Replacing a Federal Pacific (FPE) panel with a new 200-amp panel in Dallas-Fort Worth typically costs $2,200–$4,800 all in, including the permit and inspection. That is an estimate; the written quote follows an on-site look at the meter base, service entrance and grounding.
This guide is part of our Electrical Panel Upgrades service in Dallas–Fort Worth.
Replacing a Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panel with a new 200-amp panel in Dallas-Fort Worth typically costs $2,200–$4,800 all in, including the panel, breakers, permit, inspection and labor. That range is an estimate. Your price is set after an on-site look at the panel, meter base, service entrance and grounding, and you get it in writing before any work starts, as a flat rate or an itemized quote.
What does a Federal Pacific panel replacement cost in 2026?
| Job | Typical price (estimate) |
|---|---|
| FPE panel out, new 200-amp panel in (100-amp to 200-amp), all in | $2,200–$4,800 |
| Same-amperage panel replacement | Quoted after an on-site evaluation |
| 400-amp service | Quoted after an on-site load calculation |
| Meter base, service mast or grounding work | Included in the written quote when the service entrance needs it |
| Permit and inspection | Included in the written quote |
The 200-amp range is the same one published on our electrical panel upgrade page. The low end is a straightforward swap to a single 200-amp panel. The high end, and beyond it, is a 400-amp service or an added panel feeding a shop or guest house. For what a 400-amp job involves, see upgrading from 200 to 400 amp service.
What moves the price of an FPE replacement?
- The service entrance. A worn meter base, service mast or service cable is replaced with the panel and priced into the quote.
- Grounding and bonding. Older homes often need the grounding electrode system brought up to the current code.
- Panel location. Relocating a panel costs more than replacing it where it is, and can mean wall repair.
- What the old panel was feeding. Aluminum branch wiring or a subpanel added by a previous owner is quoted as its own line item. Our aluminum wiring repair cost guide has those prices.
- The city. Each city sets its own permit fee and inspection schedule, and enforces its own adopted edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC editions by DFW city).
Why replace a Federal Pacific panel at all?
There was never a recall. In 1983 the Consumer Product Safety Commission closed its investigation of FPE Stab-Lok breakers after its own testing "confirmed that these breakers fail certain UL calibration test requirements," meaning they did not always trip within the required time on an overload. It closed the matter "without making a determination as to the safety of FPE circuit breakers" (CPSC, March 3, 1983). Independent testing since then reported higher failure rates, especially in two-pole breakers. We cover the evidence, and when replacement is urgent, in do all Federal Pacific panels need to be replaced?
How do I know if I have a Federal Pacific panel?
Read the label on the panel door or the inside of the door. Do not remove the cover or handle the breakers to check; that is a job for an electrician. Names that identify Federal Pacific Stab-Lok equipment include (InspectAPedia, FPE identification):
- Federal Pacific Electric, or FPE
- Federal Electric, Federal NOARC or Federal Pioneer
- Stab-Lok on the label or on the breakers
If you see scorching, smell burning, or the panel is warm to the touch, treat it as urgent and call an electrician. Our emergency triage guide covers what cannot wait until morning.
Do you need a permit to replace an electrical panel in Dallas?
Yes. A panel replacement is permitted work in DFW cities, and the city inspects it. We pull the permit, schedule the inspection, and include both in the written quote. The City of Dallas does not let a homeowner do electrical work on their own homestead unless they have passed the city's homeowner exam (City of Dallas electrical permit checklist). The full rules are in our Texas panel permit guide.
How long does a Federal Pacific panel replacement take?
Most panel swaps take one working day on site, typically 4 to 8 hours. Meter base, service mast or grounding work can add time. Around the work itself, the utility has to disconnect and reconnect the service and the city has to inspect. In most of DFW the utility is Oncor; this guide shows which company serves your address.
Does homeowners insurance pay to replace an FPE panel?
Policies are written to cover sudden damage, not to upgrade equipment that has not failed, so plan on paying for the replacement yourself. Whether an insurer asks about the panel brand when writing or renewing a policy depends on the company. Ask your agent. If you are buying a house, a pre-purchase electrical inspection tells you what is in the panel before you close.
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Frequently Asked Questions
No. No law, recall or code requires an existing Federal Pacific panel to be removed. The CPSC closed its 1983 investigation without a recall. Replacement is a safety decision, and it is urgent if there is heat, scorching or a burning smell.
In most DFW cities, effectively no. Texas law exempts work a homeowner does in their own home only where a city ordinance does not regulate it (Texas Occupations Code §1305.003(a)(6)). Dallas requires homeowners to pass a city exam before doing electrical work on their homestead, and Fort Worth's homestead affidavit says homeowners may not work on the service, which must be permitted and performed by a master electrician.
No. A panel distributes power; it does not change how much your appliances use. What a new 200-amp panel adds is capacity for loads like an EV charger, a heat pump or a standby generator, and breakers that are tested and listed today.
Yes. Estimates for new work such as a panel replacement are free, and the price is given in writing before any work starts. Call (817) 803-4444, Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 7 PM.
