Installing and replacing electrical outlets is a quick and easy way to upgrade your home and bring it into the modern era. Whether you’re hoping to upgrade to USB outlets or simply add a new location in your kitchen, we can help you plan for your project.
Expect to pay around $125 to $175 to replace or install a standard outlet. The national average can run anywhere from $100 to $500 per outlet depending on the complexity of the job. Read on to learn more about the factors you’ll need to consider for your project.
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Outlet Prices by Type
Depending on what type of outlet you are hoping to install or replace, the cost for the outlet itself can be as low as $3 for a standard 120V outlet to $50 or more for smart outlets. The type of outlet also determines the cost of labor, as some require a bit more time to install than others. Read on for more information about the cost of different types of outlets.
Standard 120V
The most common type of outlet is a 120V outlet. These outlets are the least expensive to replace, usually $3 to $5 for the outlet itself. If you want to, you can also opt for 120V outlets with integrated USB ports. These will be a bit more expensive, around $15 to $25 each, but won’t cost any more to install. Expect to pay around $175 per new 120V outlet that you install and around $125 for each one you replace.
220V, 240V and 250V
Higher voltage outlets are used for large appliances that require a higher amperage than a typical appliance, think dryers, refrigerators, large AC units, cooking ranges, etc. Nowadays, electricians will usually install 250V outlets to accommodate more appliances, but you can still have 220V and 240V outlets installed if you prefer. These outlets will generally cost $10 to $20 for the receptacle, totaling $300 or so to install.
One of the cost factors that comes with adding higher voltage outlets is that a new circuit is usually needed on your electrical panel and new wiring usually needs to be run. If you’re simply replacing an existing high-voltage outlet, however, the cost is comparable to replacing a 120V.
2-Prong vs. 3-Prong
Although not as common, homes built before 1968 will often have 2-prong outlets rather than 3-prong outlets, which are required by code these days. A 2-prong outlet has a hot wire and a neutral wire, but a 3-prong outlet also has a ground wire. These outlets are necessary for small appliances and any tech with metal parts and are designed to “ground” any unused power and protect you from electrocution.
Because replacing 2-prong outlets usually also means running a ground wire to the locations, the installation or replacement process can be more expensive. Expect to pay about $27 or so per linear foot for the running of new wire if no walls need to be opened. With all that considered, the cost to upgrade to a 3-prong outlet is about $100 to $300 per outlet.
GFCI Outlets
GFCI outlets, or ground fault circuit interrupter outlets, are required in any location where water may be present such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and garages. They are pretty easy to spot as they have a reset and test button on the faceplate. Similar to the 3-prong outlets, these are grounded outlets designed to protect against electrocution.
Unlike the standard outlets, a GFCI outlet is designed to monitor current flow and will trip the circuit if it detects any variation in the flow, preventing surges and electrocution. The outlets themselves cost between $7 and $25 and can require a bit more time to add, particularly if a new ground wire needs to be run to the location. Expect to pay $125 to $250 per outlet depending on if you’re replacing an existing or adding a new location.
AFCI Outlets
AFCIs work by continuously monitoring the electrical current flowing through a circuit. If the device detects any unusual or erratic electrical activity that could indicate an arc fault, it quickly interrupts the circuit’s power to prevent a potential fire from occurring. These dangerous electrical discharges can occur when an electrical circuit has a poor connection or damaged wire. Each AFCI device costs about $25.
Tamper-Resistant
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Tamper-resistant outlets, also known as childproof outlets, are electrical receptacles designed to improve safety. To reduce the risk of electric shock or injury, these outlets include a built-in mechanism that blocks children from inserting objects into the slots. Each tamper-resistant outlet can cost around $5 to $10.
Outdoor
Outdoor electrical outlets are a great way to add convenience to your outdoor living space. The cost of installing outdoor electrical outlets varies based on factors such as outlet type, labor, materials, location and wiring needs. Basic installations may start around $150 per outlet, but more complex setups, additional features and electrical upgrades can increase costs up to $300.
Floor Units
Floor outlets add convenience and are great for large spaces where running cables to the wall may be hazardous or unseemly. These outlets require more robust housing and are designed to be stepped on and exposed to water while you clean your floors. A typical kit runs about $30 to $50.
Installation can be trickier for floor units and is easiest when there is access to the floor from below and wire nearby so that new cables don’t have to be pulled to the location. These installations require a bit more finesse and tend to take longer, so expect to pay $175 to $300 to add a floor outlet.
Smart Outlets
If you have a smart home system, upgrading to smart outlets is a great way to gain more control and keep your electrical bills low. A hardwired smart outlet will typically cost $25 to $50, so expect to pay around $175 to $250 per outlet to have them installed. If you want the benefits of a smart outlet, but don’t want to add the cost, there are many plug-in models that run from $15 to $50 that can give you many of the same benefits without the added cost.
New Outlet Repair and Upgrade Costs
In most cases, adding and upgrading outlets is a simple task. If, however, you are hoping to take on a more extensive upgrade project or require larger repairs, the overall cost can grow quickly.
As we mentioned above, if you are upgrading from a 2-prong to 3-prong outlet or adding a GFCI or 250V outlet, new wiring may need to be run. Even in the case of replacing existing outlets, new wiring may be necessary if the electrician discovers there is a problem with the existing setup. Oftentimes, issues with a faulty outlet imply other problems with the wiring and can require more extensive repairs.
In many cases, snaking new wire is simple to do and will cost about $27 per linear foot, totaling around $500 to $1,200 per project. If more extensive work is deemed necessary, a contractor may need to open up the walls, increasing the cost significantly, anywhere from $3,500 to $8,000 for a full project.
Another common requirement when adding new outlets or appliances is upgrading or replacing your electrical panel. Perhaps you only need to add a circuit, a relatively simple task, but you may also need to upgrade to a larger panel to accommodate the new work. This type of work can cost between $1,200 and $3,000 depending on the upgrades necessary.
If you are adding in a few large appliances in particular, you may find that you need to upgrade the electrical service to your home. This is a pretty big task and will require more coordination with your power company and electrician. The final cost will vary greatly based on your location and your home, but expect to pay several thousand dollars for this work.
Cost to Replace an Outlet
Electrical outlets are common household appliances that need to be replaced from time to time. While you can always hire a professional, it’s easy to do it yourself. Replacing an outlet will cost about $65 to $125, depending on the type of outlet you choose and if any wiring needs to be replaced.
Factors That Affect New Electrical Outlet Cost
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The cost of an electrical outlet depends on several variables, the most important factors being the wiring in your home, the purpose of the outlet and the type of outlet you are installing.
Existing Wiring
Installing an outlet will depend on the existing wiring for your house. If you only have one circuit supplying power to all the outlets, it may cost as much as $1,000 to rewire the circuit before a new outlet can be installed. Since multiple circuits are much more accessible, adding new outlets would be less expensive.
Purpose
The purpose of an outlet affects the cost. For instance, a GFCI outlet meant to power an appliance, such as a clothes dryer or oven, will cost you more than a standard outlet. Remember this cost differentiation when planning how many or what types of outlets you need in a room.
Project Size
Large projects involving multiple outlets or more complex wiring configurations incur higher costs. Additionally, larger projects might require more labor, materials and potentially involve upgrades to the electrical panel or wiring system to accommodate the new outlets.
Location
When installing new electrical outlets, the location where you install them is a significant factor that can affect the cost. Outlets located closer to the main electrical panel or existing wiring may be less expensive to install since they require shorter wire runs and less labor. On the other hand, outlets in areas farther from the panel, requiring longer wire runs or complex routing through walls or ceilings, can contribute to higher costs.
Additionally, outdoor outlets, those in areas with limited accessibility or in spaces that require specialized wiring (such as kitchens or bathrooms), might involve extra costs due to specific safety or code requirements. It’s recommended to consult a licensed electrician who can determine the cost based on your installation location.
Type
A standard outlet will cover the basics and is generally less expensive than specialty outlets. But if you want to use a specific type of specialty outlet like USB or GFCI, you may need to consider the additional costs that come with it.
Why You Should Hire a Pro
While some upgrades and replacements may seem like a simple task, we always recommend hiring a professional when doing any electrical work. An electrician’s job is to ensure that all of their work is up to code to protect you and your family from hazards like electrical fires and electrocution.
If you are hoping to save on the overall cost of having an electrician come out to do the work, we would recommend bundling as much work as possible. The fewer times an electrician has to come out to do work, the more money you will save in the long run.
That being said, certain smaller projects, such as replacing the cover plates on your outlets, can be done quite easily without the help of an electrician. If you do choose to undertake a project yourself, be sure to consult with a professional beforehand, turn off the power before you begin working and use a voltmeter to double-check that there is no current running.
With the right electrician and a general understanding of the costs, replacing or installing outlets in your home can be a simple and cost-effective task.
To arrive at the average costs in this article, a number of providers and cost databases were surveyed on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
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