Electrical Outlet Installation/Replacement Costs at a Glance

• Total price range: $100-$250
• Average total installation cost: $175
• Average total replacement cost: $125
• 220V/240V outlet installation cost: $300
• Average cost to run new wiring: $27 per linear foot

Whether you need to add new electrical outlets to your home or upgrade the ones you already have, the process is relatively easy and affordable. While some homeowners can replace electrical outlets themselves without much difficulty, it’s advisable to seek the assistance of an experienced electrician or handyman if you have any doubts.

This May Also Interest You: How to Replace an Electrical Outlet: A Step-by-Step Guide

The type of outlet and scope of the work involved will have an impact on the final price. Read on to learn more about the cost of installing an additional electrical outlet.

Installing an Electrical Outlet

For a completely new outlet installation, you will need to cut a hole in the wall to seat the metal housing. Additional wiring may need to be fished through the walls as well. The cost to install electrical outlets usually falls between $100 and $250 for parts and labor, according to HGTV. Electricians typically charge under $100 for the home visit along with a variable hourly rate for the labor. Homeowners can expect to pay an average of $175 for an electrician to complete this job.

According to The Spruce, many standard electrical receptacles run for $3 or less, and most faceplates are very cheap as well — costing as little as 50 cents in some cases. The brunt of the cost lies in fishing new wiring through the wall to meet the outlet.

Replacing Electrical Outlets

The cost to replace existing electrical outlets is around $125, and the task takes little time for professionals to complete. This is a quick and easy project, assuming the electrical wiring from the old outlet is intact. If the ground wire is severed or new cables need to be fished to the outlet, you can expect to pay between $200 and $250.

Working with electricity can be dangerous. If you prefer to replace electrical outlets yourself, make sure the power is turned off from the breaker box before getting started. It is advisable to use a voltmeter to double-check that the outlet isn't live before you touch any wires.

Using a screwdriver, remove the faceplate from the wall and the screws that brace the receptacle to the outlet box. Once the old outlet is removed, match up the positive, negative and ground wires to the connections on the replacement receptacle. After this is done, turn the power back. The job is complete! The cost of this DIY task is little more than $5 for the new receptacle and faceplate.

Three-Prong Outlets

Three-prong outlets are required to accommodate most modern appliances. Some older homes may not have three prongs on all outlets because electrical codes changed in 1962. Replacing outdated receptacles is fairly straightforward, but your electrician or handyman may need to run a new ground wire from the outlet to the breaker. All things considered, this can cost anywhere between $100 and $300.

GFCI Outlets

These outlets will automatically shut off if a fluctuation in power is detected. GFCI outlets are designed to protect people from electrocution, especially in environments like bathrooms and kitchens where water is present. GFCI outlets are easy to distinguish due to the “reset” and “test” buttons located between the sockets. According to HGTV, installing a GFCI outlet will cost $120 on average, but if new wiring needs to be run, this price can double.

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USB Outlets

In today’s digital world, keeping our devices charged is a huge priority. Installing electrical outlets with traditional USB or modern USB-C plugs is useful for charging cellphones and tablets, especially if you've lost that little charging block. Family Handyman notes that USB outlets are a little more expensive than their conventional counterparts, costing between $20 and $50. For professional installation, most people will pay the same price as installing a regular outlet. The total cost is between $125 and $150.

Childproof Faceplates

To ensure the little ones are protected from electrical outlets, childproof faceplates are an affordable solution. Installation is pretty straightforward; usually, you'll just need a screwdriver. Prices will vary on these, but most homeowners will find what they need for $5 to $10. Some electrical receptacles have integrated child safety mechanisms, but these tend to cost more than conventional faceplates.

Factors That Influence Cost

The location of a new outlet could have an impact on the overall price. In general, the more cables that need to be run, the more expensive the project will be. Additionally, various outlets are rated to handle different loads. For larger appliances like washing machines, a 220V/240V outlet is needed. These outlets are more challenging to install. It typically costs around $300 to get the job done.

If electrical repair work needs to be done to support the new outlets, this will also increase the cost. Most professionals charge around $27 per linear foot of new wiring. In some cases, your home’s electrical service may need an upgrade to accommodate your new outlets. The cost of this project depends on the power demands of your home. For instance, installing the infrastructure to support 400-amp electric service can end up costing as much as $4,000.

Since we’re all home now more than ever, being prepared for unexpected home repairs with a plan from HomeServe is important. Having a plan in place gives you peace of mind knowing that you can simply call our 24/7 repair hotline for covered breakdowns. See what plans are available in your neighborhood.