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

30 Amp Circuit Breakers

30 amp breakers are most often double-pole breakers for 240 volt appliances such as electric clothes dryers and many electric water heaters. We stock single-pole, double-pole and GFCI 30 amp breakers from Square D, Siemens, Eaton and GE.

30 amp breaker guide

Wire size

NEC section 240.4(D) limits 10 AWG copper to 30 amp protection, so a 30 amp circuit needs 10 AWG copper or larger.

Sizing for an appliance

The right breaker comes from the appliance's nameplate and installation instructions, which list the maximum breaker size. Our guides cover the common cases: what size breaker a dryer needs and what size breaker a water heater needs.

Single-pole or double-pole?

240 volt appliances need a double-pole breaker, which takes two spaces and trips both legs together. Single-pole 30 amp breakers are for 120 volt loads rated for a 30 amp circuit.

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.

About this collection

30 amp breakers are most often double-pole breakers for 240 volt appliances such as electric clothes dryers and many electric water heaters. We stock single-pole, double-pole and GFCI 30 amp breakers from Square D, Siemens, Eaton and GE.

30 amp breaker guide

Wire size

NEC section 240.4(D) limits 10 AWG copper to 30 amp protection, so a 30 amp circuit needs 10 AWG copper or larger.

Sizing for an appliance

The right breaker comes from the appliance's nameplate and installation instructions, which list the maximum breaker size. Our guides cover the common cases: what size breaker a dryer needs and what size breaker a water heater needs.

Single-pole or double-pole?

240 volt appliances need a double-pole breaker, which takes two spaces and trips both legs together. Single-pole 30 amp breakers are for 120 volt loads rated for a 30 amp circuit.

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.