Wiring vs Panel Upgrade

Compare when you need new wiring throughout the house versus upgrading the electrical panel. Both are electrical projects but solve different problems.

Wiring replacement — also called rewiring — addresses old, damaged, or inadequate wiring throughout the home. It is most common in homes built before 1970 that still have knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, both of which present fire risks and may not meet modern electrical codes. A full rewire means running new copper wiring from the panel to every outlet, switch, and fixture in the house, which typically costs $8,000–$15,000 or more depending on the home's size and accessibility. A panel upgrade, on the other hand, increases the electrical capacity of your home's main service panel — usually from 100 amps to 200 amps — so it can handle modern electrical loads like central air conditioning, electric vehicle chargers, hot tubs, and home workshops. Panel upgrades typically cost $1,500–$4,000. Sometimes you need both: an older home with original wiring often has an undersized panel as well. Safety is the primary driver for both projects. Outdated wiring can overheat and cause house fires, while an overloaded panel trips breakers constantly and can also become a fire hazard. Insurance companies may refuse coverage or charge higher premiums for homes with knob-and-tube wiring or fuse panels. Local building codes may require one or both upgrades when you renovate, add square footage, or sell the home.