How much does it cost to add a plug socket?

Average plug socket installation costs

Below are ballpark costs for installing a plug socket and the approximate installation time.

Some electricians charge by the hour, while others quote on a job-by-job basis. To get accurate quotes for your job, post a job.

How much does it cost to add a plug socket?

The cost of adding a plug socket is usually around £60 – 150, but it depends on the job’s complexity.

Adding a plug socket is relatively straightforward for an electrician and takes 1 – 2 hours, though this can increase if new wiring or a new circuit is needed.

However, there are many factors that the electrician would need to consider before giving you a definitive quote.

Factors affecting the cost of adding a plug socket

Complexity of the job

The installation cost will depend on the complexity of the job – the more extensive the work, the higher the price.

Some common situations where you might need a plug socket installed include:

• A newly built extension
• Converting a garage or a loft into an office.
• For safety purposes, such as adding an extra plug socket to prevent overloading in a room.

A newly built extension involves much more work than adding a new plug socket in a room with existing wiring.

Firstly, an electrician needs to plan the electrical layout, determine how many sockets are required, ensure that the new circuit can handle the number of sockets and, if not, install a new circuit from the fuse box.

They then need to cut a hole in the plasterboard at the desired location and install an electrical box in the wall. Then run the cable from the main electrical source to the new outlet.

Adding a plug socket in a finished room, assuming the existing wiring is in good condition and not too far away, would take less time to install, lowering labour costs.

In this instance, the electrician will only need to cut a hole in the wall and fish the existing wire from a nearby electrical outlet to the new plug socket.

However, if the existing wiring is old, the electrician will need to replace it with new wiring, increasing the cost.

Remember that you will need to factor in additional costs for any plastering or decorating to patch up any holes.

Type of plug socket

Most electricians will quote with standard white plug sockets.

However, nowadays, there are various different styles to choose from to suit your decor, such as black nickel, polished chrome or brushed steel, but these will cost more.

Other types of plug sockets which will cost you more are:

Flush-mounted plug sockets

You can choose between surface-mounted and flush-mounted plug sockets. Flush-mounted sockets are more visually appealing but more expensive to install. The electrician has to cut a hole in the wall, install the back box, and plaster/paint around the socket.

RCD plug sockets

If the socket is in a wet area (kitchen or bathroom), you must install an RCD (residual current device) socket for protection. This safety device cuts off electricity in the event of an electrical fault. This is crucial for protecting you from potentially fatal electric shocks. These plug sockets are more expensive than standard sockets, costing between £15 – 40.

USB sockets

USB sockets have become increasingly popular in modern homes as they reduce clutter, allowing you to charge multiple devices simultaneously. USB plug sockets cost around £6 – 30, depending on the type and style you choose.

Smart sockets

Smart sockets are the newest addition to the market. They work by connecting to your home Wi-Fi and allowing you to control any device plugged into them via voice assistants (e.g. Amazon Alexa) or smartphone apps. Smart sockets can cost anywhere between £10 and £80.

Number of sockets

As you would expect, the more sockets you want installed, the more expensive it will be.

Location and accessibility

Where you are installing the socket and the ease of accessing the wiring can affect the cost.

For instance, if floorboards or carpets need to be lifted to access the existing wiring, there might be an extra charge. The harder it is to access, the longer the job will take, potentially resulting in higher costs.

The wall type into which the plug socket is installed can also affect the price. Plasterboard is easier to cut and install than brick or concrete walls, which require specific tools and significantly increase the labour cost.

Where you live and experience of the electrician

The rate the electrician will charge will depend on your location. Electricians in London and the south-east are usually more expensive than elsewhere in the UK.

Registered electricians with experience will cost more than unregistered electricians with less experience. However, we recommend you do your due diligence and hire a quality electrician for your home’s safety.

How much does it cost to move a plug socket?

Moving a plug socket costs approximately £50 – 100 and can take 1 – 3 hours, depending on how far the socket is being moved and the wall material.

If the existing wires don’t reach the new location, the electrician will have to install new wires, which will require more materials and time to re-route the wires, increasing the labour cost. A junction box may also be required to connect the new wiring with the existing wiring, further increasing the price.

If the wall material is brick or concrete, it might require more drilling and cutting, which will increase the duration of the job and result in higher costs.

As discussed previously, the type of plug socket you choose will also affect the cost.

How much does it cost to replace a plug socket?

The cost of replacing a plug socket is between £30 – 40 and usually a quick, straightforward job for an electrician.

Things which may affect this cost are:

• Type of plug socket you choose
• If the existing wiring is old and needs replacing
• Your location

What is the cost of an outdoor plug socket?

An outdoor plug socket can be very useful for various things, such as lawn mowing, outdoor lighting, car washing, and hot tubs.

With regards to material costs, the cost of an outdoor plug socket varies from £10 – 50.

As for labour costs, the cost to install an outdoor plug socket is around £75 – 150 and can take 1 – 4 hours to install.

However, this can depend on the following factors:

• Complexity of the job
• Additional materials required such as:
  • Cabling
  • Conduit – a tube which protects and routes the wiring
  • Weatherproof boxes
• Distance from the indoor electrical source
• Surface the socket is being installed on
• Whether the existing main circuit needs RCD protection

Additional costs

Plastering and decorating

Remember to factor in additional costs for any plastering or decorating required to fill in any holes unless you plan to do this yourself.

Plastering costs are approximately £75 for a chase (a vertical or horizontal channel cut in the wall to accommodate a wire), and decorators would probably charge for a half day (£100 – 120).

Building regulations

All electrical work in England and Wales must meet the requirements of Part P of the Building Regulations.

If you are installing a new plug socket in a bathroom, kitchen, or outdoors, you must notify your local building control department before starting the work. You’ll also need to pay a fee of around £100 – 300 for them to inspect the work and ensure it meets safety standards.

We recommend hiring a registered electrician, as they will deal with everything for you, and you won’t have to pay any building-control charges.

So if you’re ready to get started, post a job to get quotes from electricians near you.