What Are Surplus Circuit Breakers Worth? Pricing Guide for 2024
· 7 min read · Circuit Breakers
A comprehensive pricing guide for surplus circuit breakers — what determines value, which brands command premium prices, and how to get the best offer.
Understanding Circuit Breaker Value
Surplus circuit breakers represent one of the most actively traded categories of electrical equipment. Unlike many industrial components that become obsolete quickly, circuit breakers maintain their value because electrical systems require exact replacements when breakers fail. A facility with a 20-year-old electrical panel still needs the same breaker models that were originally installed.
This creates strong demand for surplus and used circuit breakers, particularly for models that are no longer in production. Discontinued breakers can actually increase in value over time as supply diminishes while demand from existing installations remains constant.
Factors That Determine Circuit Breaker Value
Manufacturer and Brand
The manufacturer is the single biggest factor in determining value. Premium brands command significantly higher prices:
Tier 1 (Highest Value):
- Square D / Schneider Electric
- Siemens
- Eaton / Cutler-Hammer
- ABB
Tier 2 (Strong Value):
- GE / General Electric
- Westinghouse
- ITE / Gould
- Federal Pacific (specific models)
Tier 3 (Moderate Value):
- Allen-Bradley
- Mitsubishi
- Fuji Electric
Amperage Rating
Higher amperage breakers are worth more. A 2,000-amp breaker is worth many times more than a 20-amp breaker of the same brand and type.
Typical value ranges by amperage:
- 15-100 amp: $5 - $200 per breaker
- 100-400 amp: $50 - $800 per breaker
- 400-1,200 amp: $200 - $3,000 per breaker
- 1,200-4,000 amp: $500 - $8,000 per breaker
- 4,000+ amp: $2,000 - $25,000+ per breaker
Type of Circuit Breaker
Different breaker types have different values:
Molded Case Circuit Breakers (MCCB) — The most common type. Value depends heavily on brand, amperage, and whether the model is still in production.
Insulated Case Circuit Breakers (ICCB) — Higher value than MCCBs. Common in switchgear applications.
Air Circuit Breakers (ACB) — Typically the highest value. Used in large switchgear and motor control applications.
Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCB) — Lower individual value but can be valuable in quantity.
Condition
- New in box (NIB): Commands the highest price, typically 40-60% of new retail
- New, no box: Slightly less than NIB, typically 35-55% of retail
- Used, tested good: 20-40% of retail depending on age and cosmetic condition
- Used, untested: 10-25% of retail
- Damaged: May still have value for parts, typically 5-15% of retail
Quantity
Larger quantities command better per-unit prices because they are more efficient to process and ship. A lot of 50 identical breakers is worth more per unit than 5 individual breakers.
Most Valuable Circuit Breaker Models
Some specific models are particularly valuable due to high demand and limited supply:
Square D:
- LAL36400 (400A, 3-pole)
- MAL36800 (800A, 3-pole)
- PAF362000 (2000A, 3-pole)
- All NW-series Masterpact breakers
Siemens:
- HLD63B600 (600A, 3-pole)
- SBS series (all amperages)
- WL series air breakers
Eaton/Cutler-Hammer:
- HMCP series (all amperages)
- Magnum DS series
- NRX series
GE:
- TJK636F000 (600A, 3-pole)
- AKR series air breakers
- Power Break II series
Where Surplus Circuit Breakers Come From
Understanding the source helps determine condition and value:
Building demolition — Breakers removed during demolition are typically used but functional. Value depends on age and care during removal.
Electrical upgrades — When facilities upgrade their electrical systems, the old breakers are often in good working condition.
Overstock and surplus inventory — Electrical distributors and contractors often have new breakers that were over-ordered or left over from projects.
Plant closures — Manufacturing plant closures produce large quantities of breakers in various conditions.
Equipment decommissioning — When specific equipment is removed, its associated breakers become surplus.
How to Sell Your Surplus Circuit Breakers
Prepare Your Inventory
Create a list that includes:
- Manufacturer
- Model/catalog number
- Amperage rating
- Voltage rating
- Number of poles
- Condition (new/used)
- Quantity of each
Get a Quote
Contact Surplus Electrical Buyer at (951) 403-5738 or submit your list through our online quote form. We provide firm offers after the submitted details are reviewed for any quantity of circuit breakers.
Ship or Schedule Pickup
For smaller quantities, we provide prepaid shipping labels. For larger lots (50+ breakers or high-value items), we provide pickup options at your location anywhere in the United States.
Get Paid
We issue payment before your equipment ships or before our truck leaves your facility. Check, wire transfer, or ACH — your choice.
Mistakes to Avoid
Throwing them away — Even common breakers have value. A box of 20 used Square D QO breakers is worth $100-$200.
Selling to scrap yards — Scrap yards pay pennies per pound. A breaker worth $500 on the surplus market brings $2-$3 as scrap.
Not identifying the model — The catalog number is critical for accurate pricing. Take photos of the label.
Mixing brands in one box — Keep different brands and models separated for accurate quoting and higher offers.