COST GUIDES
How much does it cost to install outdoor socket in 2026?
Updated 06/26
If you want to use electrical equipment safely outside your home then the best way is via an outdoor socket, or exterior power point.
Fast Facts
An outdoor plug socket costs around £10 - £60
The labour cost of installation is around £130 - £200+ for a single outdoor socket
Double sockets, extra cabling, or complex installs will cost more
In this guide we look at the budget you need to install outdoor electrics, and answer the question: how much will it cost to have an outdoor plug socket fitted?
We'll also give you some tips on what affects the cost, and how to find an outdoor socket installer near you.
How much does an outdoor socket installation cost?
| Outdoor plug socket costs | Cost + VAT (Range low - high) |
|---|---|
| Average material cost | £10 - £60 |
| Cost to install a single outdoor socket (labour) | £130 - £200+ |
| Cost to install a double outdoor socket (labour) | £200+ |
| Last updated: June 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |
The material cost for a new outdoor plug socket will cost around £10 - £60.
For the labour, expect to pay around £130 - £200+ for a single outdoor socket, or £200+ for a double outdoor socket.
If you’re wondering how much an outdoor socket costs, then you’ll need to work out both of those costs. Bear in mind that both will vary depending on what type of socket you choose, and the complexity of the job - more on that below.
You can also learn more about the labour prices for other electrical jobs in our electrician hourly rate guide.
What's included in an outdoor socket installation quote?
Generally, a quote to install an outside plug socket will include the costs of:
The plug socket itself, usually including the external box
Materials, including a small amount of cabling
Installation
Testing
Certification that the installation is compliant and safe
Cleanup and disposal of waste
Additional costs to budget for
You may need to pay a little extra on your outside socket installation for things like:
Extra cabling, if needed
Extra materials
Complex installs - for instance, if the socket will be in an awkward place
Transport and parking
VAT
Always get a written quote from your electrician, so you know exactly what's included before the installation begins.
Data verified by our professional estimators
Estimators are CIOB & RICS members
Factors affecting the cost of outdoor plug sockets
Type of socket: Depending on whether you want an RCD socket, single plug or double plug, the cost to install an outdoor socket will vary.
Electrical inspection: For older homes your electrician may recommend you have an electrical safety check. This will ensure your consumer unit can cope with the extra plug and power drawn.
Position of socket: The further your external power point is placed from other sockets then the more cabling will be needed to connect it. This will increase the labour time.
Usage: If you want your electrical devices to turn off and on at certain pre-set times, then choosing an outdoor plug socket with a timer will let you do so. This is ideal for lighting, heating and Christmas lights.
Experience level of your electrician: The price you pay your electrician will vary based on their experience level and where you live in the UK. It's always best get the best quality electrician you can afford to reduce any issues down the line.
Number of sockets: If you need two plugs it’s far cheaper to install a double socket than it is to install two singles. Likewise, it’s cheaper to install two sockets today than a second socket later on. So, be sure to think about your long-term plans if you want to save money.
Accessibility: In addition to the distance from other plugs, the price you pay will also rise if the socket is in a hard to reach area. If you require the socket as a fixed feature away from the wall, such as a box at the end of the garden, this will further increase costs as well.
Get an estimate for your outdoor plug socket installation cost
Type a few details about the plug socket you want into our job estimate calculator, and the tool will use Checkatrade data to give you a closer estimate of what costs you can expect.
It's a great way to get a quick idea of your budget before you even reach out to local outdoor electricians.
Job Estimate Calculator
Why install an outdoor socket?
By adding an outdoor socket you’ll have the convenience of not running long power cables from your home. That means no more annoying trip hazards.
Alongside this convenience, you’ll have a dedicated power source for permanent outdoor fixtures.
Plus, you can be sure you have a waterproof and durable power source to reduce the risk of any faults.
You can even add an outdoor power socket to the front of your property. However, if you have an electric vehicle it’s recommended you look into electric car charger installation costs.
What can an outdoor plug socket be used for?
An outdoor plug socket is perfect for:
Garden care, such as mowing the lawn or strimming
Outdoor DIY using an electrical drill or other power tool
Installing outdoor lighting safely
Powering hot tubs, outdoor pools, or pond equipment
Car washing or pressure washing equipment
Running power to a garden home, office, shed, or summerhouse
What is an RCD?
You may hear the acronym ‘RCD’ mentioned in relation to outdoor plug sockets. RCD means "residual current device" and is a mandatory feature in many power sockets now.
Sockets with this feature will cut off electricity if there is a fault, such as if you cut through your lawnmower cable. This is essential to protect you from fatal shocks.
RCD sockets also include covers that trap the cable in place. As a result, there’s no risk of pulling the cable out if you yank it accidentally or it gets stuck during use. Not only is this feature convenient, but it also makes the use of your outdoor equipment safer.
The cost of an outdoor plug socket with RCD is more expensive but can be cheaper overall when you factor in installation.
Without an RCD in the unit, your electrician will need to connect to an RCD somewhere else in your home. Connecting this can require more labour time and cabling, pushing up the cost to fit outdoor sockets.
Important considerations when installing an outdoor socket
When choosing an outdoor socket and considering what devices you will use with it, you must consider the following:
The plug socket and any cables must be waterproof and rated for use outdoors.
Any electrical devices left plugged in outside must also be waterproof and rated for outdoor use.
Cables must be frost proof and waterproof. Ideally, they should be exposed to the elements as little as possible.
Periodically check cables and devices left outside to ensure they have not been damaged by pests.
Cover any cables to ensure they are not tripping hazards.
You need to comply with building regulations and electrical regulations.
As discussed above, it is wise to choose a socket with an RCD and that prevents accidental tugging.
Check out our electrician hub for all the information you need in one place. There's everything from the cost of adding plug sockets to hanging a chandelier!
Can I install an outdoor socket myself?
No, it's not advised. As with all electrical work, there is a significant risk of damage to yourself or your home if the installation is not done correctly.
A qualified electrician will draw on their knowledge and experience to help you choose the best socket and amperage levels. They will ensure the work complies with regulations and you’ll have the peace of mind that you can use the socket safely.
To find a local trusted tradesperson in your area and get a personalised cost to install outdoor sockets use our free search feature.
Find an outdoor electrician near you
Useful outdoor socket checklist
Outdoor sockets make using exterior devices easy and safe.
The cost to install an outdoor socket is only slightly more than an indoor socket.
RCD sockets are safer and can reduce the cost to install an outdoor socket.
Ensure all plugs, sockets, cables and devices are rated for use outdoors.
Consider your long-term requirements when deciding how many plug sockets to have installed.
FAQs
Typically, it takes around 2-4 hours to install and test an outdoor plug socket.
Installing an outdoor plug socket opens up a wealth of opportunities for devices you can use safely outside. This includes:
Lawnmowers.
Car vacuums.
Hot tubs.
Outdoor lighting.
Outdoor heating.
Electric sprinklers.
Pond pumps and pool pumps.
Yes, it's easy to install a timer on an outdoor socket. All you need to do is choose a socket that supports it - for instance, built-in timer socket, a smart plug socket, or a plug-in timer.
To weatherproof an outdoor socket, you should secure it in an exterior box, seal all cable entry points, secure it when it's in use, and drill a tiny drain hole in the box to allow condensation to escape.
No, a specific certificate isn't required for an outdoor socket in England.
But as with all electrical works, the electrician who installs your outdoor socket should provide a certificate to confirm that it's been properly installed and tested to BS 7671 standards.
Yes, an IP44 rating is considered the minimum IP rating for an outdoor socket, so it's suitable.
However, for added safety and peace of mind, it may be better to choose a socket with a higher rating - IP66 is preferred for outdoors.
The minimum recommended height for an outdoor socket in the UK is 300 millimetres (30 centimetres) above ground level.
However, that's the absolute minimum - many electricians prefer to install sockets at least 450 millimetres above the ground.
See the tradespeople we've checked for your job