Install an additional power socket

⭐ Introduction

Adding an extra power socket is a common home improvement that can make daily life more convenient. Whether you need to plug in more devices in your living room, kitchen, or bedroom, an additional socket helps avoid overloading existing outlets or relying on extension leads.

You might consider installing a new socket when you have:

• More electrical appliances or gadgets than your current sockets allow
• Rearranged your furniture or changed the layout of a room
• Added new technology, such as smart home devices or a home office setup
• Noticed that extension cables are becoming a permanent fixture, which can be unsafe

In the UK, electrical work must be carried out safely and in compliance with building regulations, so it’s important to have a qualified electrician do the job.

🔧 What the job involves

Installing an additional power socket means creating a new fixed point in your home’s electrical system where you can safely plug in appliances. An electrician will usually:

• Choose a suitable location for the socket, considering convenience and wiring access
• Check your existing consumer unit (fuse box) and circuit capacity to ensure it can handle the extra socket safely
• Run cables from an existing ring main or radial circuit to the new socket position
• Fit the socket flush with the wall and connect it correctly with live, neutral, and earth wires
• Test the new socket and circuit to make sure it works correctly and meets safety standards

If your property is older or has outdated wiring, or if the socket is to be installed in a damp area (like a kitchen or utility room), extra care and possibly additional components (such as a residual-current device, or RCD) may be needed.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

1. Initial enquiry
   Contact a qualified electrician to discuss your needs, specifying the room and reason for the new socket.

2. Survey and quote
   The electrician visits your home to inspect your current wiring and assess the best way to install the socket. They then provide a written quote with costs and timescales.

3. Booking the job
   Agree on a date for the installation.

4. Preparation on the day
   Clear the area where the socket will be installed and ensure easy access to the consumer unit if needed.

5. Installation
   The electrician carries out the work, switches off power to the relevant circuit, installs and connects the socket, then tests it thoroughly.

6. Completion and certification
   The electrician cleans up, explains any details about the new socket and circuit, and provides a certificate confirming the work complies with Part P of the Building Regulations (if applicable).

7. Keep paperwork
   Store the certificate and any receipts safely for future reference or home sales.

💷 Main costs to expect

• Labour: Time spent by the electrician on surveying, installation, testing, and certification—usually charged hourly or as a fixed job price.
• Materials and parts: Socket outlet, wiring cables, circuit breakers or RCDs if needed, wall boxes, fittings, and accessories.
• Extras: Additional work for walls that need chasing or special finishes, or upgrading fuse boards if circuits are overloaded.
• Disposal: Any rubbish removal, though usually minimal.
• Certification: Electricians include test certificates as part of the fixed price or separately if required.

Example breakdown for a straightforward installation:

• Labour (2 hours @ £45/hr): £90
• Socket unit and materials: £15–£25
• Certification: £40 (if applicable)
• Total: Approximately £145–£170 (excluding VAT)

📊 What affects the price

• Access: Ease of reaching wiring and placing the socket (e.g., drywall vs. brick walls, loft or crawl spaces)
• Complexity: Extending from multiple circuits or upgrading consumer unit components adds time and cost
• Compliance: If installation requires additional protection (RCD or circuit upgrades) per UK wiring regulations (BS 7671)
• Remedial works: Fixing pre-existing faulty wiring or damaged walls
• Location: Higher costs in London and the South East, or if your home is remote
• Timeline: Emergency or rush jobs may incur extra charges

⏱ How long does it take?

• Straightforward installation: Typically between 1 to 2 hours for a single socket on an existing circuit.
• More complex jobs: 3 to 5 hours if walls need chasing, new circuit breakers fitted, or additional safety devices installed.

Your electrician will advise you on likely times during the initial survey.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

While fitting a power socket might seem manageable, it involves working with mains electricity and must comply with UK safety standards (BS 7671). Incorrect installations risk electric shock, fire, and may invalidate your home insurance.

By law, fixed electrical work in most situations should be carried out by a qualified professional registered with a competent person scheme (e.g., NICEIC or ELECSA) to self-certify compliance with Part P of the Building Regulations.

In summary, unless you are a certified electrician, it’s wise to hire a pro to install any new sockets safely and legally.

💰 Typical UK price range

For a single additional socket installation, expect to pay between £120 and £250 including VAT. This estimate depends on the factors above, especially how much wiring work is involved.

More complicated installations or multiple sockets will cost more, but most straightforward jobs fall within this range.

✅ Handy tips before you start

• Plan socket location carefully to avoid blocking furniture or creating trailing cables.
• Clear the work area and ensure good access to walls and the consumer unit.
• Ask for certification and keep it safe—it may be needed for selling your home or insurance claims.
• Confirm your electrician is registered with a competent person scheme.
• Check for any special requirements in kitchens, bathrooms, or exterior walls, as these areas require specific IP-rated sockets or additional safety measures.
• If you hire a tradesperson, ask about warranties or guarantees on workmanship and parts.
• If the work involves the consumer unit, confirm whether the electrician includes testing all circuits to ensure overall safety.

By preparing in advance and choosing the right professional, adding an extra socket can be a straightforward way to improve your home’s convenience and safety.