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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 (also known as an outside socket, exterior socket, or garden socket) 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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£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.
What is your main reason for installing an outdoor socket?
Convenience for outdoor use
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Lighting and/or entertainment
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Electrical safety standards
1 votes - 50%50% of votes
Part of a wider outdoor project (shed, hot tub, patio etc)
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2 votes
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The location of your outdoor plug 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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What's Included in an Outdoor Socket Installation?
When you get a supply and fit quote, it usually covers the following:
- The weatherproof outdoor socket and cable
- All fitting labour
- Drilling and sealing through the external wall
- Testing and the relevant certificate
Major redecorating usually isn't included, such as re-plastering or repainting where a cable has been chased into a solid wall.
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.
Do I need an electrician to fit an outside socket?
Yes, you will need a qualified electrician to fit an outdoor socket. It involves working with mains electricity and must meet UK electrical safety rules, so it is not a job for a general handyperson or another trade.
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
The main types of outdoor socket are single, double, timer, and RCD sockets, and the one you need depends on how you plan to use it. A single socket is enough for one item at a time, while a double socket lets you run two at once, such as a lawnmower and a pressure washer.
A socket with a built-in timer helps with garden lighting or Christmas lights you want to switch on and off automatically. Whichever type you choose, an outdoor socket should be weatherproof and RCD-protected to stay safe in wet conditions.
| 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.
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 plug 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. A longer or more exposed run may also need armoured cable, which adds to the materials cost.
- 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.
- Power Supply – Connecting the socket to a nearby circuit keeps costs down, while running a new supply from the consumer unit, or connecting to an RCD elsewhere in the home, adds labour time and cabling.
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.
Can I spur an outdoor socket off an existing indoor socket?
"Your outside socket needs to be IP-rated and protected by an RCD or RCBO. You can spur off another indoor socket, provided it's on the ring main and protected by an RCD, and it shouldn't make any mess."
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 plug 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 plug 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, an outdoor socket can be removed, though it should always be done by a qualified electrician. Removal usually takes less than an hour and costs around £80–£150, and your electrician will normally dispose of the old socket for you.
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. Some high-powered appliances may still need their own dedicated circuit.
Do I need a special socket for a hot tub?
A plug-and-play hot tub runs from a standard weatherproof, RCD-protected outdoor socket, so it costs no more to power than a normal garden appliance. Larger, more powerful hot tubs are hardwired and need a dedicated circuit fitted by an electrician, which is a bigger job. Always use a professional rather than running an extension lead from indoors.
What is an IP rating and how do I find it for outdoor sockets?
IP stands for Ingress Protection, and the rating shows how well an outdoor socket is protected against dust and water. All outdoor sockets must be IP-rated for safety, with higher ratings such as IP66 giving better protection in exposed spots. You will find the rating on the product's packaging or in its online specifications.
What does an RCD do?
An RCD (Residual Current Device) detects electrical faults and shuts off the power before an accident can happen, which reduces the risk of injury. Choosing an outdoor socket with a built-in RCD can make installation simpler and safer.
Is an extension cord a safe alternative to an outdoor socket?
Extension cords can be a safe short-term option if used correctly, but they can become damaged over time and should be checked before each use. They can also be a trip hazard, so a permanent outdoor socket is the easier and safer choice.
Are there any building regulations when installing an outdoor socket?
Yes, in England and Wales outdoor sockets are covered by Part P of the Building Regulations, which helps ensure electrical work is safe. You don't need to arrange approval yourself if you hire a qualified installer who can self-certify and notify Building Control where needed. Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate requirements, so it's best to check locally.
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.
