Replacing a standard circuit breaker costs $100 to $260 on average including labor, while replacing the main breaker runs $200 to $600, according to HomeGuide1. The breaker part itself runs $5 to $250 depending on amperage, poles, and protection type1. Angi reports electrician rates of $50 to $100 per hour, with a straightforward breaker swap taking around 30 minutes2.
Electrical safety before any panel work
The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) lists the warning signs of an overloaded electrical system: frequent tripping of circuit breakers or blown fuses, lights dimming when other devices turn on, buzzing sounds from switches or outlets, discolored outlets, and appliances that seem underpowered3. A frequently tripping breaker is a warning sign, not just a nuisance.
Breaker replacement is work inside the home's main electrical panel. ESFI recommends having a qualified electrician install new circuits and inspect the system in homes over 40 years old or after a major appliance is added3. Where AFCI or GFCI protection is required depends on local electrical code – a licensed electrician can confirm what your panel needs.
Replacement and installation cost by project
HomeGuide breaks breaker work down by project type:1
| Project | HomeGuide cost (per project) |
|---|---|
| Replace standard 1-pole breaker switch (15 to 100-amp) | $100 – $180 |
| Replace 2-pole breaker switch (50 to 200-amp) | $180 – $260 |
| Replace main breaker switch | $200 – $600 |
| Install new circuit breaker switch | $150 – $300 |
| Install subpanel box for more circuits | $500 – $1,700 |
| Replace entire breaker panel box | $850 – $4,000 |
| Replace fuse box with breaker panel | $1,100 – $4,000 |
HomeGuide notes that main breaker replacement typically requires the power company to disconnect incoming power, and some utilities require an inspection before reconnecting1. For panel-level work, see our electrical panel upgrade cost guide.
Breaker part prices by amp and type
HomeGuide lists these part-only prices, not including installation:1
| Breaker type | HomeGuide part price (per breaker, part only) |
|---|---|
| 1-pole, standard, 15 – 40 amps | $5 – $30 |
| 1-pole, standard, 50 – 100 amps | $10 – $40 |
| 2-pole, standard, 15 – 40 amps | $10 – $50 |
| 2-pole, standard, 50 – 200 amps | $20 – $250 |
| AFCI / GFCI protected | $20 – $150 |
ESFI describes AFCI devices as protecting wiring and appliances from arc-faults, which it reports start more than 35,000 home fires each year4, and GFCIs as devices that shut off power when they detect a ground fault, to prevent deadly shock5. Which protection your circuits need is set by local electrical code – confirm with the licensed electrician doing the work rather than a cost guide.
Related electrical work
Costs HomeGuide publishes for work often done at the same time:1
| Related job | HomeGuide cost (per job) |
|---|---|
| Install a dedicated circuit | $250 – $900 |
| Install a 240V outlet (includes dedicated breaker) | $250 – $800 |
| Replace a fuse (part only) | $2 – $10 |
| Plug-type circuit breaker for a fuse box (part only) | $10 – $20 |
Angi reports that a breaker replacement visit typically runs about 30 minutes at $50 to $100 per hour, with the final price depending on breaker type, location, and complexity2.