How much does it cost to replace a circuit breaker?
How much does it cost to replace a circuit breaker?
$100 – $260 cost to replace circuit breaker switch
$150 – $300 cost to install a new circuit breaker switch
$200 – $600 cost to replace main breaker switch
Cost to replace a circuit breaker
Circuit breaker replacement costs $100 to $260 on average. Installing or adding a new circuit breaker switch costs $150 to $300, depending on the type, amps, and circuit length and complexity. Replacing a main breaker switch costs $200 to $600, while replacing a circuit breaker panel costs $850 to $4,000.
| Project | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Replace standard 1-pole circuit breaker switch (15 to 100-amp) | $100 – $180 |
| Replace 2-pole circuit breaker switch (50 to 200-amp) | $180 – $260 |
| Replace main breaker switch | $200 – $600 |
| Install new circuit breaker switch | $150 – $300 |
| Install subpanel box to hold more circuits | $500 – $1,700 |
| Replace entire circuit breaker panel box | $850 – $4,000 |
| Replace fuse box with circuit breaker panel | $1,100 – $4,000 |
Cost to replace main breaker
Replacing a main breaker costs $200 to $600+ for labor and materials, depending on the size and job complexity. Main circuit breaker replacement typically requires power company involvement to disconnect the incoming power. Some companies require an inspection before reconnecting power after installation.
The main breaker controls the power to all the circuits in the service panel and any connected subpanels. Most residential main breakers are 100 to 200+ amps. Older homes may have a 60-amp main breaker.
Cost of replacing fuse box with circuit breaker
Replacing a fuse box with a circuit breaker panel costs $1,100 to $4,000, depending on the new panel's amps and the wiring required. Consider upgrading to a breaker panel when renovating or adding high-power appliances. Most fuse boxes lack the power capabilities needed for many of today's larger appliances.
Replacing a fuse costs $2 to $10 for the part alone, though some hard-to-find models cost more. A fuse installs like a light bulb, making replacement DIY friendly.
"Plug type" circuit breakers cost $10 to $20 each and install like a traditional fuse but have a tripping mechanism and push-button reset, removing the need for replacement after every overcurrent event.
Always replace a blown fuse with a fuse of the same amperage to prevent fire risk.
Cost to install or add a new circuit breaker
Installing or adding a new circuit breaker costs $150 to $300 on average, depending on the breaker type and size. Costs are higher if running wire from the new circuit breaker to outlets or appliances requires extensive drywall demo and repair or fishing the wire up through multiple stories.
Installing a dedicated circuit costs $250 to $900. Most major appliances need a dedicated circuit.
Circuit breaker prices by amp & type
Circuit breaker prices are $5 to $250, depending on the amperage, number of poles, and whether standard or AFCI- or GFCI-protected. Most residential circuit breakers are 1-pole, standard, and 15 to 30 amps. Kitchens, laundry rooms, and heavy-duty appliances typically require 20- or 30-amp breakers.
| Circuit breaker type | Price range* |
|---|---|
| 1-pole, standard, 15 – 40 amps | $5 – $30 |
| 1-pole, standard, 50 – 100 amps | $10 – $40 |
| AFCI/GFCI protected circuit breakers | $20 – $150 |
| 2-pole, standard, 15 – 40 amps | $10 – $50 |
| 2-pole, standard, 50 – 200 amps | $20 – $250 |
*Not including installation.
Arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) and ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) breakers cost more but provide fire and shock protection, a code requirement in some areas of the home.
AFCI circuit breakers protect against electrical fire.
GFCI circuit breakers protect against electric shock.
Dual function breakers contain AFCI and GFCI protection.
AFCI and GFCI protection may be installed at the circuit breaker or the outlet.
240V breaker cost
A 240V breaker costs $10 to $250 for the part alone. Most homes have at least one 240V circuit breaker as many large appliances require this higher voltage. 240V breakers are double pole—taking up two service panel rows—and require thicker wiring to prevent overheating from the increased current.
Installing a 220V or 240V outlet costs $250 to $800 for labor and materials and includes a dedicated 240V circuit breaker. Some larger appliances—such as dishwashers, ovens, and water heaters—may be hardwired directly to the circuit instead of requiring an outlet.
Circuit breaker replacement cost factors
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Circuit breaker cost | $5 – $250 |
| Installation Labor | $95 – $350 |
| Total cost to replace | $100 – $600 |
Factors that affect the cost of circuit breaker replacement include:
Diagnostic fees – Many electricians charge a $75 to $125 diagnostic fee to assess the issue and provide an estimate.
Number of breakers – Some electricians charge less per breaker when installing or replacing multiple circuit breakers at the same time.
Main vs. individual circuit – Main breakers have higher amperage and cost more than the other circuit breakers in the panel.
Availability – Older, difficult-to-find parts costs 2 to 3 times more than common breakers still in production.
Materials – Circuit breaker installation often requires additional supplies besides the circuit breaker, such as new wiring, connectors, fasteners, and junction boxes, increasing the material costs.
Code requirements – Circuit breaker replacements may require other electrical work to bring everything up to code, adding to the total cost.
Permits & inspections – Jobs involving new wiring or electrical changes often require a permit and inspection.
Electrical permits cost $50 to $350.
An electrical inspection costs $100 to $250.
Circuit upgrades – The National Electric Code (NEC) requires GFCI protection in water-prone and high-risk areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and unfinished basements.
Upgrading to a GFCI circuit breaker often adds $10 to $100+ to the material cost.
Upgrading to a GFCI outlet costs $100 to $175 when replacing an existing standard outlet or $150 to $350 when installing a new outlet. A GFCI outlet works well when not all the receptacles on the circuit need GFCI protection.
Grounding an outlet costs $100 to $300.
Electrician labor cost to change a breaker
The electrician labor cost to change a breaker is $50 to $130 per hour plus a $100 to $200 call-out fee, depending on experience and location. Many electricians charge a 1- to 2-hour minimum. Replacing one circuit breaker may take less time than the required minimum charge.
Bundle services to avoid overpaying for a small project.
Cost to rewire a circuit breaker
Rewiring a circuit breaker costs $150 to $1,000+, depending on the wiring type, length, and whether the job requires opening walls and extensive drywall repair. Rewiring a house costs $2,000 to $10,000+. Homes with outdated or aluminum wiring often need complete rewiring to address fire safety concerns.
Replace circuit breaker panel box
The cost to replace a circuit breaker panel is $850 to $4,000, including labor and materials. Many older circuit breaker boxes supply 60 amps and need replacing to increase their amperage to meet the power demands of newer appliances and devices. Most modern homes have a 200-amp service panel.
Adding a subpanel costs $500 to $1,700 with installation and increases the main panel's circuit capacity. A subpanel installs next to the main panel or where new circuits are needed, such as a room addition, garage, or basement. Subpanel power is fed from a breaker on the main service panel.
Circuit breaker FAQs
What is a circuit breaker and how does it work?
A circuit breaker is a protective device that stops the electrical current's flow upon sensing an overload or short circuit, preventing fire, equipment damage, and injury. Most residential circuit breakers are thermal-magnetic, detecting overcurrent two ways:
Thermal – A bi-metallic strip inside the breaker heats up and bends when the current draw exceeds the breaker's amperage rating, releasing a lever to "trip" the breaker and stop the electricity flow.
Magnetic – A solenoid—or electromagnetic coil latching the circuit contacts inside the breaker—separates the contacts by electromagnetic force during a fault or short circuit.
How long does it take to replace a circuit breaker?
Replacing a circuit breaker takes 30 minutes to 2 hours on average. Diagnosing the fault may take longer.
Is it dangerous if circuit breaker keeps tripping?
A circuit breaker that keeps tripping may indicate a dangerous issue. While most breaker tripping results from overcurrent—running more lights and appliances than the circuit can handle– frequent tripping may also be due to a short circuit, ground fault, or a faulty circuit breaker or appliance.
Can a circuit breaker go bad or wear out?
A circuit breaker can go bad or wear out over time. Most modern circuit breakers last 15 to 20+ years. Circuit breakers in areas with frequent outages or power surges may need replacing sooner. Signs of a bad circuit breaker include:
Bulbs burn out often.
Lights flicker or blink.
Switches or appliances buzz, spark, or smell like smoke.
The breaker trips frequently or when nothing is plugged into the circuit.
The breaker is hot to the touch.
No audible "click" occurs when flipping the breaker switch.
A burning smell emanates from the service panel.
The breaker will not reset.
The electrical panel brand is Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) or Zinsco. These older panels are a known fire risk and should be replaced immediately.
Some signs of a bad circuit breaker are identical symptoms of other serious electrical issues like old or damaged wiring. Contact a licensed electrician to safely diagnose and resolve the problem.
Can I replace a circuit breaker myself?
You can replace a circuit breaker yourself if you are comfortable with electrical work and local building codes allow it, but experts recommend hiring a qualified electrician. If you replace a circuit breaker yourself, have a licensed electrician inspect the completed project confirm it is safe and up to code.
Do I need an electrician to replace a circuit breaker?
Replacing a circuit breaker is best left to a licensed and insured electrician as the job involves working with potentially dangerous wiring. Some cities require a permit to work on an electrical panel or require a licensed electrician to perform any electrical work.
Getting estimates from circuit breaker installers
Before hiring an electrician to install or replace a circuit breaker, remember to:
Get at least three in-person estimates to compare.
Check their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Hire a licensed, bonded, and insured electrician that has been in business for 5+ years.
Avoid hiring the company with the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full before the project is complete. Work out a payment plan instead.
Questions to ask
How long have you been in business?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
What experience do you have installing circuit breakers?
Can you provide references with contact information?
Do I need a permit for this circuit breaker replacement?
Are permit and inspection fees included in the estimate?
What additional costs could arise during the installation?
How long will the installation take?
Do you offer a warranty? If yes, what does it cover?