The easier way to book quality trades

Download app

Adding extra plug sockets can make a big difference to how a room works day to day.

Whether you're tired of trailing extension leads, creating a home office, rearranging furniture, or simply running out of places to plug things in, a new socket installation can make your home safer, more practical and easier to live in.

The good news is that most plug socket installation jobs are relatively straightforward for a qualified electrician. However, costs can vary depending on the type of socket, how much wiring is needed and where it's being installed.

This guide explains typical new socket installation costs in the UK, including electrician costs per socket, outdoor socket prices, USB socket upgrades and the factors that can affect your final quote.

How much does a new socket installation cost?

As a rough guide, the cost of installing a new plug socket is usually between £100–£200, including labour.

The final price will depend on the type of socket you choose, how accessible the location is, and whether additional wiring is needed.

Most homeowners pay around £150 for a new socket installation.

If you're simply replacing an existing socket or upgrading to a USB socket using existing wiring, costs are often relatively straightforward.

However, adding completely new sockets, installing outdoor sockets, or extending circuits can increase labour time and materials.

Get a quote for plug socket installation near you

Whether you're adding extra sockets to a busy family room, creating a home office, or finally getting rid of those extension leads trailing across the floor, it's worth getting advice from a qualified electrician before work starts.

A good local electrician can:

• Recommend the safest location for new sockets

• Check whether your existing circuits have enough capacity

• Explain if any additional wiring or upgrades are needed

For the most accurate new socket installation cost, ask for a written quote that clearly sets out labour costs, socket and material costs, any additional wiring required, testing and certification and whether making good is included.

Comparing a few itemised quotes will help you understand what represents good value and ensure you're comparing like-for-like.

Socket installation costs at a glance

• New socket installation cost: around £100–£200

• Average electrician cost per socket: around £150

• Outdoor socket installation cost: around £110

• USB socket installation cost: around £150

• Cost to move a socket: around £150

• Electrician labour cost: around £40

Cost of installing a plug socket by type

Not all socket installations are the same. Whether you're adding a simple single socket, upgrading to USB charging points or installing power outdoors, the cost will vary depending on the type of socket and the work involved.

Single socket

A single socket can be useful in smaller spaces where only one appliance is needed. Installation costs average around £150.

Double socket

Double sockets are often the most practical choice because they provide additional capacity without taking up much more wall space. They typically cost around £150 to install.

USB socket

Many homeowners now choose USB sockets in bedrooms, kitchens and home offices.

If you're replacing an existing socket with a USB version, the work is often simpler than installing a completely new socket, which can help keep costs down.

Average installation cost for a USB socket: £150.

Cost to move a plug socket

Sometimes you don't need an additional socket at all; you simply need an existing one moved to a more practical location.

Moving a plug socket typically costs around £150, although the final price will depend on how far the socket is being relocated and how much wiring work is involved.

Common reasons for moving a plug socket include:

• Installing a new kitchen

• Creating a home office

• Mounting a television on the wall

• Rearranging furniture layouts

• Renovating or redecorating a room

If the new position is close to the existing wiring, the work is often relatively straightforward. However, costs can increase if cables need extending, walls need chasing out, or making good is required afterwards.

Outdoor socket

Outdoor sockets are useful for plugging in:

• Lawn mowers

• Garden lighting

• Pressure washers

• Hot tubs

• Outdoor entertaining areas

Average installation cost for an outdoor socket: £110.

What affects the cost of plug socket installation?

• Type of socket: Standard white sockets are generally the most affordable. Decorative finishes and specialist sockets (such as USB or outdoor sockets) can cost more

• Number of sockets: Installing multiple sockets during one visit is often more cost-effective than arranging several separate jobs

• Existing wiring: If new cabling needs to be run through walls, floors or ceilings, labour costs can increase

• Access: Furniture, fitted units and difficult wall access can increase installation time

• Socket location: Sockets installed further from existing circuits usually cost more because additional wiring is required

• Property location: Labour rates tend to be higher in London and the South East than in many other parts of the UK

On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.

Additional costs to budget for

When comparing quotes, remember there may be additional costs beyond the socket installation itself.

Potential extras include:

• Wall chasing and making good afterwards

• Plaster repairs

• Additional wiring

• Consumer unit upgrades

• Decorative socket finishes

• Testing and certification

• Outdoor weatherproof accessories

What should be included in a plug socket installation quote?

A written quote should clearly explain:

• Labour costs

• Socket supply costs

• Any additional wiring required

• Testing and certification

• Whether making good is included

• VAT (where applicable)

• Any exclusions

Understanding exactly what's included makes it much easier to compare quotes fairly.

We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.

How long does it take to install a new plug socket?

A straightforward socket installation can often be completed within 1–2 hours.

However, the work may take longer if:

• New wiring needs installing

• Walls need chasing out

• Access is difficult

• Multiple sockets are being fitted

• The room is part of an extension project

Most homeowners experience only minor disruption, although there may be some dust and noise if walls need opening up.

Furniture may also need moving temporarily to allow access to the work area.

Plug socket installation cost calculator

Use our calculator below to estimate the cost of installing new sockets in your home before reaching out for quotes.

Job Estimate Calculator

Get Started

Step 0/3

This calculator provides a guide price only, not a quote. For an accurate cost, ask a selection of checked local electricians to provide an itemised written quote for your job.

Can you install a plug socket yourself?

While replacing some socket faceplates may appear straightforward, installing a new socket is usually best left to a qualified electrician.

Electrical work carries obvious safety risks and may require testing to ensure the circuit remains safe.

An electrician will:

• Install the socket safely

• Check circuit capacity

• Identify any existing electrical issues

• Ensure work complies with current regulations

• Provide testing where needed

For most homeowners, the peace of mind is well worth it.

New socket installation cost checklist

• Decide where each socket is needed

• Consider whether double sockets would be more practical

• Think about USB or outdoor sockets if relevant

• Check whether multiple sockets can be installed during one visit

• Ask whether making good is included

• Get written quotes from a selection of checked local electricians

• Confirm testing and certification requirements

When should you speak to an electrician?

It may be time to speak to an electrician if:

• You're relying heavily on extension leads

• Multi-plug adaptors are becoming permanent fixtures

• You're creating a home office

• You're renovating a room

• You need outdoor power

• Existing sockets are damaged or outdated

Adding sockets early in a renovation project is often easier and more cost-effective than trying to retrofit them later.

Find an electrician for plug socket installation near you

If you've worked out roughly how many sockets you need, the next step is getting a few itemised quotes.

A qualified electrician can advise on the safest location for your new sockets, whether your existing circuits can support them, and whether any additional electrical work is needed to complete the job.

Find checked electricians working in your area and compare quotes with confidence.

FAQs

Is it illegal to have a plug socket in the bathroom in the UK?

Standard plug sockets are generally not permitted within most bathroom zones in the UK because of the risk of electric shock. Special rules apply to bathroom electrics, so always seek advice from a qualified electrician.

Can I plug an electric cooker into a normal socket?

Most electric cookers require a dedicated circuit and cannot be plugged into a standard 13-amp socket. Always check the manufacturer's requirements before installation.

Do you need an electrician to change a plug socket in the UK?

Simple socket replacements can sometimes be carried out by competent individuals, but if you're unsure, it's always safest to use a qualified electrician.

Are plug-in socket testers any good?

Socket testers can provide a quick indication of some wiring faults, but they don't replace professional electrical testing and inspection.

Can you convert a light socket to a plug?

In some circumstances, an electrician may be able to repurpose wiring, but it depends on the existing circuit configuration. This is not normally a DIY job and should be assessed professionally.

How long does it take to install a new plug socket?

It can take around 1-2 hours to install a new plug socket. This time will increase if lots of new wiring is needed, or in the case of an extension, it will take a lot longer if the room hasn’t yet been wired.

How much are labour costs?

Typically, the labour costs for installing a plug socket would be £40, although this varies based on experience level and location.

Checkatrade

Follow us

More Electrician Articles

Electrician hourly rates in the UK in 2026

How much does consumer unit replacement cost in 2026?

Electrical safety check costs: Price breakdown 2026 (UK)

View all