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Electrical Repair Costs: What Homeowners Typically Pay
Replacing a damaged outlet, switch, or light fixture typically costs $100–$300, and tracking down a scorched outlet or a breaker that keeps tripping runs $150–$500. Replacing a burned, wet, or failed electrical panel typically costs $1,000–$2,500.
If you smell burning or see scorch marks, turn off that circuit if you can do it safely and call an electrician now. For anything else, send a photo and get a damage score in about a minute.
Updated September 2026
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Typical electrical repair costs
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Replace one damaged outlet, switch, or light fixture | $100–$300 |
| Scorched outlet or tripping circuit: diagnose, replace breaker or device | $150–$500 |
| Damaged wiring on one circuit: open wall, replace run | $400–$1,500 |
| Outside service damage: weatherhead, mast, or meter base | $500–$2,000 |
| Panel replacement, same amperage (burned, wet, or failed) | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Panel and service upgrade to 200 amps | $1,500–$4,000 |
National typical ranges, compiled from published 2025–2026 home repair cost guides and rounded. Your Damage Score adjusts them for your state. A contractor's quote after seeing the job is the only firm price.
Common electrical problems and how serious they are
How serious each one usually is, on the same scale as your Damage Score. Your photo decides where yours actually lands.
A scorched, discolored, or melted outlet or plug
SeriousHeat from a loose connection or an overloaded circuit. Stop using it, turn off the breaker if you safely can, and call an electrician.
A buzzing or crackling switch or outlet
SeriousThat sound usually means electricity is arcing across a bad connection, which is a fire risk. Turn it off and get it checked now.
Lights flickering all over the house
SeriousCan point to a failing connection in the service coming into the house. Call the utility or an electrician. A single flickering fixture is much less urgent.
A leaning mast, torn service wires, or a meter pulling off the wall
SeriousUsually from a storm, ice, or a falling limb. Keep well away and treat any downed wire as live.
A breaker that keeps tripping
ModerateAn overloaded circuit, a short, or a ground fault. Have it diagnosed. If it trips the moment you reset it, or you smell burning, stop resetting it.
Rust or water marks inside the panel
ModerateMoisture is getting in, which corrodes breakers and connections. Have an electrician look at it promptly, and right away if anything is wet.
An old fuse box, cloth-covered wiring, or a panel an inspector flagged
ModerateOlder systems aren't an emergency on their own, but they're worth having an electrician evaluate, especially before adding big appliances.
An outlet or switch that stopped working
ModerateOften a tripped GFCI outlet elsewhere on the circuit, so try resetting those first. If that doesn't bring it back, a loose connection needs an electrician.
A damaged outdoor outlet, or no GFCI protection near water
ModerateOutlets in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoors need ground-fault protection. A cracked or weathered outdoor outlet should be replaced.
A cracked cover plate
LowA cheap, quick fix. If the outlet or switch behind it is loose, damaged, or exposed, have an electrician check it.
Signs that mean act now
Call a licensed electrician right away if you notice any of these. Turn off the affected circuit at the panel only if you can do it safely from a dry spot.
- A burning or hot-plastic smell, scorch marks, or sparks.
- Outlets, switches, or the panel that feel warm, buzz, or give you a tingle or a shock.
- Water near outlets, appliances, or the electrical panel. Never touch a wet panel.
- A downed or sagging service wire. Assume it's live, keep well back, and call the utility.
After a storm, flood, or lightning strike
The utility generally owns the service line from the pole and the meter itself. The homeowner is usually responsible for the weatherhead, the mast, the meter box, and everything inside. If those are damaged, a licensed electrician repairs them, the work is inspected, and then the utility reconnects power.
Breakers, outlets, switches, and panels that were underwater should be replaced, not dried out and reused. Keep the power off until an electrician has checked them. Lightning and surges can cause hidden damage that shows up later as dead outlets, tripped GFCIs, or failed electronics.
What drives the cost of an electrical repair
- The service call. Most electricians charge a minimum that covers the first hour.
- Access. Replacing wiring inside walls means opening them up and patching the drywall afterward.
- Permits and inspections, which many towns require for panels and new wiring.
- Code updates a repair can trigger, like adding GFCI or AFCI protection or proper grounding.
- Emergency and after-hours calls, and any work that needs the utility to disconnect and reconnect power.
What you can safely do yourself
- Reset tripped breakers and GFCI outlets, replace bulbs and cracked cover plates, and use plug-in surge protectors.
- Note which outlets and lights are affected before the electrician arrives. It shortens the visit.
- Rules for doing your own wiring vary by state and town. Panels, new circuits, the service equipment outside, and anything wet or scorched always need a licensed electrician.
Know how serious it is before you call a pro
Start with your score. Send one photo and you'll see how serious it is and what it typically costs in your area, so you know what to expect when licensed local electricians quote the job. Free, no account.
Common questions
How much does it cost to fix an outlet?
Replacing a damaged outlet or switch typically costs $100–$300, mostly the electrician's minimum charge. If the outlet is scorched and the circuit needs diagnosing, expect $150–$500.
How much does it cost to replace an electrical panel?
Replacing a panel with one of the same size typically costs $1,000–$2,500. Upgrading the panel and service to 200 amps runs $1,500–$4,000.
Why does my breaker keep tripping?
Too much running on one circuit, a short in a device or the wiring, or a ground fault, often from moisture. Try unplugging things on that circuit. If it still trips, or trips instantly, stop resetting it and call an electrician.
Who fixes a damaged electric meter or service line?
The utility usually handles the line from the pole and the meter. Damage to the mast, weatherhead, or meter box on your house is typically the homeowner's to repair, at around $500–$2,000, before the utility will reconnect.
Is it safe to use outlets after a flood?
No. Anything electrical that was underwater should be replaced, and the power should stay off in the affected area until a licensed electrician has inspected it.
Repair costs for the rest of the house
AI estimate, not an inspection. This score comes from a photo, and a photo can't show everything. Whatever the score, always have a licensed professional inspect the damage before you make repair, safety, or insurance decisions. Cost ranges are typical figures for your area, not quotes. We never tell you whether to file an insurance claim.
When you ask for quotes, the contractor network that receives your request may pay us. That never changes your score.