A 20 amp breaker typically costs between $15 and $75 at a hardware store, depending on the brand and whether it has extra features
The price you pay depends on three things: the breaker type, the brand, and where you shop. A basic single-pole 20 amp breaker from a standard brand runs $15 to $25 at most hardware stores. If you need a GFCI breaker (one that cuts power if it detects a ground fault, common in kitchens and bathrooms), expect to pay $40 to $75. Specialty breakers — those with surge protection or arc-fault detection — land at the higher end or above.
Home Depot, Lowe's, and Ace Hardware stock the most common types in-store, so you can see what you need before buying. Electrical supply shops often carry a wider range but may require a contractor account or charge a small delivery fee. Online retailers like Amazon have competitive pricing but add shipping time if you need the breaker today.
Key Takeaways
- A standard single-pole 20 amp breaker costs $15 to $25 at major hardware retailers.
- GFCI and arc-fault breakers cost $40 to $75 because they include safety features that standard breakers do not have.
- Your breaker panel brand matters — a Siemens breaker fits only Siemens panels, a Square D breaker only Square D panels — so confirm your panel brand before you buy.
- Installation by a licensed electrician typically costs $150 to $300 per breaker, which is often more than the breaker itself.
Single-Pole vs. Double-Pole Breakers and the Price Difference
A single-pole breaker controls one circuit and takes up one slot in your panel. A double-pole breaker controls two circuits and takes up two slots. The 20 amp single-pole breaker is what most people buy for standard household circuits — outlets, lights, and small appliances. A double-pole 20 amp breaker is less common in residential panels and costs roughly the same as a single-pole, around $20 to $30.
Double-pole breakers are usually reserved for 240-volt circuits like electric dryers, water heaters, or air conditioners. If you are replacing a breaker in an existing panel, check what you have now — the slot size and the circuit voltage will tell you which type you need.
Why Brand Matters and What It Costs
Your breaker must match your panel brand. The three most common residential brands are Siemens, Square D (made by Schneider Electric), and Eaton. A Siemens breaker will not fit a Square D panel, and vice versa. This is a safety rule, not a preference — mismatched breakers can fail or cause fires.
Pricing is similar across brands for standard breakers: Siemens, Square D, and Eaton single-pole 20 amp breakers all run $15 to $25. Some regional brands or older panel types may be harder to find and cost slightly more. If you do not know your panel brand, look at the inside of your panel door or the breakers themselves — the name is printed on both.
GFCI and Arc-Fault Breakers Cost More but Offer Extra Protection
A GFCI breaker (ground-fault circuit interrupter) detects when electricity is leaking to the ground — usually because of water or a damaged wire — and cuts power when ready. These are required by code in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor circuits. They cost $40 to $60 and are worth the price because they prevent electrocution.
An arc-fault breaker detects dangerous electrical arcs (sparks inside wires) that can start fires. These are required in bedrooms and living areas in most modern homes. Arc-fault breakers run $50 to $75. Some breakers combine both features — a dual-function GFCI/arc-fault breaker — and cost $60 to $75.
If your home was built before 2000, you may not have arc-fault protection in your panel. Upgrading to arc-fault breakers is not required by law unless you are doing a major renovation, but many electricians recommend it for fire safety.
Where to Buy and What to Expect to Pay
| Retailer | Standard 20 Amp Breaker | GFCI Breaker | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Depot | $18–$24 | $45–$65 | In-stock at most locations; same-day pickup available |
| Lowe's | $16–$22 | $42–$62 | Comparable pricing; online ordering with in-store pickup |
| Ace Hardware | $17–$25 | $48–$68 | Smaller selection; good for local, quick purchases |
| Electrical supply shops | $15–$20 | $40–$55 | May require contractor account; wider selection of specialty breakers |
| Amazon | $14–$22 | $38–$60 | Competitive pricing; 2-day shipping with Prime; verify panel compatibility |
Hardware stores are the fastest option if you need a breaker today. Electrical supply shops often have lower per-unit prices but may not be open on weekends or may require you to order ahead. Online retailers offer the lowest prices but add shipping time — order early if you are planning a weekend project.
Installation Costs Usually Exceed the Breaker Price
Replacing a breaker is not a do-it-yourself job in most places. Your panel carries live electricity even when the main breaker is off, and working inside it can cause serious injury or death. Most building codes require a licensed electrician to install or replace a breaker.
An electrician typically charges $150 to $300 to replace a single breaker, depending on your region and whether they need to troubleshoot the circuit first. Some electricians charge a flat service call fee ($75 to $150) plus labor, while others quote a total price upfront. If you need multiple breakers replaced, the per-breaker cost often drops because the electrician is already at your home.
Get a quote from at least two electricians before you decide. Prices vary widely by location and by how busy the contractor is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a breaker and install it myself?
No. Most jurisdictions require a licensed electrician to work inside a breaker panel because the risk of electrocution or fire is too high. Even with the main breaker off, parts of the panel remain live. Hire a licensed electrician for any work inside the panel.
Do I need to turn off the main breaker before replacing one breaker?
An electrician will turn off the main breaker as part of the job, but the panel itself remains energized. This is why the work must be done by a licensed professional who knows how to work safely inside a live panel.
What if I buy the wrong breaker for my panel?
Most retailers will accept a return if the breaker is unused and you have your receipt. Check your panel brand before you buy — the name is on the inside of the panel door and on each breaker. If you are unsure, take a photo of your panel and show it to the store staff.
Is a 20 amp breaker the same as a 20 amp outlet?
No. A 20 amp breaker protects the entire circuit. A 20 amp outlet can handle up to 20 amps, but a 15 amp outlet can also be on a 20 amp circuit — it just means that outlet is rated for less current. Never put a 15 amp breaker on a circuit with 20 amp outlets.
Why do GFCI breakers cost so much more?
GFCI breakers contain extra electronics that detect ground faults and trip the breaker in milliseconds. This added circuitry costs more to manufacture and test. The extra cost is worth it for safety in wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms.