Fixington

Smart Plugs

Trade: Electrician

⭐ Introduction

Smart plugs are simple devices that turn ordinary electrical sockets into “smart” ones. They allow you to control whatever’s plugged in remotely via a smartphone app, voice commands, or timers. This can help save energy, increase convenience, and sometimes improve home security by automating lamps or appliances.

You might consider installing smart plugs if you want to upgrade your home to a smarter setup without rewiring your entire electrical system. They’re especially useful for controlling lamps, heaters, fans, or kitchen appliances more efficiently.

🔧 What the job involves

Installing a smart plug usually means fitting a plug adaptor that connects to your existing socket. In cases where you want more permanent fixtures, such as smart sockets replacing traditional ones, this involves connecting wiring inside your walls, which needs to be done safely and in compliance with UK wiring standards.

A qualified electrician can:

  • Assess your current sockets and wiring condition
  • Recommend the best type of smart plugs for your needs (plug-in or wired-in)
  • Install and test the smart plugs or sockets safely
  • Set up the device on your Wi-Fi network and help with app configuration if requested
  • Advise on ongoing maintenance and energy-saving tips

The installation work must follow UK electrical safety standards (BS 7671) and, if any rewiring is needed, Building Regulations Part P compliance is essential.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

  1. Initial enquiry
    Contact a registered electrician, ideally one who is Part P qualified, and explain your requirements (e.g., number of smart plugs, areas in your home).

  2. Site survey and quote
    The electrician visits to inspect your sockets and wiring, advises on the best options, and provides a detailed quote including parts and labour.

  3. Booking the installation day
    Agree a convenient date and time for the electrician to come and carry out the work.

  4. Installation day
    The electrician installs the smart plugs or sockets, completes all wiring safely, tests everything thoroughly, and configures the smart devices if requested.

  5. Wrap-up and handover
    You get a demonstration on controlling the plugs, any certification or paperwork (e.g., Electrical Installation Condition Report if new wiring), and advice on usage and troubleshooting.

💷 Main costs to expect

  • Labour: Electricians typically charge around £40–£60 per hour. Installation time varies by complexity.
  • Materials/parts:
    • Smart plug adaptors: from £15 each upwards
    • Wired smart sockets: £30–£70 each depending on specification
  • Extras:
    • Network setup help or additional smart home hub (if needed)
    • Additional sockets or wiring upgrades for compatibility
  • Disposal: Usually small and included, but any old sockets or materials may incur nominal fees.
  • Certification: If rewiring is involved, an Electrical Installation Certificate or similar compliance paperwork may add £50–£100.

Example: Installing three smart plug adaptors might cost around £150 (labour + parts + VAT). Replacing three wall sockets with smart versions and wiring upgrades could be £300+ depending on complexity.

📊 What affects the price

  • Number of smart plugs or sockets to install
  • Whether you want plug-in adaptors or wall-mounted wired sockets
  • Condition and accessibility of existing wiring and sockets
  • Need for upgrades to consumer unit (fuse box) or circuit protection
  • Distance and complexity of wiring runs
  • Requirement for Part P certification or other paperwork
  • Urgency or timeframe for installation
  • Your home’s location (higher travel costs outside city centres)

⏱ How long does it take?

  • Plug-in smart plugs: Usually less than 30 minutes for several units if you install plug adaptors yourself; an electrician’s visit mainly for setup help might take 30–60 minutes.
  • Wired-in smart sockets: Around 1 to 3 hours depending on how many sockets, wiring complexity, and any necessary electrical upgrades.
  • Network configuration and testing: 15–30 minutes extra

Complex installations with significant rewiring or upgrades to lighting circuits can take longer and may be arranged over multiple visits.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

If you’re installing simple plug-in smart plugs that just slot into your existing sockets, this is generally safe for a confident homeowner and does not involve electrical work.

However, any work involving wiring inside your walls, such as replacing sockets with smart ones, must be done by a qualified electrician due to safety risks and legal requirements under UK Building Regulations Part P (which governs electrical safety in homes). Attempting rewiring yourself could be dangerous and illegal without certification.

💰 Typical UK price range

  • Basic smart plug adaptors (self-installed): £15–£40 each (no labour)
  • Electrician installation of plug-in smart plugs + config: £60–£120 total
  • Replacement of up to three smart sockets with rewiring: £250–£450 (labour, parts, VAT included)
  • Larger or more complex jobs may exceed these figures

These prices are approximate guides and include VAT at the current 20% rate.

✅ Handy tips before you start

  • Check your home Wi-Fi has strong coverage where you want smart plugs installed; poor signal can cause connectivity problems.
  • Confirm compatibility of smart plugs with your devices and voice systems (if using Alexa, Google Home, etc.).
  • Keep any paperwork or certification from your electrician safe, especially if new wiring work was done.
  • Label sockets or keep notes on which smart plug controls which appliance to avoid confusion.
  • Ask your electrician about warranties on parts and professional labour.
  • Consider future upgrades when planning — it may be easier to install compatible smart sockets while rewiring other circuits.
  • Ensure you fully understand the app controls and privacy settings involved before installation.

Following these steps will help you make the most of your new smart plugs safely and conveniently.