How to have the electrical panel checked
In an electrical panel inspection, a licensed electrician checks your panel's breakers, connections, labeling and load, usually for about $110 to $230. Guidance on timing differs. One electrical contractor suggests every 3 to 5 years, and more often for homes over 40 years old, recently bought homes or any panel showing warning signs.
What an electrical panel inspection covers
This is a look inside the box that feeds every circuit in your home, and the cover should only come off in a licensed electrician's hands. Parts inside can stay live even with the main breaker off, so this isn't a job to try yourself.
A typical panel inspection is a visual and operational check of the main service panel, the breakers and the labels. It often includes a basic load assessment and written recommendations. Expect the electrician to note the panel's brand, since Federal Pacific and Zinsco are flagged by electricians as panels to replace.
A panel check doesn't cover the wiring through the house. If the home is older or you've seen problems at outlets, ask about a whole-house inspection, which looks at branch circuits, switches, receptacles and wiring condition.
Electrical panel inspection cost
| Service | About what it costs | What's in it |
|---|---|---|
| Panel inspection | $110 to $230 (average about $160) | Panel, breakers, labeling, basic load check, recommendations |
| Whole-house wiring inspection | $220 to $490 (average about $340) | Branch circuits, switches, receptacles, wiring condition |
| Repairs or replacement | Quoted separately | Depends on what's found |
Figures come from Homeyou's 2026 cost guide, which doesn't explain how they were gathered. One Virginia contractor lists $100 to $200 for the same check. Panel size, access and the number of circuits move the price, so treat these as a rough guide and get a local quote.
Who to hire for a panel inspection
- Hire a licensed electrician, and confirm the license with your state or local licensing board. Rules vary by state.
- Ask for proof of insurance before anyone opens the panel.
- Tell them the home's age, what brand the panel label shows, and any symptoms you've noticed.
- Ask how repairs are billed. Some companies charge a diagnostic rate by time and give estimates separately.
- Get the findings in writing so you have a dated record for your files.
Questions to ask at your electrical panel inspection
- What brand and age is this panel, and is it one you'd replace?
- Are any connections loose, overheated or scorched?
- Is the panel big enough for what's on it now, and for anything I plan to add?
- Do my breakers match the labels on the door?
- Would a permit be needed for the work you're recommending?
- What should I fix now, and what can wait?
Panel inspection red flags and danger signs
Get an electrician out that day for a burning smell, scorch marks, buzzing or crackling, a breaker that won't stay reset, or warm spots on the panel. CPSC adds hot outlet or switch plates, flickering lights and dead circuits to that list. Keep clear of the panel if you see sparks or smoke, and call 911 for fire.
On the hiring side, watch for:
- A handyman offering to "just open it up and look".
- A full panel replacement quote with no explanation of what failed.
- No written findings, or no mention of permits for major work.
- A low inspection price that exists only to sell you a replacement. A second opinion is fair before any big job.
How to prepare for an electrical panel inspection
- Note what you can see from outside
With the door open and the cover on, photograph the panel label and breakers. Don't touch anything inside.
- List your symptoms
Write down tripping breakers, flickering lights or warm outlets, and when they happen.
- Pick the right scope
Book a panel check, or a whole-house inspection if the home is older or you've just moved in.
- Clear access
Move shelves and boxes away so the electrician can stand in front of the panel.
- Ask for a walk-through
Have the electrician show you the main breaker and explain anything they flagged.
- Fix the labels
Ask them to correct the circuit directory. Good labels save time in any emergency.
- File the report
Save the findings and invoice with your home records, and note when to book again.
How often to inspect an electrical panel, and other questions
How often should an electrical panel be inspected?
Guidance differs, and no single schedule fits every home. One electrical contractor suggests every 3 to 5 years, sooner for homes over 40 years old, after buying a home, or if you see warning signs.
How much does a panel inspection cost?
Cost guides put it at about $110 to $230, with repairs quoted separately. A whole-house wiring inspection costs more, about $220 to $490.
Can I take the panel cover off myself?
Don't. Live parts sit behind the cover, and CPSC warns homeowners against trying to diagnose electrical problems themselves. Leave it to a licensed electrician.
Sources: homeyou.com, ajlongelectric.com, CPSC
General guidance for U.S. homes, not professional advice. For gas, electrical and structural work, call a licensed pro.