Best Thermal-Magnetic Circuit Breakers of 2026

Harry Stack Avatar
Harry Stack
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

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

SIEMENS Q250 50-Amp Double Pole Circuit Breaker Cover #TOP 1
SIEMENS Q250 50-Amp Double Pole Circuit Breaker
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Leviton LB120-T Cover #TOP 2
Leviton LB120-T
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Siemens HI Q130 30A Single Pole Breaker Cover #TOP 3
Siemens HI Q130 30A Single Pole Breaker
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Thermal-Magnetic Circuit Breakers

#TOP 1

SIEMENS Q250 50-Amp Double Pole Circuit Breaker

Q250
Black
50 Amp
SIEMENS Q250 50-Amp Double Pole Circuit Breaker Cover
Q250 50-Amp Double Pole Type QP Circuit Breaker

This double pole circuit breaker is a 50 Amp, 240V type QP circuit breaker with a 10,000 AIC interrupting rating. The Siemens type QP circuit breakers offer easy plug-in connections in Siemens enclosures and the time saving insta-wire feature. It is compatible with Siemens PL and ES series load centers and is intended for overload and short-circuit protection of your electrical system.

What We Like
Easy plug-in connections
Compatible with Siemens PL and ES series load centers
Provides overload and short-circuit protection
#TOP 2

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 3

Siemens HI Q130 30A Single Pole Breaker

Q130
Black
30 Amp
Siemens HI Q130 30A Single Pole Breaker Cover
Siemens -HI Q130 30-Amp Single Pole Type QP Circuit Breaker, Black

The Siemens QP Circuit Breaker is a reliable 30-amp, single-pole breaker designed for 120V systems. It offers a high interrupting capacity of 10,000 amps, which means it can handle significant electrical faults safely, protecting your home wiring. The breaker easily plugs into Siemens enclosures, making installation straightforward and saving you time with the handy insta-wire feature. It’s also compatible with Siemens PL and ES series load centers, so you can trust it to fit seamlessly within your existing electrical setup. This breaker helps safeguard your electrical system from overloads and short circuits, giving you peace of mind.

What We Like
High interrupting rating
Easy plug-in installation
Time-saving insta-wire feature
Compatible with Siemens load centers
#TOP 4

Leviton LB115-T 15A Circuit Breaker

LB115-T
White
1-Pole 15-Amp
Leviton LB115-T 15A Circuit Breaker Cover
Leviton 15A 1-Pole Plug-On Standard Branch Circuit Breaker, Thermal Magnetic, 120 VAC, LB115-T, 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 5

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 6

FalconSupply Square D HOM115 15A Circuit Breaker 2-Pack

HOM115
15 Amp Kit
FalconSupply Square D HOM115 15A Circuit Breaker 2-Pack Cover
FalconSupply Genuine Square D HOM115 Circuit Breaker Kit Bundle (2 Pack), 15 Amp (15A) Single Pole, 120V, 10kAIC, UL Listed, Plug-On for Homeline Load Centers & Panel Box, New Replacement

The FalconSupply HOM115 Breakers come in a convenient two-pack of authentic 15-amp single-pole circuit breakers designed for your home’s electrical safety. These breakers offer reliable protection by quickly responding to both minor overcurrents and sudden short circuits, helping to prevent electrical hazards. They are specifically made to fit Square D Homeline panels, ensuring a secure and proper connection for your electrical system. With a 15-amp rating, these breakers are perfect for everyday circuits like lighting and outlets in bedrooms or living rooms. Plus, they meet strict safety standards and support a range of wire sizes, making installation straightforward and safe for your home projects.

What We Like
Authentic OEM parts
Reliable dual-action protection
Fits Square D Homeline panels
Ideal for standard 15A circuits
UL Listed and ANSI Certified
#TOP 7

Schneider Electric HOMT1520CP Square D Homeline Tandem Circuit Breaker

HOMT1520CP
Black
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Schneider Electric HOMT1520CP Square D Homeline Tandem Circuit Breaker Cover
Square D by Schneider Electric Homeline 15 Amp and 20 AmpTandem Circuit Breaker, 120/240VAC, 10kA Breaking Capacity, Plug in Mount, Standard Type, Residential Use (‎HOMT1520CP)

The Schneider Electric HOMT1520CP Square D Homeline Tandem Circuit Breaker is a 15/20 amp one-pole tandem circuit breaker, rated for 10,000 AIR and compatible with Homeline load centers and CSED devices. Its plug-on design makes it easy to install and it operates on 120/240 Vac. This breaker falls under the category of Arc Fault Circuit Breakers, offering you an extra layer of protection against electrical fires.

What We Like
Plug-on design for easy installation
Provides extra protection against electrical fires
Compatible with Homeline load centers and CSED devices
#TOP 8

Leviton LB250-T

LB250-T
White
2-Pole 50-Amp
Leviton LB250-T Cover
Leviton 50A 2-Pole Plug-On Standard Branch Circuit Breaker, Thermal Magnetic, 120/240 VAC, LB250-T, 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 9

SIEMENS Q22030C Q22030CT Circuit Breaker

Q22030CT
Black
SIEMENS Q22030C Q22030CT Circuit Breaker Cover
SIEMENS Q22030CT 30 Double Two 20-Amp Single Pole Circuit Breaker, As Shown in The Image

SIEMENS Q22030C Q22030CT Circuit Breaker is a thermal-magnetic circuit breaker that can save space and provide multiple functions for your electrical needs. It includes one 30-Amp double pole and two 20-Amp single pole breakers, all in a triplex 1/2-inch frame. The plug-in type design makes it easy to install and use. This circuit breaker is UL listed and can be used in Siemens EQ, Siemens Ultimate, ITE, and Gould load centers and meter combinations that are rated to accept type QT breakers. With its compact design, you can save space and have more flexibility in your electrical setup. Its multiple breakers provide more options for your electrical needs, and the ease of installation makes it a convenient choice for any user.

What We Like
Space-saving
Multiple functions
Easy installation
#TOP 10

Siemens Double Pole Type QP Circuit Breaker

Q2125
Black
125 Amp
Siemens Double Pole Type QP Circuit Breaker Cover
Q2125 125-Amp Double Pole Type QP Circuit Breaker

This double pole, 125 Amp, 240V type QP Circuit Breaker has a 10,000 AIC interrupting rating and is compatible with Siemens PL and ES series load centers. It provides easy plug-in connections and has a time saving insta-wire feature. Use it for overload and short-circuit protection of your electrical system.

What We Like
Easy plug-in connections
Time saving insta-wire feature
High interrupting rating
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 76,936 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 $15.80.

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 SIEMENS, Leviton, FalconSupply, Schneider Electric. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 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.