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myOutdoor Socket Installation Cost
At a glance
- The average cost to install an outdoor socket is around £120
- Most installations take 1 – 2 hours to complete
- Outdoor socket installation costs by type of external socket
- How long installing an outdoor socket takes and what's typically involved
- How to find an electrician using MyJobQuote
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Looking to fit an outdoor plug socket?
An outdoor socket installation is an affordable home-improvement, that will prove invaluable to your outdoor electrical needs. Durable and weatherproof, it's an ideal option for permanent outdoor fixtures such as hot tubs, pools, and security lighting. Not only that, but they also provide convenient power when using electrical garden tools, or even for charging an electric vehicle.
So, how much do outdoor sockets cost to install?
An outdoor socket will cost around £120 to install on average, but this will depend on which socket you choose.
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Read our handy cost guide below to learn everything you need to know about installing an outdoor socket.
£120
Table of Contents
How Much Does It Cost to Install an Outdoor Socket?
For a simple outdoor socket that is in an easy-to-access location, you should expect a cost of around £85. For a more complex outdoor socket that might be a little more difficult to install, you should expect to pay no more than £245.
It's a simple job and should take no more than 2 hours in total.
The main cost in installing an outdoor socket is the hourly rate of your electrician, although this can vary depending on where you live.
The location of your outdoor socket can affect the difficulty and, therefore, the cost of your installation. If you can be flexible and work with your electrician to choose the location, this can help to keep your costs lower.
Can anyone recommend a decent waterproof outdoor socket with a timer that isn't likely to jam? It's mainly for use with Christmas lights and possibly for watering the garden in summer.
"Hi, the cheapest and best way is to fit an outdoor socket outlet off a clean supply from DB and install
Timer in board or adjacent."
Outdoor Socket Installation Prices
| Type of Socket | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Single | £85 – £200 |
| Double | £85 – £215 |
| Socket with Timer | £125 – £245 |
| Socket with RCD | £95 – £245 |
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Labour Costs and Timescales
Installing an outdoor socket is a simple and easy job for a trained electrician. It will take only between 1 and 2 hours, regardless of the type of socket you choose. The average hourly cost to hire an electrician in the UK is between £35 – £80, though rates in areas like London can be significantly higher. In contrast, regions such as Northern Ireland and Scotland generally charge below the national average.
Electrician Hourly Rates by Region
As electrician labour fees can vary throughout the country, below provides some information on regional costs (labour only, doesn't include outdoor socket installation, materials or any other additional costs):
| Region / City | Typical Electrician Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | £24 – £28 |
| Scotland | £34 – £37 |
| North West / North East | £31 – £33 |
| Midlands | £34 – £36 |
| South West | £35 – £40 |
| London & South East | £50 – £80 |
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Outdoor Socket Supply Costs
| Type of Socket | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Single | £10 – £15 |
| Double | £10 – £30 |
| Socket with Timer | £50 – £60 |
| Socket with RCD | £20 – £60 |
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Additional Costs
Installing an outdoor socket is fairly simple. However, it might be cost-effective to bundle your installation with other electrical work.
Be aware that if you need extensive electrical work on your property, this can massively bump up the price tag. For example, the cost of rewiring a house can be between £2,400 and £5,500, while the typical consumer unit replacement cost is around £750.
If you're uncertain about the electrics within your home, it might be worth getting a full electrical inspection to check how safe it is. The cost of an electric safety certificate is usually between £150 and £300, depending on the size of your home.
Install Garden Lighting
If you are getting an external socket fitted, it might be a good time to investigate getting lighting for your garden. This can make your garden space more liveable and allow you to spend more time in it. Depending on the style you choose, the cost to install outdoor lighting may be £120 to £250.
New Plug Sockets
As well as an outdoor plug socket, having a qualified electrician at your property is also a chance to install any new plug sockets that you're after. On average this will cost around £75, although it depends on how many new power sockets you're having put in and the complexity of the installation.
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Cost Factors of Installing an Outdoor Socket
The two main factors affecting your outdoor socket installation costs are the cost of the power sockets themselves and the time the installation will take. Things that impact the supply costs and installation time include:
- Size of Outdoor Socket — Outdoor sockets are either single or double sockets. Single sockets are typically £10 to £15. A double socket starts from £10. Some options will cost up to £60.
- Type of Outdoor Socket — Some features you choose for your outdoor socket can increase the price. For example, an RCD that helps protect against electrical faults or a timer that automatically switches electrical devices on and off can increase costs.
- Location of Outdoor Socket — The location of the outdoor socket will affect the price. If you need the outdoor socket in a location that is far from both internal sockets and the consumer unit, then it will take longer to fit the new socket.
- Ease of Access — If it is difficult to access your new external socket, then this may affect the price. You should consider this when choosing your location. Your electrician may not install a socket in your chosen position if it is too difficult to access.
What's Involved in Installing an Outdoor Socket?
As outdoor socket installation involves working with mains electricity and drilling through external walls, installing an outdoor plug socket is not suitable for a DIY job.
For this reason, you should hire a professional electrician to ensure the work is carried out safely and in line with UK standards.
With MyJobQuote, you can request several quotes from local electricians in your area. It's fast, free, and there's no obligation to go ahead.
Here are the steps involved in installing an outdoor electrical socket:
Before the Job Starts
- Isolating the Power — The electricity will need to be turned off in your home. This may be limited to a single circuit, or in some cases it could be the entire house, depending on the existing wiring and location of the new outdoor socket.
- Deciding the Power Supply — As the outdoor socket can be powered in two ways, a decision will be made to either connect it to an existing electrical circuit or provide the socket with one separately.
During the Job
- Running the Cable — A spur may be taken from an existing socket, or a cable run directly from the consumer unit. For outdoor runs, armoured cable is used to protect the wiring from physical damage and the elements, and will be installed so it is out of the way.
- Drilling Access — If there is a suitable location near where the socket is required, a hole can potentially be drilled to link an internal socket through to the external one.
- Fitting the Socket — Once the wiring is in place, the external socket box will be securely attached to the wall and wired correctly.
After the Job
- Restoring Power — The electricity will be turned back on once the correct installation process is complete.
- Final Checks — The socket will be tested to ensure it is electrically safe, secure, and functioning correctly.
Benefits of an Outdoor Socket
There are several benefits to having an outdoor plug socket:
- No Trailing Wires — Having an outdoor socket box means you no longer have to trail wires through windows or doors when you are working outside. Besides being a trip hazard, these wires can also let in unwanted pests and pollen.
- Improves Efficiency — With a garden socket, you can quickly and easily complete work in the garden. Plugging in your electrical devices is easy, and tidying up is simple. Plus if you have a new socket outlet with a built-in timer, it then makes it even easier to control outdoor lighting or other devices by programming when they're in use.
- Weatherproof — An outdoor socket is a quick, easy and reliable way to plug electrical items outside without worrying about the weather. Which is also handy when using installations such as pools and hot tubs that require waterproof electrics due to the volume of water being used in the area.
If you spend a lot of time in your garden, an outdoor socket can improve the experience and make it a safer one.
Hiring an Outdoor Socket Installer Checklist
You will want to hire an electrician to install an outdoor socket. Here are some of the key things you should look for:
- Are they officially registered? You should only hire a qualified electrician who can confirm they are Part P registered as a ‘competent person’ or firm. This also means they can self-certify and complete the relevant paperwork.
- Do they belong to any recognized schemes? Electricians can be registered with organizations such as the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contractors (NICEIC), ELECSA, NAPIT, or another government-approved scheme. Choosing a registered electrician gives you extra protection if a dispute arises later.
- Are their qualifications up to date? A competent electrician should hold relevant qualifications, such as a completed apprenticeship or a Level 3 qualification like City & Guilds.
- Do they have the right experience? Ask about recent jobs they’ve completed, particularly projects similar to your own, such as outdoor socket installation, to ensure they are a suitable fit.
- Have they had positive reviews and feedback? Check their online presence and their MyJobQuote profile. Take note of recent reviews and testimonials to gauge reliability and quality of work.
- Do they have insurance? Although not legally required, any reputable electrician should carry public liability insurance to cover accidental damage or personal injury.
- Does their work come with a written guarantee? A written guarantee provides confidence in the quality of work and reassurance in the event something goes wrong.
- Have you requested multiple quotes? It’s good practice to obtain at least three separate quotes when hiring tradespeople. Using MyJobQuote, you can find local electricians in your area without any commitment.
FAQs
Can I install an outdoor socket myself?
No, you cannot install an external socket yourself. Electrical work should only be undertaken by a suitably competent person. Professional installation ensures the safety of your electrics, protecting your property and family.
Can I remove an outdoor socket?
Yes, although even if you don't use it, it won't affect anything else in your home unless it has become a safety hazard. Removal should always be done by a qualified electrician, and will typically take less than an hour and costing around £80–£150. Your electrician will usually dispose of the old socket, or you can take it to your local tip for free.
What can an outdoor socket be used for?
An outdoor plug socket provides safe, convenient power for garden equipment such as mowers, lighting, heaters, and water features, without the need for indoor extension leads. Although there are some high-powered appliances that may require their own dedicated circuit.
What is an IP rating and how do I find it for outdoor sockets?
IP stands for Ingress Protection. An IP rating shows how well an outdoor socket is protected against dust and water. For safety, outdoor sockets must be IP-rated, with higher ratings such as IP66 providing better weather protection.
The IP rating that is suitable for your outdoor socket will depend on local conditions, such as whether the area is sheltered. The IP rating should be prominently displayed on the package of any outdoor plug socket, or listed in the product specifications online.
The IP rating that is suitable for your outdoor socket will depend on local conditions, such as whether the area is sheltered. The IP rating should be prominently displayed on the package of any outdoor plug socket, or listed in the product specifications online.
What does an RCD do?
An RCD is a Residual Current Device. It detects faults and can shut off the power before any accidents occur, helping to reduce risk of injury. Choosing an outdoor socket with a built-in RCD can make installation simpler and safer, as it often includes features such as cable retention covers and can reduce the need for additional wiring.
Is an extension cord a safe alternative to an outdoor socket?
An extension cord can be a safe option if used correctly. However, over time, extension cords can become damaged. This means they should be inspected before each use. You should pay attention to where the extension cord is lying as it can be a trip hazard. An external socket is an easier option to use safely.
Are there any building regulations when installing an outdoor socket?
Although you don't need to arrange for any approval yourself, it is recommended that you hire a qualified installer who can self-certify their work and notify Building Control where required. In England and Wales, outdoor sockets are covered by Part P, which helps ensure electrical work is safe. However, Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate requirements, so it's best to check locally before carrying out any work.
Do I need planning permission to install an outdoor socket?
No, unless your property is listed or located in a conservation area, in which case you must obtain permission for any alterations, including a straightforward outdoor socket.
