Fixington

Move a power socket

Trade: Electrician

⭐ Introduction

Moving a power socket means relocating an existing electrical outlet to a different position on a wall or even onto another wall. You might need this if you’re redecorating, rearranging furniture, or updating your home’s layout to make a room more convenient or safer.

This job is quite common in UK homes, especially during refurbishments or when moving appliances around. It ensures that sockets are accessible where you need them without trailing cables or overloading extensions.

Because electricity is involved, it’s important that the work complies with UK electrical safety standards, including Part P of the Building Regulations. It must be done by a competent person, often a registered electrician, to keep your home safe.

🔧 What the job involves

Relocating a power socket requires disconnecting the current socket, moving the wiring inside walls, and fitting a new back box and socket outlet in the new position. The electrician must check the existing circuit’s condition and may need to replace or extend cables to reach the new location.

The job includes:

  • Testing the circuit and isolating the power safely.
  • Removing the existing socket and any back box.
  • Chasing out (cutting into) walls to run cables to the new socket location.
  • Installing a new back box flush with the wall surface.
  • Connecting a new socket outlet securely and safely.
  • Making good the wall around the socket (this may require plastering, often done separately).
  • Testing the socket using appropriate electrical test equipment.
  • Providing certification if applicable (for example, electrical installation condition reports or Minor Electrical Installation Works certificates).

The work must adhere to BS 7671 wiring regulations and meet safety standards. If the socket is on a ring main circuit, the continuity of the ring must be maintained. In some cases, the electrician might suggest upgrading the socket or adding a switched socket for convenience.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

  1. Initial Enquiry: Contact a qualified electrician to discuss your needs. Provide details about your property and the socket location.

  2. Site Survey: The electrician visits your home to inspect the existing socket, see where you want it moved, and assess wiring conditions.

  3. Quote: Receive a written estimate outlining costs, timeframe, and what’s included.

  4. Book the Job: Arrange a convenient date for the work. Agree any preparations you should make beforehand.

  5. Day of Works: The electrician arrives, isolates the circuit at your consumer unit (fuse box), removes the old socket, installs cables and the new socket in the desired position.

  6. Testing & Certification: After installation, the electrician tests the new socket and the whole circuit for safety and issues a certificate if required.

  7. Aftercare: The electrician cleans up basic dust/debris; any plastering or wall repair will be arranged separately if not included.

  8. Keep Documentation: Safely store the test certificates and any paperwork for insurance or future reference.

💷 Main costs to expect

  • Labour: Typically £60–£90 per hour; total time 2–4 hours.
  • Materials/Parts: New socket outlet (£5–£15), back box (£3–£10), cables (£5–£20 depending on length), screws, wall anchors.
  • Wall repair: Plastering or redecorating is usually extra, costing £50–£150 depending on the patch size.
  • Disposal: Minor waste disposal usually included; excessive debris may incur small fees.
  • Certification: If provided, a Minor Electrical Installation Works certificate or Electrical Installation Condition Report may add £30–£60.

Example:

  • Labour (3 hours): £180
  • Materials: £25
  • Certification: £40
  • Total (excl. VAT): £245

📊 What affects the price

  • Access to existing cables: Walls with plasterboard are easier to work with than solid brick or tiled surfaces.
  • Complexity of wiring: Requires longer cable runs or extra junction boxes.
  • Compliance and certification: Work involving circuit alterations might need notifying to building control (Part P).
  • Remedial works needed: Old/damaged wiring replacement.
  • Location in the house: Sockets in awkward places, or upstairs, may take longer.
  • Timeline: Short notice or weekend work could increase costs.

⏱ How long does it take?

  • Simple relocation: About 2–3 hours, such as moving a socket a short distance on the same wall with no obstacles.
  • More complex jobs: 3–5 hours or longer, for example moving sockets through different walls or requiring substantial wall chasing.
  • Follow-up repairs: Additional time as needed for plastering or decorating (often done by a different tradesperson).

🏠 Can you DIY it?

Moving a power socket is not a recommended DIY job for most homeowners. It involves working inside walls with live electrical circuits, where mistakes can cause electric shocks, fire hazards, or damage to your property.

Additionally, UK regulations (Part P) require that electrical work affecting fixed installations, including socket relocations, be done safely to standard. DIY work often needs notification to local authorities and inspection, potentially increasing complications.

Hiring a Gas Safe or Part P registered electrician ensures the job is completed safely, legally, and with the necessary certification, giving you peace of mind and protecting your home insurance.

💰 Typical UK price range

For moving a standard 13 amp power socket, expect a typical cost of between £180 and £400 (excluding VAT). This range covers straightforward to moderately complex jobs. Larger projects or multiple sockets may cost more.

Always request a written quote and check whether VAT is included; most electricians will charge VAT at 20% if registered.

✅ Handy tips before you start

  • Plan the new socket position carefully to avoid trailing cables and to suit your room layout.
  • Clear the workspace around both old and new socket locations to give the electrician easy access.
  • Discuss wall finishes beforehand; find out if plastering or decorating is included or if you’ll need to arrange this separately.
  • Request proof of qualifications (Part P registered, NICEIC, or ELECSA membership).
  • Keep all paperwork and certificates, which may be needed for insurance claims or future home sales.
  • Understand your circuit: If you’re unsure about your home’s consumer unit or circuit layout, ask the electrician to explain.
  • Avoid unqualified electricians to prevent safety risks and non-compliance issues.
  • Book well in advance if possible — qualified electricians can be in high demand.

By taking these precautions, you help ensure a smooth, safe, and cost-effective socket move.