(replacement standard outlet)
(new smart outlet, new circuit)
Cost to install an electrical outlet varies greatly by region (and even by zip code).
Get free estimates from electricians in your city.
The average cost of installing an electrical outlet is $100 - $120.
An electrical outlet is a unit that allows an electrical device to connect to the source of electricity. These are usually installed in walls, and sometimes floors. Proper electrical work requires knowledge of building codes and can potentially be hazardous if you don’t know what you’re doing, which is why the installation is best left to a professional electrician.
The cost to install a new, heavy-duty appliance outlet that requires its own circuit will cost approximately $120-$175.
There are several factors that can impact the cost of outlet installation. Some of these may not be a “line item” in terms of your bill, but they can add to the time it takes the electrician to complete the project, meaning the labor costs will increase.
Outlet installation requires a box that houses the outlet and wiring. If the box already exists, installing a new outlet should be pretty easy and not require new wiring. Wiring may be required if the receptacle needs to be installed from scratch or if the electrician determines that a circuit needs to be extended. The cost for new wiring varies but can take 1-2 hours at a cost of $65-$85 per hour.
There are many different types of electrical outlets, some of which are required for specific appliances.
Beyond the standard outlet are outlets with a GFCI or AFCI circuit breaker, or both, in the same unit. A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is designed to reduce the risk of electrical shock. An arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) is designed to reduce the risk of fire caused by arcing faults. The following table outlines some of the requirements for GFCI and AFCI breakers.
Type | Room | Amperage |
---|---|---|
GFCI | Bathrooms Kitchens Laundry rooms Garages | All 15- and 20-amp receptacles |
AFCI | Laundry rooms Kitchens Sleeping areas | All 120v 15- and 20-amp receptacles |
The standard outlet has standard slots for a plug, but tamper-resistant outlets have an internal shutter that closes when the outlet is not in use. This safety feature prevents children from tampering with the outlet and getting shocked, as it is more difficult to put foreign objects in the outlet. This has become a requirement in some state codes and they cost about the same as ones w/o the safety feature, so it is always best to choose a tamper-resistant outlet when replacing an old one.
A licensed electrician will perform the installation and electricians charge by the hour ($65-$85 per hour). Many electricians will also charge a minimum service fee for any project (often one hour). For a simple outlet installation, the area for the outlet will be cut away and the wires attached to the outlet, but in many cases, the electrician may need to add a new circuit, which takes a little more time. Adding a circuit will avoid a blown breaker and electrical overload. Expect to pay for 1-3 hours of labor plus the cost of parts.
New outlet installation may possibly include the cost to wire a new circuit, which adds to your labor costs, but the price for materials may not differ much from the cost of replacement. The replacement may simply involve installing a new receptacle, but it could also require replacing wires or the box as well. The new installation will require a receptacle (outlet), box, and wire connectors. Expect to pay $65-$85 per hour for labor (1-3 hours) and $10-$100 for materials.
Replacing an outlet, if it doesn’t require new wiring, is generally less expensive than a new installation. However, new installation means you have a choice in where the outlet goes, which can be more convenient for your home layout. With a replacement outlet, you’re stuck with the location, and you may not have an option to upgrade to a heavy-duty outlet if you need it.
Instead of installing a new outlet, you may want to have an outlet moved. The entire box will need to be moved, and the electrician will need to shift the wiring. There probably won’t be much cost in terms of materials, but the process will take at least an hour ($65-$85 per hour). If you move an outlet instead of simply installing a new one, there will be a hole in the wall where the old electrical box was. Some electricians may be able to patch this with drywall, but some may direct you to a handyman. A handyman can repair drywall at $60-$90 per hour, and the process will probably take about an hour.
The difference between 2-prong and 3-pronged outlets is that the 3-pronged outlet has a “ground.” Upgrading takes a little more work than just switching the outlet panel. A grounded fuse box will make the task easier and will take about an hour ($65-$85 per hour), plus the cost of the new outlet ($10-$25). If the fuse box is not grounded, the costs will increase and vary based on the complexity of the project.
The standard color for outlets is white, but there are other color options if you want a more decorative look. Many nonstandard colors will cost a little more than the standard outlet, sometimes as much as twice the price ($4-$15).
Light switches may feel like an afterthought, but they are critical to your home’s lighting system. The price varies to install a light switch, depending on how complex the switch is. For example, a single-pole switch requiring no rewiring will cost about $75, while a smart switch requiring new wiring may cost as much as $250.
Also known as “smart plugs,” smart outlets are Internet-compatible, helping you build your smart home. These outlets and switches can be Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth compatible, and many have USB ports as well. Smart plugs range from $20-$80 each.
Most electricians have a minimum service fee (one hour, $65-$85) plus the cost of materials ($10-$100). A single outlet installation typically takes less than an hour.
If you have no experience working with electrical layouts, it’s best to let a pro handle it.
When outlets are installed upside down, the ground prong is facing up, meaning it’s nearly impossible to cause a spark in the event the plug pulls away from the wall.
A single outlet typically takes less than an hour to install.
A ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) costs $10-$25 for the outlet and at least one hour of labor ($65-$85 per hour).
Electricians typically charge by the hour ($65-$85 per hour), not including the price of materials.
Cost to install an electrical outlet varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.