New Plug Socket Installation and Replacement Cost

How much does it cost to install a new plug socket or replace an existing socket?

The average cost of installing new plug sockets in your home is around £75. In many cases, replacing an existing socket may cost slightly less because the electrician can often use the existing wiring and back box.

But there are some cost factors that you need to consider, such as the size of plug (single socket or double plug socket), the material you choose, the condition of the existing wiring, and the electrician’s labour costs.

If you want to add more sockets to a room, upgrade older sockets, or replace a damaged outlet, understanding the typical electrician cost per socket can help you plan the work and compare quotes.

• New plug socket installation cost: Around £75 per socket.
• Single plug socket material cost: Around £10.
• Double plug socket material cost: Around £15.
• USB plug socket material cost: Around £15 to £25.
• Typical electrician labour cost per socket: Around £40.
• Typical installation time: 1 to 2 hours per socket.

If you are replacing an existing socket rather than installing a new one, the electrician may be able to complete the work faster because the existing wiring and back box are already in place.

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Read on to discover everything you need to know about plug socket installation and replacement costs.

How Much Does It Cost to Install or Replace a Plug Socket?

In many homes, installing a new plug socket and replacing an existing socket mean much the same thing. The electrician can often use the existing wiring and back box, so the cost of installing or replacing a socket is usually very similar.

The average cost of installing or replacing a plug socket is around £75. In most cases, labour costs are around £40, while material costs usually range from £10 to £25, depending on the socket type and finish.

The total cost can vary depending on the socket style, the condition of the existing wiring, and whether any additional electrical work is needed before the new socket can be fitted safely.

For example, a standard single socket will usually cost less than a double socket with USB charging or a decorative chrome or nickel finish.

However, this price can rise and fall based on the person you hire and the cost of the materials. A double plug socket with a USB outlet, for example, will cost far more than a standard single socket outlet.

Of course, the costs can differ greatly depending on the location of the plug socket. A socket on the wall in the place of an old socket will cost less than an entirely new socket installation.

It’s also important to note that the condition of your home electrics will play a part in the cost of the plug socket installation.

If you’re renovating an old home, some of the electrics may be outdated so you may need to pay for rewiring, so bear that in mind when looking for quotes.

Plug Socket Installation and Replacement Prices

Below is a table showing the average cost of installing or replacing common plug socket types:

How Much Does an Electrician Charge Per Socket?

Electricians typically charge around £40 per socket for labour for straightforward jobs. This usually involves replacing an existing socket or installing a new one in the same position, using the existing wiring.

Once the price of the new socket is included, the cost is often around £50 to £65 since most standard sockets cost between £10 and £25.

If multiple sockets are installed during the same visit, the labour cost per socket may be lower as the electrician can complete the work more efficiently.

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Cost to Add a Plug Socket to a Room

Adding a plug socket to a room is different from installing or replacing a socket in an existing position. This type of job usually requires new wiring, a new socket box, and additional electrical work to connect the new socket safely to the existing circuit.

Because of the extra work involved, adding a plug socket to a new location typically costs between £120 and £250. The final price will depend on the distance from the existing wiring, the wall type, and how much additional electrical work is required.

For example, adding a socket next to an existing outlet may be quicker and cheaper, while installing one on the opposite side of the room or in a completely new location may require more extensive wiring and wall work.

Other factors that may affect the total cost include the socket type you choose, the condition of the existing electrics, and whether plastering or decorating is needed after the installation.

Additional Costs of Installing Plug Sockets

Installing or replacing a plug socket is usually a straightforward job, but there are still some additional costs that may arise depending on the work involved.

For example, adding a socket in a new location may require extra wiring or cutting into the wall, while upgrading to decorative sockets or smart features can increase the overall cost. You may also need follow-up work such as plastering or painting to repair the wall after the installation.

Below are some common additional costs that may be associated with plug socket installation or electrical upgrades:

Electrician Labour Costs for Installing Plug Sockets

The labour costs for installing a plug socket is a little lower than with other jobs, mainly due to the fact only one person is needed to attend the job, whereas other jobs require two or three people.

A plug socket installation will take around 1-2 hours per socket, with an average cost of £20 per hour. This price will be excluding sockets, so you can either ask the contractor to purchase the sockets on your behalf and the price to be factored into the quote or provide the materials yourself for the electrician to install on arrival.

It’s usually a pretty straightforward job, with the only possible delays coming if the electrician spots some damage in the wiring that would prevent them from safely installing the socket.

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Factors That Affect Plug Socket Installation Cost

Some jobs will naturally take longer than others, below we take a look at some of the cost factors involved:

• Type of Socket - While a double socket won't necessarily take twice as long, USB sockets or those fitted with smart technology are often more complicated and can be more time consuming to install.
• Number of Sockets - It goes without saying, but the more sockets you're having done the longer the work will take to complete. At this point, your electrician may suggest an hourly rate or provide a quote for the total job.
• Material Costs - Once you've been quoted for the initial work, there are also other elements to consider. For example the price of faceplates and whether you're having more expensive fittings such as USB sockets.
• Unusual Placement - If you are installing a socket somewhere unconventional, such as the middle of the room, or redirecting wiring into a loft area, then the electrical work becomes more complicated and can impact the overall cost.
• Extra Wiring - It's not just moving an existing socket or installing a new one that can create the additional work, but when removing an old socket it may become apparent electrical wires are damaged and need replacing.
• Property Location - The amount professional electricians charge can vary depending on where you are in the country, with large cities such as London and Manchester being more expensive than smaller towns and villages.
• Circuit Details - If the existing circuit takes a high load or has old wiring, then electrical safety checks may uncover additional work that's required. Older houses may also have outdated wiring that needs updating.

What's Involved in a New Plug Socket Installation?

We’re going to break this down into a step-by-step guide on what you can expect the electrician to do when installing a new plug socket.

1. Prepare the old socket, area and the wiring in the place you want your new socket installed. If there is an existing socket, this will be removed, and the wires disconnected. If it’s an entirely new socket, the wall will be hollowed for the socket to be placed.
2. Inspect the breaker box to ensure everything is in order, and in the case of a new socket, if there is space for another socket on the breaker box.
3. For a new plug socket (not in place of another old socket), wiring must be laid from the breaker box to the space where you want the socket.
4. The wiring will be connected to the new socket and attached to the wall with screws.
5. The new socket will be tested with a meter to ensure there is the correct amount of electricity moving through.

Types of Plug Sockets and Their Costs

We’re going to provide a pros and cons list for each of the plug sockets we explored earlier.

Black Nickel Plug Sockets Cost

• Best For: Stylish, luxury plug sockets
• Material Cost: £20-£30

Black nickel plug sockets have become very popular, offering a visually striking and luxurious finish. They are perfect if you want to add a touch of sophistication to your décor. With an abundance of retailers and materials, you can often find deals if you buy multiple sockets at once, although these will still cost more than standard plastic options.

Pros

• ✔ A sleek, smooth and dark design that are stunning additions to any room
• ✔ Can be found with smart home and USB port features
• ✔ Hard-wearing and need little, if any, maintenance

Cons

• ✖ Are higher on the price scale than others
• ✖ Any dents or scratches on the socket are noticeable

Chrome Plug Sockets Cost

• Best For: Bright, shiny plug sockets
• Material Cost: £15-£30

Chrome plug sockets remain a popular choice for their bright, reflective finish and classic appeal. They were once the go-to choice for décor and electrical fittings, and can still be found easily in stores or online. With a wide range of suppliers, you may also find bulk deals if replacing multiple sockets at the same time.

Pros

• ✔ A very popular choice in previous years
• ✔ Different styles available in abundance
• ✔ Available with smart home and USB port features

Cons

• ✖ The overtly shiny material can be off-putting to some
• ✖ Fairly expensive depending on the quality

Steel Plug Sockets Cost

• Best For: Balanced, durable plug sockets
• Material Cost: £10-£20

Steel plug sockets offer a practical and versatile option, bright but not overly shiny. Steel acts as a middle ground between dark nickel and shiny chrome, making it suitable for a wide range of rooms and styles. It’s widely available in shops and online, and buying multiple sockets at once can sometimes secure a discount.

Pros

• ✔ A bright design that fits well into many decors, without being overly shiny like chrome
• ✔ Very versatile as it looks just as at home in the living room as it does the kitchen
• ✔ Available with smart home and USB port features

Cons

• ✖ Much like other metal materials, it shows wear pretty easily
• ✖ Higher on the price scale than standard sockets

Brass Plug Sockets Cost

• Best For: Niche or traditional decors
• Material Cost: £25-£40

Brass sockets bring a distinctive, classic look and are ideal for specific décor styles. While not as commonly used as other types, they have been modernised for contemporary interiors. Like other socket types, buying multiple units at once can help reduce per-socket cost slightly, though brass remains the premium option.

Pros

• ✔ A niche design that will be perfect for certain styles
• ✔ Hard-wearing and doesn’t show wear easily
• ✔ Can be polished and maintained to extend its life expectancy

Cons

• ✖ Very expensive compared to other options
• ✖ Hard to find especially with smart home or USB features

Wooden Plug Sockets Cost

• Best For: Stylish, high-end interiors
• Material Cost: £30-£40

Wooden fronted plug sockets are slowly gaining popularity thanks to their elegant look and wide variety of designs and colours. They add a touch of class to any room and make a statement as part of your décor. While more expensive than standard options, buying multiple units at once can sometimes help reduce the overall cost.

Pros

• ✔ Unique, elegant design that enhances room décor
• ✔ Available in various finishes and colours to match interiors
• ✔ Can be fitted with USB ports

Cons

• ✖ Relatively expensive compared to other socket types
• ✖ Limited availability compared to plastic or metal sockets

Smart Plug Sockets Cost

• Best For: High-tech, connected homes
• Material Cost: £60+

Smart plug sockets represent the latest in home technology, allowing you to control appliances via apps like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. They offer convenience and energy management, letting you switch devices on or off remotely. The price varies depending on style, features, and material, but they are generally among the more expensive socket options.

Pros

• ✔ Enables remote control via mobile devices and smart home systems
• ✔ Can improve energy efficiency by turning off devices when not in use
• ✔ Often available with USB ports and multiple smart features

Cons

• ✖ Expensive compared to standard and decorative sockets
• ✖ May require setup and familiarity with smart home systems

Where Can I Install a Plug Socket?

Of course, you tend to find plug sockets in the same places almost everywhere you go. The classic areas are low in the corners of rooms, where people tend to place side tables and television units.

These places are popular for a reason - it’s where people need them. However, if you’re going to the effort of installing brand new sockets where there haven’t been any before, why not place them in the perfect places.

For example, if you’re going to mount your TV on a bracket to make it wall-mounted, why have trailing wires to the floor, when you can place a single socket port directly behind the TV?

If you’re going to have a grand office, complete with a desk in the centre of the room, why not place a plug socket on the floor directly below to avoid any trailing wires around the room.

You can also personalise the types of sockets you use, like placing sockets with USB ports next to where you’re going to sit easy for charging phones, e-readers and tablets, and a smart home socket where you have lamps, so you can control them from anywhere.

Cost of Removing a Plug Socket

If you’ve decided to install new plug sockets in different areas and deem your old one’s surplus to requirements, it’s best to have them removed and covered over by a plasterer.

Now, this can be done as a DIY project, but we’d only suggest this to someone that has previous experience with isolating electrics and removing them.

It may be a better option to have a licensed electrician come in and carry out the work. It won’t take long and will probably only cost £20-£30 in labour to remove the socket.

Once they have been removed, you’d need to speak to a plasterer about covering up the gap left by the plug socket. For further information, check out our article on plastering prices.

Hiring Contractors to Install a Plug Socket Checklist

Below are some points to consider when hiring a qualified electrician.

• Are they a professional electrician? When hiring a tradesman to move an existing socket or to install completely new plug sockets, you should always hire a fully qualified electrician.
• Do they have the necessary insurance? If you are hiring a professional electrician, they are most likely to have at least public liability insurance to cover in the event of an accident or personal injury.
• Do they have positive reviews? Search online or visit their MyJobQuote profile and check any recent customer feedback and testimonials.
• Are they a member of any regulatory body? Membership in recognised industry bodies or consumer fairness organisations is a good sign that the firm operates professionally and ethically.
• Have you received multiple quotes? Whether it's replacing an existing socket, or fitting extra wiring and installing a new one, by shopping around for multiple quotes you can get an idea of what you should expect to pay.
• Are the quotes itemised? Even fitting a single socket requires a quote when you're having it done by a professional electrician. Likewise with more complicated electrical work, so with the help of MyJobQuote always ask for a detailed quote before saying yet.
• Are there any hidden extras? The overall cost of larger projects could involve anything from replacing a fuse box to upgrading to include USB sockets or even replacing all the wiring, so ensure you know exactly what's involved.
• Do they provide any guarantees You will want to know how long a plug socket installation is likely to take, but also what happens in the event of any issues, such as an electrical safety hazard once the work is completed.

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