Move an aerial socket

⭐ Introduction

Moving an aerial socket involves relocating the point where your TV aerial cable connects to the wall. This might be needed if you’re refurbishing a room, rearranging furniture, or improving signal quality by repositioning the socket. Since the aerial socket provides the connection for Freeview or other TV signals, it’s important to have the relocation done properly to maintain signal strength and reliability.

Typically, moving an aerial socket is a straightforward job for a qualified electrician or TV aerial specialist, especially if the cable route is accessible. It can also be a handy way to avoid unsightly cables stretched across a room.

🔧 What the job involves

Simply put, moving an aerial socket means carefully detaching the existing socket, extending or rerouting the coaxial cable behind the walls or surface, and installing the socket in a new location. It may also involve fishing the cable through walls, skirting boards, or conduits.

Your electrician or aerial installer will check the condition and quality of the existing coaxial cable — if it’s old or damaged it may need replacing to ensure good signal reception at the new point. The new socket will then be fitted with a clean faceplate, tested for signal strength, and secured neatly.

This work is generally low-voltage and does not usually come under Part P electrical regulations (which primarily cover 230V mains wiring) but professional installation is still recommended for safety, quality, and long-term reliability.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

1. Initial enquiry
   Contact your electrician or aerial installer to explain what you need — moving one or more aerial sockets to new locations.

2. Survey and quote
   The professional will visit your home to inspect the existing setup, check cable routes, signal levels, and any potential obstacles. They will provide a clear, written quote.

3. Booking the job
   Agree a date and time that suits you, and confirm any access or parking requirements.

4. Day of works

   • The tradesperson will isolate any necessary equipment to avoid interference.
   • They’ll carefully remove the existing socket.
   • The coaxial cable will be routed to the new location, which might require minor holes or chasing into plaster.
   • The new socket and faceplate will be installed.
   • Signal strength is tested and adjusted if needed.
   • Any debris or dust will be cleared before they leave.

5. Wrap-up and paperwork
   The installer may provide a brief report or instructions on using the new socket location. Keep any documentation for future reference or warranties.

💷 Main costs to expect

• Labour: Time to remove the old socket, reroute cable, and install the new socket. Typically charged by the hour or fixed fee per socket.
• Materials/parts: New socket faceplate, possible short cable extensions or connectors.
• Extras: Small repairs to plaster or paint if chasing into walls; additional cable runs if the existing cable is too short or damaged.
• Disposal: Generally minimal, but any old sockets or packaging may be removed.
• Certification: No mandatory certificate for low-voltage aerial work, but some installers may provide a signal test report.

Example itemisation

• Labour: 2 hours @ £40/hour = £80
• New aerial socket faceplate = £10
• Cable (if needed) = £15
• Minor wall repair = £30
• Total (approx) = £135 + VAT (if applicable)

📊 What affects the price

• How easily accessible the current and new socket locations are (e.g. behind heavy furniture vs. open wall).
• Whether walls or skirting need chasing (cutting) to run the cable internally.
• Length and condition of existing cable — if replacement or extension is needed.
• Requirement for any additional signal boosters or amplifiers.
• Travel distance and time for the tradesperson.
• Urgency or timing of the job, e.g. same-day or out-of-hours work.
• Whether any parts of the installation interact with mains wiring (rare, but if so, Part P regulations apply).

⏱ How long does it take?

For a straightforward move — removing an old socket and refitting nearby with minimal cable adjustments — expect 1 to 2 hours.

If it involves running new cable through walls, fitting cable clips externally, or fixing minor plaster damage, it can take 2 to 4 hours.

More complex jobs involving signal boosters or complicated routing inside the property may take even longer.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

While the task seems straightforward, moving an aerial socket often requires technical skills like running cable through walls, using coaxial connectors correctly, and testing signal strength. Mistakes can weaken your TV signal or cause unsightly cables.

Furthermore, drilling or chasing walls can damage cables or plaster if done incorrectly, leading to extra costs.

Since aerial work is low voltage, there’s no legal restriction against DIY; however, a qualified professional can guarantee a neat, safe installation and may be able to advise on improvements to your home’s aerial system.

If unsure or uncomfortable with any aspect — especially routing cables inside walls — it’s best to hire a pro.

💰 Typical UK price range

As a rough guide, moving a single aerial socket in an accessible location typically costs between £100 and £250 including labour and materials (excluding VAT, which is 20% for most registered tradespeople).

More complex jobs with significant cabling or repairs can push costs higher, sometimes up to £350 or more.

Always get a written quote before proceeding.

✅ Handy tips before you start

• Clear the area around both the existing and new socket locations for easy access.
• Inform the tradesperson if there are any hidden obstacles (e.g., underfloor heating, insulated walls).
• Keep a record of the installer’s details and any paperwork or receipts.
• After installation, test your TV signal on all connected devices to ensure quality.
• If plaster patching was done, allow time for drying before repainting.
• Even though no formal certificate is usually needed, keep any test reports or guarantees for future reference.
• Consider the age and quality of your overall aerial system—sometimes an upgrade is worth considering alongside moving sockets.

Moving an aerial socket can be a straightforward way to improve your home's comfort and layout. With a little preparation and the right help, you’ll enjoy a cleaner, more convenient TV connection in no time.