Cost to Add a New Socket
How much does it cost to add a new socket?
You can expect to pay between £80 and £150 to install a standard plug socket, including labour and materials. This assumes the socket is being added close to the existing wiring and doesn’t require major alterations.
If the job is more complex, for example, if you’re installing sockets in a new location further from the existing circuit, or if rewiring is required, costs can rise to £150 to £250 per socket.
Labour costs vary depending on the electrician’s rates, but most charge between £40 and £60 per hour, with the installation of a single socket typically taking 1 to 2 hours. For multiple sockets installed during the same visit, many electricians will offer a discounted rate. For example, adding three or four sockets in one room may cost £250 to £400 in total, which works out cheaper per socket.
Adding extra plug sockets to your home is one of the most common electrical jobs in the UK. With so many devices, appliances, and chargers needed in modern households, it’s no surprise that many homeowners find themselves short of power outlets.
In this guide, we’ll break down the average costs, the types of plug sockets available, the factors that influence installation prices, and provide useful tips to save money while keeping your home safe and compliant with UK electrical regulations.
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User submitted prices
Prices provided by WhatPrice users who have had a new socket added or has been quoted for one.
| Job type | Description | Price | Units | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Add a socket | Disconnected power outside so garden work could be carried out | £565 | Total price | South East |
| Add a socket | Installed 11 sockets, kitchen light, 2 x smoke detectors, repositioned a light switch, sink 1 light switch and 1 double socket. Electrical Install certificate | £1,349 | Total price | South East |
| Add a socket | 13amp double socket for | £60 | Total price | North West |
| Add a socket | Double socket on oposite wall chased in | £90 | Total price | North West |
| Add a socket | New RCD spur, double socket chased in for wall mounted TV | £130 | Total price | South East |
| Add a socket | Move one socket approx. 2 metres on the same wall, lift floorboards, run cable, fit surface box, connect and test. | £85 | Total price | Scotland |
| Add a socket | Two new sockets within ring circuit of lounge wires buried and flush mounted plate | £235 | Total price | South West |
| Add a socket | 1 new socket plus x 2 fused spurs and chased in | £495 | Total price | Yorkshire & the Humber |
| Add a socket | Supply of 7 new Double Sockets (3 different rooms) 1 New Light switch and light fitting Relocate a surface mounted RCD | £380 | Total price | Scotland |
| Add a socket | Provide an additional double power socket on opposite side of room to original power socket fed via RCD fused connection unit as the property has a fuse board with no RCD protection. Conceal cable in white PVC mini trunking and issue Minor Works certificate on completion. | £190 | Total price | South East |
| Add a socket | Moving 3 sockets from the skirting up to the wall. | £460 | Total price | London |
| Add a socket | Electrician came out to add a new socket to the living room, fitted new socket and cleared up afterwards, very happy. | £390 | Total price | North West |
| Add a socket | Supply and install to external wall of House 1 Mk Masterseal double socket outlet. Price excludes VAT. | £120 | Total price | East Midlands |
| Add a socket | fitted outdoor twin socket (fully enclosed) for lawnmower etc. wiring concealed under floor and on seperate circuit from consumer unit. | £120 | Total price | North East |
| Add a socket | To add one socket including test certificate | £147 | Total price | South East |
| Add a socket | Extra socket fitted 3 mtrs away from existing socket. | £85 | Total price | London |
Types of plug sockets and typical costs
The type of socket you choose will also influence the final price. Here are the most common options available to UK homeowners:
Standard double sockets
The most common choice, a standard double socket costs £5 to £15 for the unit itself. With installation, you’ll pay around £80 to £150.
USB plug sockets
These sockets include built-in USB ports, ideal for charging phones and tablets without an adaptor. They typically cost £20 to £40 for the unit, with installation costs from £100 to £180 per socket.
Smart sockets
Smart plug sockets can be controlled via Wi-Fi or voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home. The units cost £30 to £60, and installation usually brings the total to £120 to £200.
Outdoor sockets
Weatherproof sockets designed for gardens, patios, and outdoor appliances cost £25 to £50 for the unit. Because they require extra waterproofing and safety checks, installation costs are slightly higher, typically £120 to £200.
Decorative or designer sockets
If you want brushed chrome, stainless steel, or black nickel finishes, expect to pay more. Designer sockets can cost £20 to £50 per unit, with total installation between £100 to £180.
Regional price differences
As with most trades, where you live in the UK will affect the price.
- London and the Southeast: Expect to pay 10 to 20% more due to higher labour costs, so a single socket may cost £120 to £200.
- North of England, Scotland, and Wales: Prices are often lower, with a single socket typically costing £80 to £120.
- Rural Areas: Fewer electricians available may mean higher call-out charges, but rates can sometimes be cheaper than in cities.
Factors that affect the cost of installing a new socket
The cost to fit a new plug socket isn’t the same for every job. Several factors influence the total price:
- Distance from the existing wiring. If your new socket is close to an existing circuit, the job is straightforward. If it’s far away, additional wiring and chasing into walls will increase costs.
- Condition of your wiring. Older homes may require safety upgrades before new sockets can be installed. Rewiring or adding a new circuit will increase costs significantly.
- Surface vs. flush-mounted sockets. Surface-mounted sockets (where the box sits on top of the wall) are quicker and cheaper to install. Flush-mounted sockets (set into the wall) require more labour, raising the price.
- Type of socket. Standard sockets are the cheapest, while smart, USB, or outdoor sockets cost more to supply and install.
- Number of sockets installed. Fitting multiple sockets at the same time is more cost-effective than hiring an electrician for separate visits.
- Call-out charge. If you only need one socket fitted, you may be charged a minimum fee or call-out rate, usually between £50 and £100.
Why hire a qualified electrician?
It might seem like a simple job, but electrical work is never something to take lightly. In the UK, socket installation must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations, and all work should be carried out by a qualified, registered electrician.
A professional will ensure the new socket is wired safely, test the circuit, and provide the correct certification if required. This protects you from the risk of electrical fires, shocks, or invalidating your home insurance.
How to reduce cost of socket installation
Although hiring a professional is essential, there are a few ways to keep costs down:
- Plan ahead: Instead of adding sockets one at a time, think about your long-term needs and have multiple sockets installed in one go. This reduces labour costs per socket.
- Provide your own sockets: Buying the sockets yourself can sometimes be cheaper than paying the electrician’s markup. Just make sure they’re compatible and meet UK standards.
- Choose surface-mounted sockets: If you don’t mind the look, surface-mounted sockets are quicker and cheaper to install than flush-mounted ones.
- Get multiple quotes: Prices can vary significantly between electricians, so always compare at least three quotes before making a decision.
- Avoid emergency callouts: If possible, schedule work in advance to avoid paying higher rates for urgent or out-of-hours jobs.
FAQs
How long does it take to fit a new plug socket?
Most installations take 1 to 2 hours per socket, depending on the complexity.
Do I need a certificate for a new socket?
Yes. Electrical work should be certified to confirm it complies with Building Regulations. Your electrician will provide this.
Can I fit a new socket myself?
Unless you are a qualified electrician, you should not attempt to fit a new plug socket yourself. DIY electrical work is dangerous and could invalidate your insurance.
Will adding sockets add value to my home?
Yes. Additional plug sockets improve convenience and functionality, which is attractive to buyers.
Need an electrician?
Ready to add more plug sockets to your home? The best way to find out how much it will cost is to compare quotes from trusted electricians in your area.
