Circuit Breaker Replacement Cost: 2026 Price Guide
The cost to replace a circuit breaker depends mostly on one thing: whether you hire an electrician or do it yourself. Here's a full breakdown of what you should expect to pay either way, and what factors change the
price.
Photo of "Square D, Hom240, 40A, Double-Pole, Circuit Breaker"
Electrician cost to replace a circuit breaker
Typical range: $150–$250 for a single standard breaker replacement
Most electricians charge either a flat service call fee plus labor, or an hourly rate. For a single breaker replacement, the work itself takes 30–60 minutes, but minimum service call charges usually apply.
What's included:
- Diagnosis of why the breaker failed (if applicable)
- Breaker sourcing and installation
- Testing and verification
Factors that increase cost:
- AFCI or GFCI breaker: These cost $35–$75 vs $10–$20 for a standard breaker — added material cost passed to you
- Double-pole breaker: Slightly more labor, higher material cost ($20–$60 vs $10–$20 for single-pole)
- After-hours or emergency service: Many electricians charge 1.5–2x for evenings, weekends, or emergency calls
- Difficult panel access — panels in cramped locations, finished walls, or that require drywall work add time
- Main breaker replacement: More complex, higher risk, higher labor rate — typically $250–$450+
- Panel inspection required — if the electrician identifies other issues during the visit, costs increase
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DIY cost to replace a circuit breaker
Typical range: $15–$75 for the breaker itself
If you're comfortable working inside an electrical panel and understand the safety precautions (the main bus bars remain live even with the main breaker off), replacing a standard single-pole or double-pole breaker is
a DIY-friendly task.
Breaker cost by type :
| Breaker type | Typical price range |
| Standard single-pole (15A or 20A) | $10-$25 |
| Standard double-pole (30A-60A) | $20-$50 |
| AFCI single-pole | $35-$55 |
| GFCI single-pole | $30-$50 |
| Dual-function AFCI/GFCI | $55-$75 |
| Main breaker (100A-200A) | $75-$200+ |
Brand matters: Breakers must match your panel brand. Siemens, Eaton, Square D (Schneider), and ABB all manufacture breakers at similar price points. Off-brand or counterfeit breakers are significantly cheaper but pose
serious safety risks — don't use them.
Browse replacement circuit breakers (/collections/all-circuit-breakers) — we stock genuine Siemens, Eaton, Square D, and ABB breakers at competitive prices.
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When it's worth hiring an electrician vs doing it yourself
DIY is appropriate when:
- You're replacing a standard single-pole or double-pole branch circuit breaker (not the main)
- The panel is accessible and clearly labeled
- You understand how to identify and avoid the live bus bars
- You're comfortable with basic hand tools and electrical safety
Hire an electrician when:
- The main breaker needs replacement
- Multiple breakers need to be replaced or a panel is being rewired
- You find any signs of overheating, burning smell, or scorch marks in the panel
- Your panel is older and unfamiliar (Federal Pacific Stab-Lok, Zinsco, pushmatic — these have known issues that require professional evaluation)
- You're not confident with panel work
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Cost to replace all breakers in a panel
If your panel is old and multiple breakers are worn or failing, replacing them all at once is more cost-effective than multiple service calls.
Full panel breaker replacement (all breakers, not the panel itself):
- 100A panel with ~20 breakers: $600–$1,200 labor + $300–$600 in breakers = $900–$1,800 total
- This is sometimes called a "panel refurbishment" — keep the existing panel enclosure and wiring, replace all the breakers
Panel replacement (new enclosure, new breakers, reconnect all wiring):
- 100A to 100A: $1,500–$2,500
- 100A to 200A (upgrade): $2,500–$4,000+
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FAQ
Is it worth replacing a circuit breaker myself?
For a standard branch circuit breaker, yes — the DIY savings are $100–$200 per breaker. The task is straightforward if you're comfortable with the safety requirements. The main risks are touching the live bus bars and
using an incorrect breaker. Both are avoidable with care.
Why did my circuit breaker fail so quickly after installation?
A recently installed breaker failing usually means either it was the wrong model for your panel, it was installed incorrectly (not fully seated on the bus bar), or there's an underlying fault on the circuit that caused
it to fail. A short circuit or severe overload can damage a new breaker quickly.
Can I replace a Siemens breaker with an Eaton or Square D breaker?
No. Circuit breakers are panel-specific. Using a breaker from a different manufacturer in a panel it wasn't designed for creates a poor contact with the bus bar, which causes heat, arcing, and potential fire. Always
replace like-for-like brand.
How often should circuit breakers be replaced?
Circuit breakers don't have a fixed replacement schedule — they should last 20–30 years under normal use. Replace a breaker when it fails to hold at normal loads, won't reset, is physically damaged, or is over 25 years
old and starting to show signs of wear.