Best Thermal-Magnetic Circuit Breakers of 2025

Harry Stack Avatar
Harry Stack
Last Updated: Jan 6, 2025

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Thermal-Magnetic Circuit Breakers are essential components in any electrical system, providing protection against overloads and short circuits. These breakers operate on a combination of thermal and magnetic principles, with the thermal element detecting and reacting to overcurrent conditions and the magnetic element responding to short circuit faults. They are available in a wide variety of sizes and amperages, making them suitable for use in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. With their reliable and effective performance, Thermal-Magnetic Circuit Breakers are a must-have for any electrical installation.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Leviton LB120-T Cover #TOP 1
Leviton LB120-T
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Leviton LB115-T 15A Circuit Breaker Cover #TOP 2
Leviton LB115-T 15A Circuit Breaker
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Leviton LB230-T 30A Circuit Breaker Cover #TOP 3
Leviton LB230-T 30A Circuit Breaker
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Thermal-Magnetic Circuit Breakers

#TOP 1

Leviton LB120-T

LB120-T
White
1-Pole 20-Amp
Leviton LB120-T Cover
Leviton LB120-T 20A 1-Pole Plug-On Standard Branch Circuit Breaker, Thermal Magnetic, 120 VAC, White

The Leviton LB120-T Circuit Breaker is a revolutionary addition to your electrical system. With its easy installation design, you can wire the entire Load Center without the need for any circuit breakers. The color indicators in the handle provide you with an intuitive way to check the operational status at a glance. Additionally, the rocker-style switches require less activation force compared to traditional circuit breakers, ensuring a comfortable user experience. This Leviton circuit breaker is perfect for anyone looking for convenience and efficiency in their electrical system.

What We Like
Easy installation
Intuitive color indicators
Comfortable rocker-style switches
#TOP 2

Leviton LB115-T 15A Circuit Breaker

LB115-T
White
1-Pole 15-Amp
Leviton LB115-T 15A Circuit Breaker Cover
Leviton LB115-T 15A 1-Pole Plug-On Standard Branch Circuit Breaker, Thermal Magnetic, 120 VAC, White

The Leviton LB115-T Breaker offers several user-friendly features that enhance your electrical system's performance. Its innovative design allows for easy wiring of the Load Center during installation, even before circuit breakers are added. You can quickly check the operational status thanks to the color indicators on the handle, providing peace of mind at a glance. The rocker-style switches are designed for comfort, requiring less effort to activate compared to traditional breakers, making your experience smoother. These features combine convenience and efficiency, ensuring you have a reliable and user-friendly circuit breaker for your needs.

What We Like
Easy installation
Clear status indicators
Comfortable operation
#TOP 3

Leviton LB230-T 30A Circuit Breaker

LB230-T
White
2-Pole 30-Amp
Leviton LB230-T 30A Circuit Breaker Cover
Leviton LB230-T 30A 2-Pole Plug-On Standard Branch Circuit Breaker, Thermal Magnetic, 120/240 VAC, White

The Leviton 30A Circuit Breaker features a groundbreaking design that allows you to wire the entire Load Center at the rough-in stage without needing to install circuit breakers upfront. This makes your installation process much more efficient. You will appreciate the color indicators on the handle, which provide a quick visual status check. Additionally, the rocker-style switches are designed for ease of use, requiring less effort to activate than traditional breakers. This combination of features ensures a user-friendly experience, making your electrical work simpler and more convenient.

What We Like
Efficient installation process
Quick visual status indicators
Easy activation with less force
#TOP 4

Leviton LB250-T

LB250-T
White
2-Pole 50-Amp
Leviton LB250-T Cover
Leviton LB250-T 50A 2-Pole Plug-On Standard Branch Circuit Breaker, Thermal Magnetic, 120/240 VAC, White

The Leviton LB250-T Circuit Breaker is a high-quality miniature circuit breaker that offers a range of convenient features. With Leviton's innovative design, the entire Load Center can be wired without the need for circuit breakers during the rough-in process. This saves time and effort during installation. The color indicators on the handle provide at-a-glance operational status, making it easy to identify whether the circuit breaker is on or off. Additionally, the rocker-style switches require less force to activate compared to traditional circuit breakers, ensuring a comfortable and effortless operation. The Leviton LB250-T Circuit Breaker is a reliable and user-friendly choice for any electrical circuit protection needs.

What We Like
Easy installation
Operational status indicators
Effortless activation
#TOP 5

Leviton LB220-T 20A Circuit Breaker

LB220-T
White
2-Pole 20-Amp
Leviton LB220-T 20A Circuit Breaker Cover
Leviton LB220-T 20A 2-Pole Plug-On Standard Branch Circuit Breaker, Thermal Magnetic, 120/240 VAC, White

The Leviton 20A Circuit Breaker offers several innovative features designed for user convenience. Its unique design allows you to wire the entire Load Center during rough-in, saving time and effort before the circuit breakers are installed. You can easily check the operational status thanks to the color indicators on the handle, which provide a quick visual reference. Additionally, the rocker-style switches are designed to require less force to operate, making them more comfortable for you to use. Overall, this breaker combines practicality and ease of use, enhancing your electrical system's efficiency.

What We Like
Easy rough-in wiring
Visual status indicators
Comfortable operation
Time-saving design
#TOP 6

Leviton LB260-T 60A Circuit Breaker

LB260-T
White
2-Pole 60-Amp
Leviton LB260-T 60A Circuit Breaker Cover
Leviton LB260-T 60A 2-Pole Plug-On Standard Branch Circuit Breaker, Thermal Magnetic, 120/240 VAC, White

The Leviton 60A Circuit Breaker offers a user-friendly design that enhances your electrical system's efficiency. You can easily wire the entire Load Center during installation without needing circuit breakers initially. This feature simplifies the setup process. Additionally, the color indicators on the handle provide a quick visual reference of the operational status, helping you stay informed at a glance. The rocker-style switches are designed for comfort, requiring less force to activate compared to traditional breakers, making operation smoother and more convenient for you.

What We Like
Easy installation
Visual operational indicators
Comfortable rocker-style switches
#TOP 7

Leviton LB240-T 40A Circuit Breaker

LB240-T
White
2-Pole 40-Amp
Leviton LB240-T 40A Circuit Breaker Cover
Leviton LB240-T 40A 2-Pole Plug-On Standard Branch Circuit Breaker, Thermal Magnetic, 120/240 VAC, White

The Leviton Circuit Breaker is designed for ease of installation and user-friendly operation. Its innovative design allows for wiring the entire Load Center without needing circuit breakers during the rough-in phase, saving you time and effort. You’ll appreciate the color-coded indicators on the handle, which provide a quick view of the operational status. Additionally, the breaker features rocker-style switches that require less force to activate, making it more comfortable for you to use. Overall, this product combines convenience and efficiency for a seamless experience.

What We Like
Easy installation process
Quick status indicators
Comfortable operation
#TOP 8

Connecticut Electric THQL1120 Circuit Breaker

ABB
THQL1120
Black
20 Amp
Connecticut Electric THQL1120 Circuit Breaker Cover
ABB Q-Line® THQL1120 Q Line 20A Single-Pole Circuit Breaker • 120/240 VAC, 20 Amp, 10 kA Interrupt • THQL One-Pole Load Center Circuit Breaker • Non-Interchangeable Thermal Magnetic Trip

The Connecticut Electric THQL1120 Circuit Breaker is a reliable and durable thermal-magnetic circuit breaker. With a country of origin in China, this circuit breaker is designed to provide superior performance and protection for your electrical system. Its model number, THQL1120, ensures compatibility and ease of use. The circuit breaker comes in a compact package, measuring 3.048" L x 7.62" W x 10.16" H, making it easy to install in tight spaces. Weighing only 0.136 lb, it is lightweight and convenient to handle. This circuit breaker from Connecticut Electric is a great choice for anyone in need of a high-quality and efficient electrical protection solution.

What We Like
Reliable performance
Durable construction
Compact size
#TOP 9

Leviton LB215-T 15A Circuit Breaker

LB215-T
White
2-Pole 15-Amp
Leviton LB215-T 15A Circuit Breaker Cover
Leviton LB215-T 15A 2-Pole Plug-On Standard Branch Circuit Breaker, Thermal Magnetic, 120/240 VAC, White

The Leviton LB215-T Breaker is designed to simplify your electrical work. Its innovative design allows you to wire the entire Load Center during installation without needing circuit breakers right away. You’ll appreciate the color indicators on the handle, which provide a quick visual check of the operational status. Additionally, the rocker-style switches require less effort to operate compared to traditional breakers, making them more user-friendly. This combination of features not only enhances convenience but also improves safety, ensuring you can manage your electrical system with ease.

What We Like
Easy installation process
Visual status indicators
User-friendly operation
#TOP 10

Square D QO260CP Circuit Breaker

Schneider Electric
QO260CP
No Color
No Size
Square D QO260CP Circuit Breaker Cover
Square D by Schneider Electric QO260CP Square D Circuit Breaker 60 Amp Bulk6, No Size, No Color

The Square D QO260CP Circuit Breaker is a thermal-magnetic circuit breaker designed to protect your electrical system from overcurrents and short circuits. This closeout item is non-returnable, so be sure to make an informed decision before purchasing.

What We Like
Provides overcurrent and short circuit protection for your electrical system.
Compact design for easy installation and space-saving.
High-quality and durable material for long-lasting performance.
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between thermal and magnetic circuit breakers?

Thermal circuit breakers respond to heat, which is indirectly related to current flow, while magnetic circuit breakers are more responsive to excessive current flow. Both types are designed to respond to over-current events.

2. What are the advantages of a thermal magnetic circuit breaker?

A thermal magnetic circuit breaker offers both instantaneous and time-delayed protection. Instantaneous protection is useful for interrupting extremely powerful currents that are not part of normal operation, such as line-line faults, line-ground faults, and short circuits.

3. When would you use a thermal circuit breaker?

Thermal circuit breakers, also known as circuit protectors or resettable fuses, are commonly used for overload protection in motors, transformers, magnetic valves, on-board electrical systems, and low voltage lines.

4. What is the difference between thermal-magnetic and hydraulic magnetic?

One main difference between thermal-magnetic and hydraulic-magnetic circuit breakers is that the trip point of hydraulic-magnetic breakers is not affected by ambient temperature. Additionally, hydraulic-magnetic breakers can be immediately reclosed after tripping without any cooling down time required.

Editor's Notes

During our thermal-magnetic circuit breaker research, we found 24 thermal-magnetic circuit breaker products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,921 customer reviews through our big data system to write the thermal-magnetic circuit breakers list. We found that most customers choose thermal-magnetic circuit breakers with an average price of $16.85.

The thermal-magnetic circuit breakers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of thermal-magnetic circuit breakers, including Leviton, ABB, Schneider Electric. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Harry Stack Avatar

Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.