Plug Socket Installation Prices

If you find yourself using extension leads or you’re constantly removing plugs to free up sockets, consider getting an extra power socket fitted. It doesn’t cost the earth, and a good electrician can usually complete the task in less than two hours.

But how much does it cost an electrician to install an extra socket?

Check out the price guide on this page for:

• Replacing a single socket with a double socket.
• Installing a new double socket in a new location.
• Swap a double socket for a double socket with USB charging points.
• Installing an outdoor socket on the exterior wall of the home.

But First… Alternatives

Have you considered these alternatives?

They’re cheaper and easier than installing a new power socket, perfect for renters and anyone who doesn’t want the hassle of a tradesperson in their home:

Home Office:

Rated to 3250w this tower is perfect for the home office or behind the TV. Also has 3 USB charge points.

We recently contacted 26 qualified electricians in the UK and asked them how much it would cost to install a new power socket.

This is bread and butter work for electricians and is the type of work they do week-in and week-out.

Below you’ll find our guide price for the installation of an extra power socket, we’ve averaged the figures given to us and displayed them by region:

Project 1 – Cost to Remove a Single Plug Socket and Replace With a Double

For this project, we asked our chosen electricians how much it would cost to replace a single socket with a double unit. We also asked for a separate price to replace another single socket at the same time (price in brackets).

Our property is 40 years old and had a new consumer unit fitted recently but has some single sockets throughout the home, which aren’t very practical.

This is how much we were told it would cost.

Project 2 –  Cost to Install an Additional Double Plug Socket

For this project we asked for two prices:

• Fit an extra double socket in one room.
• Fit two double sockets, one in the office room and one in the living room (prices in brackets).

This is how much we were told it would cost:

Project 3 –  Swap a Double Socket For a Double Socket With USB Charging Points

Are USB chargers taking up sockets in your home? 

Many devices now rely on USB power, from Fitbit watches and mp3 players to tablets and phones; it’s no surprise that older homes don’t have enough power sockets.

Have you considered replacing a few regular sockets with USB enabled ones?

You could free up sockets for a fraction of the price, and it’s less disruptive than getting an entirely new socket fitted.

Here’s a photo, many of these can be fitted to existing back boxes, making the installation even easier:

Project 4 –  Cost to Install a Plug Socket in the Garden

We wanted a double socket fixed to the exterior of our wall. This will be wired from a spur in our existing circuit which is RCD protected.

If your consumer unit is old it might not be RCD protected and according to the regulations, any external socket must be wired to an RCD protected circuit. In this instance, you have a few options but all will add some extra cost to the installation.

This is how much we were told it would cost to install a double socket to the outside of our house wall. Expect to pay more if you want the socket located at the end of the garden.

Our Prices Include the Following

The prices on this page include the following:

• The supply of plain white power sockets indoors.
• IP66 rated outside power socket.
• Any cables or other parts needed.
• The installation.
• Cutting out of plasterboard if required.
• Disposal of any waste.
• VAT if charged.
• Paperwork (self-certification) and notification via a Competent Person scheme if required.

What These Prices Exclude

The prices on this page are for standard and typical power socket installations and exclude:

• Expensive fittings beyond the standard white sockets and standard IP66 rated outside double socket we chose.
• The making good of the walls with plaster (some electricians plaster in the cuts on the wall while some don’t, we asked for this to be excluded from the price, even the work would be relatively minor).
• New circuits – our prices assume that the extra sockets can be wired to existing circuits.
• RCD circuit protection – our property has a new consumer unit so all the circuits are RCD protected. If you want to install an outside socket it must be connected to an RCD protected circuit, there are several ways to achieve this and a new consumer unit is one of them.

6 Things To Do Before You Get Your Electrician to Install a New Socket

Here are six things you should do before you get an electrician to install new sockets:

• Check their qualifications, while often overlooked, this step is important if you care about your safety and that of anyone else in the home.
• Read reviews from past customers online, there are plenty of places online where customers can leave reviews so look around or try Rated People.
• Consider upgrading single sockets to double sockets, it’s quicker, easier, cheaper and less disruptive.
• If you’ve had an issue with your fusebox or consumer unit tripping out, get your home electrics inspected before you add extra sockets.
• Consider adding sockets with built-in USB charging points (see example) so you don’t have to plug in a separate charger for your phone/tablet etc.
• Ask whether your installer will make good the walls or if you’ll need to get a plasterer in afterwards at extra cost.

Get a Custom Price For New Plug Sockets

Tap the button below to get a custom price for your project.

• Fill in the form with details of your project.
• Take a photo of your fusebox/consumer unit.
• Get a price within 24 hours.
• Read vetted reviews from past customers.

Power Socket Installation FAQs

Below you’ll find answers to questions about our power socket prices: