,000 for a full-service upgrade often means corners are being cut — undersized panels, skipped permits, or reused breakers. A quote well above $9,000 with no added scope is usually markup, not extra value.
What's Included in a Full-Service Upgrade
- Permit and inspection coordination with your city
- New, correctly sized panel (usually 200A for most DFW homes today)
- Whole-home surge protection
- Relocation if your panel needs to move to meet code
DFW Notes
Plano and Dallas both have specific rules about panel placement and clearance — see our Dallas service area page for local permitting notes. North Texas summers also push older panels harder, since AC units draw heavy, constant loads.
"Fixed a bent mast and upgraded the wiring my panel. Dustin and Lawrence had it done before I got home from work. Great communication and quality of service! Would definitely go back for future service."
FAQ
How long does a panel upgrade take?
Most residential upgrades take one full day, plus a scheduled inspection with the city.
Will I lose power during the upgrade?
Yes, power is off for several hours during the swap — we schedule around your needs when possible.
Do I need a permit?
Yes, in every DFW city we serve. We handle the permit and inspection for you.
Ready for an honest assessment? Contact Truth Electric for a quote that doesn't change.