Cost of Installing New Plug Sockets
We all have plug sockets in our home. However, the traditional plug sockets as we known it has transformed over the last few years. To keep up to date with modern technology, new plug sockets can have a variety of features including a USB ports, wooden finishes and are made in a variety of finishes.
Sometimes you may need a new plug socket if your older plug sockets are identified as dangerous during an electrical safety check. Not only do older sockets present a fire risk, but they can also be very dangerous and costly if left unrepaired. Newer sockets will decrease this risk as they have undergone rigorous testing, are made of better materials and are much more reliable.
So, whether you need to add more plug sockets, need to update your old sockets, or simply want to add new plug sockets to match the décor of a room, then guide will tell you all you need to know about the costs of installing new plug sockets.
How much does it cost to install new plug sockets?
The cost to install a new plug socket depends on the type you choose, where you will install the socket and the material that your plug is made out of. As a guide, below details the average costs of installing new plug sockets in your home:
| TYPE OF JOB |
AVERAGE COST |
| Installing a Single Socket Plug | £60 to £160 |
| Installing a Double Socket Plug | £70 to £200 |
| Installing a USB Port Plug | £75 to £200 |
| Installing a Smart Plug | £100 to £350 |
|
Installing an Outdoor Plug Socket |
£80 to £140 |
| Moving a Plug Socket | £150 |
Labour Costs and Timescales
As installing new plug sockets are a fairly simple job, the labour costs are lower than most other electrical installation jobs. This job will only require one electrician who will usually charge, on average, between £20 to £30 per hour. This hourly rate will only include the labour costs for the electrician. Depending on your needs, you can either ask the contractor to buy the sockets for you and then add the price to the quote or buy the materials yourself ahead of time and simply pay the electrician for labour only.
As this job is relatively straightforward, a standard plug socket, whether it is unswitched or switched, should take between 1 to 2 hours to install. Smart plug sockets will take slightly longer to install, around 2 to 3 hours, as they are more complex than standard plugs but are still quite easy to install. Timescales will only vary if the wiring is damaged which will compromise the safety of installing the new plug socket.
Cost Factors
Despite the reasonably standard prices for installing a new socket, there are important factors that need to be taken into account before an electrician provides a quote. Some factors that can impact the total cost of installing a new plug socket include:
Type of plug socket chosen
Most quotes for installing a new plug socket are based on the traditional white sockets. However, as there is a wide variety of plug sockets available on the market today, each come with different costs and sometimes can be harder to install which can affect the overall installation cost. For example, if you choose a chrome, brushed steel, or black nickel plug socket, you are likely to pay more than your standard white, plastic plug socket. Also, if you choose a smart plug socket, then this can add an extra hour to the installation times and therefore labour costs.
Number of Sockets
If you plan ahead, you can save on installation costs if you install multiple new plug sockets as a single job. This is perfect for extensions, conversions or redecorating where you are more likely to install multiple new plug sockets.
Location
Your location can greatly impact the cost of installing a new plug socket. Not only do electricians charge more in London and the South of England than those in the North, but also the distance an electrician will have to travel can typically increase the cost of installing a new plug socket.
Wiring
Sometimes the cost can increase unexpectedly due to the need to for extra wiring. If you are moving a socket to a different place, the electrician may need to install more wiring to connect the plug socket. The amount of wiring needed will be determined by how far you are moving the plugs socket from the existing connection. Also, additional wiring may be needed if the current wiring is in poor condition, so to ensure that a plug socket is installed safely, the wiring must be replaced before any new installation.
Accessibility
By moving furniture and appliances, you can make it easier and quicker for the electrician to access the space, which will reduce labour costs.
Type of Floor and Walls
The quoted price usually assumes that any carpets are up, and the electrician will be able to access underneath it. If floorboards have to be lifted, there may be an additional charge. Where a new socket is placed, and the material of the wall can also impact the cost of an installation. If your walls are plastered, then you may need to replaster the walls after the installation. Be sure to consult your electrician beforehand whether they will replaster the wall or whether this will have to be fixed by yourself.
What are the different types of plug sockets?
As there are many types of plug sockets available on the market, it can be difficult to choose which type of plug is right for you. To help make your decision, we have collected the pros and cons of each type of plug socket to hopefully make your choice a little easier.
Plastic Plug Sockets
Plastic plug sockets are probably the most recognisable type of plug socket as they are usually installed in most homes. This is because plastic plug sockets are one of the cheaper materials ranging, on average, between £10 and £20.
The main advantages of plastic plug sockets are that they are sold in most DIY stores, are quite cheap, are available with USB ports and catch match a variety of interior designs. The cons, however, are that they can look quite cheap and as they are mainly white, they can show dirt and can become worn quite easily.
Black Nickel Plug Sockets
Due to their sleek appearance, black nickel plug sockets have become very popular. In contrast to plastic plug sockets, black nickel plug sockets are a more luxury option with prices ranging between £20 and £30.
As previously mentioned, its sleek, dark design can be the perfect addition to any room. Black nickel plug sockets are also available with USB ports and smart home features and are very durable. The only downsides to this type of socket is the price, which is more expensive than the typical plug socket, and dints and scratches can be highly visible on this type of material.
Chrome Plug Sockets
Another popular plug socket choice is a chrome plug socket. This type of plug socket is quite affordable with the average costs ranging between £15 and £30.
The great thing about chrome plug sockets are not only are they a popular choice, they are available in a variety of styles to suit any home and they also come with smart home and USB port features. However, this type of plug socket is not for everyone as they are very shiny and metallic which may not be suitable for every home or personal taste and they can become expensive depending on the type of quality you choose.
Steel Plug Sockets
Like plastic plug sockets, steel plug sockets are a cheaper option if you are working within a budget. The typical costs of a steel plug socket ranges between £10 to £20.
If the shiny look of chrome is not for you then a steel plug socket is a more subtle version of a chrome plug socket that will be perfect in many homes. It is also a very versatile material and is available with both smart home and USB port features. However, like chrome, dents and scratches are highly visible and they can be slightly more expensive than the basic plastic plug sockets.
Can I install a new plug socket myself?
If you are highly skilled and knowledgeable in electrics, then it is possible to install a new plug socket yourself. However, it is advised that you hire a professional electrician to install a new plug socket as electrics can be dangerous if not installed properly or safely.
Professional electricians can make sure your electrical work is done correctly, safely, and in compliance with building regulations. In addition, they can inspect your electrical circuits and fuse boxes to ensure they're up to standard and are in perfect working order.
