Siemens & ITE Circuit Breakers
Square D Circuit Breakers: QO & Homeline
Eaton Cutler-Hammer Breakers: BR, CH & BAB
ABB
Leviton
BRK

20 Amp Circuit Breakers

20 amp breakers protect 120 volt circuits for kitchen countertop, bathroom and laundry receptacles, and 240 volt equipment rated for a 20 amp circuit. We stock single-pole, double-pole and tandem 20 amp breakers, including AFCI, GFCI and dual function models, from Square D, Siemens, Eaton and GE.

20 amp breaker guide

Wire size

A 20 amp circuit needs at least 12 AWG copper wire; NEC section 240.4(D) limits 12 AWG copper to 20 amp protection.

Where 20 amp circuits are required

NEC section 210.11(C) calls for 20 amp branch circuits for kitchen small-appliance (countertop) receptacles, laundry receptacles and bathroom receptacles. Many of those circuits also need GFCI or AFCI protection, so check GFCI, AFCI and dual function models. Which NEC edition applies depends on your state or city, and your local inspector has the final say.

Single-pole, double-pole or tandem?

Single-pole 20 amp breakers serve 120 volt circuits. Double-pole 20 amp breakers serve 240 volt equipment. Tandem breakers such as 15/20 and 20/20 models put two circuits in one space, but only in load centers that accept tandems.

Match the breaker to your panel

A breaker only fits the load centers it's listed for, so check the label inside your panel door, then shop by brand: Square D QO, Square D Homeline, Siemens, Eaton Cutler-Hammer or GE Q-Line.

Installation

Breakers are installed inside a live electrical panel. Have a licensed electrician do the work.

FAQ

Can I put a 20 amp breaker on 14 gauge wire?

No. 14 AWG copper is limited to 15 amps. Use a 20 amp breaker only on circuits wired with 12 AWG copper or larger. More in circuit breaker sizes explained.

About this collection

20 amp breakers protect 120 volt circuits for kitchen countertop, bathroom and laundry receptacles, and 240 volt equipment rated for a 20 amp circuit. We stock single-pole, double-pole and tandem 20 amp breakers, including AFCI, GFCI and dual function models, from Square D, Siemens, Eaton and GE.

20 amp breaker guide

Wire size

A 20 amp circuit needs at least 12 AWG copper wire; NEC section 240.4(D) limits 12 AWG copper to 20 amp protection.

Where 20 amp circuits are required

NEC section 210.11(C) calls for 20 amp branch circuits for kitchen small-appliance (countertop) receptacles, laundry receptacles and bathroom receptacles. Many of those circuits also need GFCI or AFCI protection, so check GFCI, AFCI and dual function models. Which NEC edition applies depends on your state or city, and your local inspector has the final say.

Single-pole, double-pole or tandem?

Single-pole 20 amp breakers serve 120 volt circuits. Double-pole 20 amp breakers serve 240 volt equipment. Tandem breakers such as 15/20 and 20/20 models put two circuits in one space, but only in load centers that accept tandems.

Match the breaker to your panel

A breaker only fits the load centers it's listed for, so check the label inside your panel door, then shop by brand: Square D QO, Square D Homeline, Siemens, Eaton Cutler-Hammer or GE Q-Line.

Installation

Breakers are installed inside a live electrical panel. Have a licensed electrician do the work.

FAQ

Can I put a 20 amp breaker on 14 gauge wire?

No. 14 AWG copper is limited to 15 amps. Use a 20 amp breaker only on circuits wired with 12 AWG copper or larger. More in circuit breaker sizes explained.