How Much Does It Cost To Install An Electrical Outlet?

Cost to install an electrical outlet

If you need a new electrical outlet or outlets, the cost is usually charged per receptacle unit. The type of wall unit you need will play a role in material costs, which can range from $3 to $50 each, on average. Hiring an electrician can cost between $40 and $100 per hour depending on who you choose to do the job, current demand, and labor rates in your area. If you need a special outlet such as a GFCI-protected or 220-volt unit, your cost will be higher for both labor and materials. A standard outlet is typically a 120-volt unit, which is usually a lower cost.

Outlet prices by type

The most important factor that determines the cost to install an outlet is the type that you require. Each one has its own features that will impact the price of the outlet itself as well as the labor required to install it.

Standard 120V

This standard outlet is typically the least expensive choice and can be between $3 and $5 apiece. The actual voltage ranges between 110 and 120 volts and most appliances are designed to handle the fluctuations in voltage. If you need one with USB ports, plan to pay closer to between $13 and $25 apiece. This option allows you to charge your smartphone, tablet, or other devices that are powered by USB by plugging them directly into the wall.

2-Prong

A standard unit usually comes with either two or three prongs. A 2-prong receptacle is a lower-cost choice, coming in at about $3 to $5 each. You'll find 2-prong outlets in most older homes and they only include a "hot" and a "neutral" line.

3-Prong

This is a more common type of electrical outlet that also includes a "ground" wire that connects to the earth. The ground wire drains unused power and is especially important when using appliances or devices with metal casing like a microwave or computer. The metal connects directly to the ground prong on your power cord, and if there's a loose wire, it trips the circuit breaker to help prevent electrical shock. This outlet style typically costs between $4 and $10 each.

220V, 240V & 250V

Large appliances like clothes dryers and ovens may need a higher-voltage unit. Most modern outlets for this style come in the 250V style. Prices can vary depending on the voltage, which can be between $10 for dryers and as much as $20 for ranges.

GFCI

This receptacle stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter and is usually used in kitchens, bathrooms, and anywhere moisture or water is present. The cost of a GFCI outlet ranges between $7 and $35 apiece depending on the style and the quality. This receptacle monitors the amount of current that flows through it, and it will trip the circuit quickly to prevent fire or electrical shock.

Coaxial cable or network cable plates

These outlets include a special design that allows you to plug in coaxial cable and typically costs about $5. Your cable TV or Internet provider will typically install this type of outlet in your home. A network cable plate has another section where you can plug in an ethernet cable for Internet access. These outlets/plates are a bit more expensive, ranging between $6 and $10 each, on average.

Floor outlets

A floor outlet box kit is installed on the floor and allows you to step on it or expose it to water without worry. Because these outlets require a lot of special parts and assembly, they tend to cost between $30 and $50 each.

Smart outlets

This type of outlet is hardwired and ranges between $25 and $50 each, however you can also find plug-in models that cost between $15 and $40 each. This outlet allows you to plug your smart devices in to connect to the Internet or to a home device like Amazon Echo or Google Home while reducing your electricity consumption.

Labor cost to install an electrical outlet

The average labor rate charged by a professional electrician is approximately $55 per hour, but rates may be lower or higher depending on demand and who you hire. Labor costs to install an electrical outlet typically run between $40 and $100 per hour. A skilled, experienced electrician may be able to replace as many as 12 outlets in one hour depending on the conditions of the job. Installing a brand-new outlet takes longer, and usually requires one to two hours each to complete.

Cost to add an outlet

Adding a new outlet "from scratch" will cost you more than if you just need one replaced. On average, prepare to pay approximately $150 to $225 to add each new outlet you need. The cost includes materials, wiring, and attaching the outlet to the wall as well as labor costs which tend to be around 2 hours per outlet on average.

Cost to replace an outlet

Replacing or upgrading your existing outlets will cost less than installing a new one. On average, you should expect to pay between $65 and $125 per outlet to have them replaced. The price depends on the type of outlet you need and if any wiring needs to be replaced.

Replace wiring cost

Whether you need to replace old wiring or install new wiring, this will affect your outlet installation cost. New or replacement wiring may cost as much as $1,000 in addition to the installation of your new outlets.

Replacing an standard outlet with a GFCI cost

If you need to replace a current standard outlet with a GFCI, prepare to pay approximately $100 per new outlet. If the existing wiring is fine to use, your cost will be approximately this amount, however, if new wiring is required, prepare to pay more.

AFCI vs GFCI cost

When installing a new outlet, you may need either an AFCI or GFCI style. The AFCI outlet trips the circuit whenever it detects any faults in the electrical arcing. A GFCI outlet protects you against electrical shock and is commonly installed in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens where water and moisture are present. The average cost of an AFCI outlet is approximately $25, while a GFCI is approximately $7 to $35 each. A combination AFCI and GFCI outlet averages around $35 each and will provide enhanced fire protection.

Average cost by home size

If you're having your entire home's electrical system upgraded, your cost will depend on the total square footage of your home. This cost includes re-wiring or replacing existing wiring as well as installing the number of outlets required per local codes.

Replacing a circuit breaker cost

If you need to replace an old circuit breaker, the average cost to hire a professional ranges between $150 and $200 on average for each breaker. This is typically an easy job, and some homeowners may choose to do so DIY. If you decide to replace a circuit breaker yourself, the unit costs between $10 and $40 depending on the type of breaker you need.

Installing three-way switches cost

Plan to pay between $200 and $500 to have a three-way switch installed by an electrician. If the switch needs to be installed in two locations the job requires new wiring and wall boxes. If an existing switch is used and only one additional switch is needed, the price will be closer to between $150 and $250 per three-way switch.

Wiring a garage and/or basement cost

An update to the National Electric Code (NEC) says that garages must have at least one 20-amp circuit and at least one GFCI duplex receptacle near the vehicle bay that cannot serve outlets on the exterior wall of your garage. If you need to wire your garage, prepare to pay between $1,000 and $4,000 depending on whether or not you need to install an underground feeder cable that runs from the main service panel to your garage. If you're wiring a basement, the average cost for a 1,000 square foot basement costs between $800 and $1,500. Costs are higher the larger your basement is and the more wiring and outlets you need.

Enhancements and improvements cost

If you need to make a few changes to your home's electrical system, here are some of the average costs of the most popular enhancements and improvements.

Upgrade 2 to 3 prong outlets

The cost of a 3-prong outlet is only about $10 more than a 2-prong, but plan to pay an additional hourly rate for the electrician to make the upgrade.

Decorative outlets

If you just want to update your outlet to a decorative style, you can do this DIY. Prices vary depending on the type of outlet or cover you choose.

Installing switches

A new outlet or switch requires a bit more labor and materials, and the cost averages between $150 and $200 per switch.

Outlet expansion

Expanding an existing outlet to a duplex outlet is a simple project and tends to cost around $100 to complete on the high end.

Childproofing

It costs approximately $20 apiece to childproof an outlet.

Cost Factors

There are several factors that can determine your total cost to install or replace an electrical outlet, and these factors may make your cost higher or lower depending on the circumstance.

Existing wiring

Projects with existing wiring already in place will cost you less in terms of material and labor.

Location

If your new outlet is in a difficult location or more wire needs to be installed, prepare to pay more.

Purpose

Outlets for a clothes dryer or oven, or GFCI outlets, will cost you more than a standard wall outlet.

Type

The type of outlet you need plays a role in the cost, too. More complex outlets or specialty outlets cost more than standard outlets.

Electrical boxes

Installing electrical boxes cost more since more materials, assembly, and skilled labor is required.

Materials

If your electrician needs to install wiring or needs special materials to complete the job, prepare to pay more than the average cost.

DIY vs hire a pro

Working with electricity is extremely dangerous if you're not familiar with the process. If you just want to replace a switch plate cover, this is a simple process that you can do DIY. On the other hand, a licensed electrician should always be used to perform any type of electrical work on your home to ensure a safe installation. Licensed electricians are fully insured, and they know how to work with electricity in a safe way that ensures your new outlets will operate correctly. They're also familiar with current building codes and understand how complex circuitry works.