How Much Does It Cost to Install an Electrical Outlet?

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Electrical Outlet Installation Cost Calculator

Electrical Outlet Installation Cost Calculator

Costs to install an electrical outlet vary greatly by region. Let’s calculate the cost for your zip code.

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NATIONAL COSTS

Average Cost

$141

Low Cost

$85

High Cost

$275

See Electrical Outlet Installation Cost Calculator Breakdown 

Average Cost Project Low-Cost Project High-Cost Project

Cost

Materials

1 15 amp 125 volt residential-grade duplex straight blade receptacle

$1

1 Single-gang wall plate for a duplex receptacle

$1

1 Non-metallic two-gang conduit box, 35 cubic inch

$4

Labor

Setting up the job, installing the new outlet box, duplex receptacle, and wall plate

$79

Materials

1 20 amp 250 volt commercial-grade receptacle

$11

1 Non-metallic two-gang conduit box, 35 cubic inch

$4

1 20 amp receptacle handy cover box

$3

Labor

Setting up the job, fishing 13' of wires through a wall, installing the new outlet box, heavy-duty receptacle, and cover

$123

Materials

1 15 amp GFCI receptacle

$44

1 Universal non-metallic wet location conduit box cover

$9

1 Rectangular steel weatherproof conduit box

$24

Labor

Setting up the job, fishing 13' of wires through a wall, installing the new outlet box, GFCI receptacle, weatherproof cover, and setting the new circuit

$198

Total

$85

$141

$275

Electrical Outlet Price by Type

Many different types of electrical outlets may be installed, some of which are required for specific appliances. If the wrong outlet is used, it could cause an appliance to short out and even start a fire. Using the wrong outlet voids the warranty on your appliance or lighting. Additionally, some plugs feature more prongs than others, so the correct number of prong openings must be used.

Standard Electrical Outlet (120v)

The standard duplex outlet you see in most homes costs $1 to $5. It contains a long slot, a short slot, and a grounding slot. They come in three colors, including white, almond, and black. Many of these products come with a tamper-resistant feature to protect against the risk of electrical shock. The amperage for this is 15. It can be used for lamps, toasters, radios, and other small appliances.

Tamper-Resistant Outlet

Tamper-resistant or child-proof outlets run from $1 to $6. These types of receptacles are used to protect against electrical shock. The outlet contains a shutter mechanism that prevents the insertion of anything other than two prongs at once. This ensures that bobby pins, toys, or other household belongings cannot be stuck into the outlet by a child, thus preventing an electrical shock. While it is a great safety feature, it can sometimes be difficult to plug in the two-prong plug. It may take a few times of trying to make it work.

Duplex Convenience Outlet Price

Depending upon your needs, these outlets range from $1 to $20 per outlet. This is a standard option that means that two receptacles are in a single unit. Duplex outlets measure 15 amps and are safe to use with standard plugs on lights, small appliances, and other small amp usage products. The design of this outlet protects against electrical shock and hazards.

Floor Outlet Price

Using floor outlets has a range of $1 to $50. The costs vary due to the type of outlet you choose. Most 120 V, 15 amp outlets can be used as a floor outlet, but attractive receptacles are made especially to fit in with your decor. Needing a floor outlet is generally for larger rooms with lighting that is too far away from the wall plug. They provide convenience for shorter cords to avoid the use of extension cords.

Coax Outlet

A coax outlet costs an average of $3 to $7. Most modern homes already contain a coax outlet. However, if you are adding cable tv, satellite service, or an antenna to a home without it, it will require a coax outlet. To hook up to this type of outlet, you will need a coaxial cable at the cost of $5 to $20.

Combination Outlet

The cost for a combination outlet is $7 to $30. A combination outlet includes the switch and outlet in the same enclosure box. The switch is used to control the receptacle. Additionally, the switch can be wired to control another loading point, generally a light point. This type of outlet allows you to have a free receptacle while you are using the light.

Heavy-Duty Outlet (220v, 240v, 250v)

Heavy-duty outlets typically cost $10 to $20 per outlet. This refers to outlets designed for devices that draw a lot of power, such as refrigerators, dryers, and ovens. The design of the receptacle is slot, t-slot, and round slot. The t-slot is the identifying factor that this is a 20 amp receptacle versus 15. This will be the only outlet on a particular circuit.

GFCI Outlet Cost

To differentiate from standard outlets, GFCI outlets with a reset switch range from $10 to $20 per outlet. The National Electrical Code now states that grounded outlets are standard in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room. A GFCI outlet contains a built-in surge protector that kicks in if a power surge occurs or moisture is detected to safeguard against electrocution.

LED Outlet

An LED electrical outlet will cost $10 to $30. These outlets are furnished with one or more lights triggered by a sensor, so they come on when it is dark and turn off when it becomes light in the room. They are a great addition to light the way at night or in low-light areas like hallways or bathrooms. They save on electricity and keep the walkways in your home safe in the dark.

Recessed Electric Outlet

Recessed electric outlets run from $10 to $60. The receptacle is installed recessed into the wall and fits behind furniture to hide unsightly cables or plugs. Recessed outlets can be used in new construction but are available for existing wall-mounted receptacles. With a low-profile frame, you can locate all your home theatre plugs in one spot without losing space on the wall.

Rotating Electrical Outlet

Rotating electrical outlets cost $12 to $20 per outlet. These handy outlets do just what you think. They rotate 360 degrees to accommodate different devices. This is a good option for handling bulkier adapters or multiple cords. While installed like a standard receptacle, a rotating outlet allows you to plug in a large charger, rotate it, and free up the bottom plug for another charger.

AFCI Outlet Cost

An AFCI Outlet costs $20 to $32. The AFCI outlet looks much like a GFCI but serves a different purpose. AFCI stands for arc fault circuit interrupter. Arcs occur when electricity moves from one wire to another. This can quickly start a fire. The AFCI outlet protects against arcs. Any home built before 1999 should already be equipped with AFCI circuit breakers. Older homes can be adapted by the installation of AFCI outlets at the beginning of every circuit.

USB Electrical Outlet

A USB electrical outlet is a handy device that costs $20 to $40. These nifty receptacles are equipped with a smart chip that knows how much to charge and for how long. You will never have to search for your charger again because it is included in your electrical outlet nearby at all times. Additionally, it eliminates the clutter of all of the chargers lying around.

Smart Plug Cost

Smart plugs range from $20 to $80 each. Also known as “smart outlets,” smart plugs are Internet-compatible, helping you build your smart home. These outlets and switches can be Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth compatible. Many have USB ports. You need a smart home hub such as Google Home or Echo to use your smartphone to turn on and off lights when you aren’t home.

Labor Cost to Install Electrical Outlet

A licensed electrician will perform the installation. Electricians charge by the hour ($40 to $100 per hour). Many electricians 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. 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 one to three hours of labor plus the cost of parts resulting in an electrician’s average cost to install an outlet of $141, including materials. The cost to install an outlet is minor compared to injury that can occur if you try this DIY, so we don’t recommend it.

The cost per outlet for new construction is generally based on the whole house as wiring must be included. The average cost for wiring a 2,000 sq. ft. house is $6,000 to $10,000. This pricing includes initial rough-in, finishing work, installation and materials for outlets and switches, and rough wiring for light fixtures and appliances.

Cost to Rewire for Electrical Outlet

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 one to two hours at $40 to $100 per hour. Faulty or outdated wiring can cause a fire, injury, or even death, so it is vital to hire a licensed, trained, and experienced professional to do your electrical wiring.​

Cost to Ground Outlets

The cost for grounding one outlet can run from $100 to $150. Grounding occurs at two separate spots--at the outlet and the main fuse or circuit breaker panel. Outlets that have to be grounded are the old 2-slot type you won’t see in homes built after 1962. These are easy to spot as they only feature two vertical slots rather than two vertical slots and a hole. Two prong outlets are safe to use with items such as a lamp or radio but present a problem with today’s appliances with three prongs or heavier electrical use products. It is important to understand that an ungrounded electrical outlet cannot be replaced with a grounded receptacle. The wiring doesn’t exist that is necessary to ground the outlet. A professional electrician needs to install the wiring and the receptacle. However, if your main fuse box is grounded, the electrician will only have to ground the two-slot outlets and change them to three prongs. As many professionals have minimum costs, it is best to have several electrical jobs done at the same time. It is always necessary to ground an outlet when switching it out as ungrounded outlets are old technology.

Cost Factors For Installing Electrical Outlets

Several factors 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.

• Existing wiring: Installing an outlet where there is no existing wiring will add to your labor costs. The electrician will have to add wiring extensions to get to where the outlet is going to go. Depending on the location, this could potentially add more than an hour to the labor costs.
• Location: Outlets can be installed in the wall (which is standard) or the floor (which is more unusual). Floor outlets can be useful for providing easy access to plug in devices such as electronics, though this should be avoided in areas with potential for liquid spillage. Because there probably isn’t wiring in the flooring already, you can anticipate added costs for wiring extensions to the floor.
• Purpose: Different appliances and rooms require different outlets. Heavy-duty outlets designed for appliance use, for example, cost $10 to $20, not including the labor costs to install a new circuit.
• Type: The type of outlet you choose affects the cost. Standard duplex outlets, for example, cost about $1 - $5 per outlet. Smart outlets cost as much as $20 to $80.

Cost to Replace Electrical Outlet

Although it may be tempting to replace an electrical outlet yourself, it isn’t a good idea. Even if you know how, it is best to hire a licensed electrician as incorrect wiring can result in sparks or cause a fire or an electrocution. A simple outlet replacement is quick. However, the electrician will probably charge you a minimum of one hour for labor cost to replace an outlet ($40 to $100 per hour), plus the cost of the outlet. If you choose to upgrade the outlet, the electrician may spend more time on labor, and the material cost will be higher.

Replacing an outlet is vital if the slots show any signs of black coloring due to a spark having occurred or if the outlet doesn’t fit flush to the wall. The cost for an electrician to replace an outlet can be as low as $100. The cost to replace all outlets in a house could run from $900 to $2,000 depending on how many outlets you have.

Cost to Change 2 Prong Outlet to 3 Prong

The difference between two-prong and three-prong outlets is that the three-prong outlet has a “ground.” The ground wire is a vital part of safety as it will take any power surges and direct them to the ground rather than into the appliances, plug, or other wiring. A two-prong outlet only contains a neutral wire and a live wire, not the ground wire. Newer three-prong outlets allow the ground wire to be installed, creating a safer outlet and preventing damage to electronic devices. Upgrading takes a little more work than just switching the outlet panel. A grounded fuse box makes the task easier and takes about an hour ($40 to 100 per hour), plus the cost of the new outlet ($1 to $50). If the fuse box is not grounded, the costs will increase and vary based on the complexity of the project

Cost to Change 3 Prong Outlet to 4

Changing from a three-prong outlet to a four-prong outlet costs $300 to $500. Homes built after 1962 but before the mid-‘90s were equipped with three-prong outlets. In 1996, the National Electric Code determined that a 4-prong plug was a safer choice. They began requiring all appliances to offer this type of set-up and new homes to be built with four-prong outlets. The difference is that older three-prong outlets are wired with the ground and neutral wires together. The neutral wire could emit current to the ground wire and result in an electrical shock to the user of the appliance. However, to forego the expense of replacing the wiring in existing homes, the NEC permits homeowners to purchase a three-prong plug for their new appliance. A three-prong cord costs $13 to $20.

Cost to Move Electrical Outlet

Instead of installing a new outlet, you may want to have an outlet moved. The cost to relocate an electrical outlet can be as little as $50. However, because of minimum fees, additional wiring, or other complications, it could be as much as $200. The entire box will need to be moved. The electrician will need to shift the wiring. There probably won’t be much cost in terms of materials, but the process takes at least an 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 can patch this with drywall 1, but some may direct you to a handyman. A handyman can repair drywall at $50 to $100 per hour, and the process will probably take about an hour. A homeowner may want to move an outlet if the existing receptacles are in an inconvenient place or it is too far away from light fixtures that have short cords. For example, the electrician’s cost to move an outlet from one wall to another in the same room is $75 to $100.

Cost to Add Outdoor Outlet

Outdoor outlets are used more and more as stringing up patio lights, and fans in screen porch areas are trending. Homeowners are spending time outside and want the right ambiance for themselves and their guests. Pools and hot tubs require receptacles that are safe around wet areas and can stand up under the weather. The simplest way to add an outdoor outlet is to find an indoor outlet in the same area and add a receptacle back-to-back. This requires cutting a hole through to the outside wall of your house and adding a GFCI outlet on the outside. Labor and materials will run you around $250 to $400 for a simple installation. If your home is older, needs new wiring, or modification to your electrical panel, you should budget $1,000 to $1,400 to add an electrical outlet outside.

NEC Requirements for Rececptacle Outlets

Two areas of safety coding exist in the United States. One is the National Electrical Safety Code or NESC, a nationwide set of rules for electrical safety published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers or IEEE. The second set of safety regulations is the National Electrical Code or NEC. The NEC is established and regulated by the National Fire Protection Association or NFPA. Both sets of codes establish standards for electrical safety and are generally followed by the authority with jurisdiction within a particular area. States or municipalities can change or alter these codes according to their standards.

• All residential, commercial, and industrial buildings in the United States normally comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC). The NEC outlines the electrical outlet code requirements for electrical installation, general safety, grounding, and overcurrent protection.
• In general, up to 10 outlets may be installed on a 20-amp circuit, but the NEC specifies that kitchens must have more than one circuit. Essentially, though, the number of outlets depends on the intended location and use of the circuit and NEC guidelines.
• Standard outlet amps are at least 15.
• The outlet height from floor code is no less than 15 inches from the bottom of the receptacle to the finished flooring. NEC dictates that the electrical outlet height code cannot exceed 48 inches from the top of the receptacle box to the floor. The minimum distance between outlets is every 12 feet.
• The code for electrical outlets in a kitchen requires at least one GFCI outlet. The minimum distance between outlets is no more than 48 inches. The bathroom electrical outlet code states there must also be one GFCI receptacle in each location. Laundry rooms, garages, basements, outside patios, and wet bar areas must have a GFCI to protect against electrical shock.

AFCI vs GFCI

The cost for a GFCI is $10 to $20 and for an AFCI is $20 to $32. 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 fire risk caused by arcing faults.

Both types of receptacles come with a reset button. If the interrupter is tripped, the reset button must be pushed. GFCIs have been required by code since the 1960s and are typically used in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry areas, and garages. AFCI outlets and breakers are fairly new but are now required in all new construction or electrical remodeling/repairs to protect against arcing that may cause a fire. They are used in bathrooms, kitchens, and sleeping areas. The amp differences are as follows: GFCI - 15-20 amp and AFCI - 120v 15-20 amp receptacles.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Decorative Outlets

The standard color for outlets is white, but there are other color options if you want a more decorative look. Many nonstandard colors cost a little more than the standard outlet, sometimes as much as twice the price ($5 to $25).

Installing Switches

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.

Outlet Expansion

Expanding your outlet is so much easier and more affordable than adding a new outlet. Turn two outlets into three or six with a simple adapter. Many options include all plugs in the front, some on the side, and outlets with USB ports built in. Adapters can cost from $5 to $25 or more, depending on the features and style. A surge protector can serve the same purpose. These plug into the outlet. They are off the floor or come in a power strip with or without USB ports. Expect to pay $10 to $30, depending on features and style.

Childproofing Outlets

The simplest way to childproof your outlets is to add outlet plugs. A multi-pack costs around $3 to $15. They are inexpensive and easy to add and remove. A second option is a sliding outlet cover which replaces your existing cover plate. The cover automatically closes over the outlet when your device is unplugged. These cost $10 to 15 for a multi-pack. The third option is a larger box cover that is ideal for items that are plugged in all the time. These cost $5 to $7 each, depending on the size of your outlet.