Compare Electrical Supply Prices from 20+ Suppliers

About Electrical — Prices, Types & Buying Guide

Electrical materials are one of the most price-variable categories in construction. The same spool of 12-2 NM-B Romex can cost 15–25% more at a big-box store than at an electrical distributor with a trade account. On a full house rough-in, that gap translates to hundreds of dollars per job. Comparing prices before ordering wire, conduit, and panels is one of the highest-ROI moves an electrical contractor can make.

Common electrical materials: NM-B (Romex) cable in 12-2, 14-2, 10-3 and other configurations, THHN/THWN single-conductor wire, EMT conduit and fittings, PVC conduit and schedule 40/80 fittings, residential and commercial service panels (100A, 200A, 400A), circuit breakers (single-pole, double-pole, AFCI, GFCI), switches and outlets (15A, 20A, GFCI, AFCI), junction boxes, conduit bodies, wire connectors (wire nuts, push-in), weatherproof covers and plates, and LED fixtures.

Typical price ranges: 250 ft spool of 12-2 NM-B typically runs $65–$100 depending on copper market conditions. 1/2" EMT conduit (10 ft stick) runs $3–$6. 200A residential service panel runs $150–$280. Single-pole 15A circuit breakers run $6–$18 depending on brand (Square D, Eaton, Siemens, Leviton). Copper prices directly affect wire costs — prices swing weekly with commodity markets.

Buying tips for contractors: Open a trade account with Graybar, Wesco, Rexel, or a regional electrical distributor. Distributor pricing typically runs 15–30% below big-box on wire and conduit. Buy wire by the spool (250 ft, 500 ft, 1000 ft) — per-foot cost drops significantly vs. 25 ft pre-cuts. Stockpile boxes and connectors in bulk to avoid supply house runs mid-job. Check copper pricing trends before committing to large wire orders — prices fluctuate with commodity markets and can shift 10–20% in a quarter.