TL;DR — Socket Replacement Cost At A Glance
- Replacing a socket costs £50–£120 outside London and £80–£220 in London in 2026.
- Adding a brand-new socket costs £100–£200 because it needs new cabling and a spur off the circuit.
- Price depends on the socket type, whether it is a swap or a new point, and access to the cabling.
- A like-for-like swap is the cheapest job; USB, smart and moved sockets cost more.
- The labour usually excludes the socket itself, though standard sockets are inexpensive.
- Replacing several sockets in one visit spreads the call-out and lowers the cost per socket.
Get a fixed price for socket work — check prices and book online or call to talk through a single swap or a whole room.
How Much Does Socket Replacement Cost In 2026?
Replacing a plug socket costs £50–£120 across most of the UK, rising to £80–£220 in London and the South East. That covers a like-for-like swap of a single or double socket on an existing point, including the labour and a standard socket. Adding a new socket costs more — £100–£200 — because the electrician has to run new cable, take a spur off the existing circuit and make good afterwards.
The main factor is whether the job is a straight swap or a new point. Swapping a worn or cracked socket for a fresh one is quick. Adding a socket where none exists, moving a socket, or fitting USB and smart sockets takes longer and costs more. As with most small electrical jobs, the first socket carries the call-out, so replacing several at once is far better value per socket.
It also pays to think about what each socket is for. Doubling up single sockets to doubles, adding USB or USB-C points near desks and bedsides, and fitting a socket with built-in surge protection for sensitive electronics are all easy to do during the same visit. Planning these together avoids paying a fresh call-out later for a job that could have been bundled in.
| How you book | Rest of UK | London & South East |
|---|---|---|
| Replace a socket (like-for-like) | £50–£120 | £80–£220 |
| Add a new socket (new cabling / spur) | £100–£200 | £150–£250 |
Figures include VAT where applicable and reflect 2026 market rates. Your exact price depends on the job and your postcode — get a fixed quote here.
Socket Replacement Cost By Type
Different sockets and switch jobs take different amounts of time. These are typical all-in prices per item:
| Job | Rest of UK | London & South East |
|---|---|---|
| Replace single or double socket (like-for-like) | £50–£90 | £80–£120 |
| Replace with USB or smart socket | £60–£120 | £90–£150 |
| Add a new socket (spur / new cabling) | £100–£200 | £150–£250 |
| Move an existing socket | £100–£180 | £140–£240 |
| Replace a light switch or dimmer | £40–£90 | £70–£120 |
The socket itself is inexpensive — a standard single or double is a few pounds, a USB socket £10–£20, and a smart socket £15–£40 — so on a swap, the labour is the bulk of the cost. That is why bundling several sockets and switches into one visit always works out cheaper per item than booking them separately.
What Affects The Cost Of Socket Replacement?
1. Swap Or New Point
A like-for-like swap on an existing back box is the cheapest job. Adding a new socket means new cabling, a spur off the circuit and cutting into the wall — significantly more time and, often, making good afterwards. The electrician also has to check the existing circuit can safely take the extra load: a single spur can usually feed one new socket, but adding several may need a new radial circuit run from the consumer unit, which costs more.
2. The Type Of Socket
Standard sockets are quick and cheap. USB, smart and higher-spec sockets cost more for the part and can take slightly longer to fit and set up.
3. Number Of Sockets
The first socket carries the call-out; each extra one in the same visit costs less. Doing a whole room together is far better value than separate call-outs.
4. Access To The Cabling
Surface-mounted sockets are quick. Recessing a socket into a solid wall, chasing out plaster or fishing cable through a wall adds time and mess.
5. Your Location
London and the South East run roughly 15–30% higher than the North of England, Wales and Scotland, reflecting higher labour and travel costs.
6. Making Good
Adding or moving a socket usually means filling and, sometimes, redecorating. Some electricians include basic making good; a finished, painted result is often separate.
What's Included — And What's Not
| Typically included in socket replacement | Usually charged separately |
|---|---|
| Labour to isolate the circuit, replace or fit the socket and test it | USB, smart or premium sockets and switches |
| A standard socket where it is a like-for-like swap | New cabling and any circuit work for added sockets |
| Basic tidy-up of the work area | Chasing into walls and making good — filling, plastering, painting |
| A Minor Works Certificate where the work requires one | Consumer unit work if the circuit needs upgrading |
Can You Do It Yourself?
Replacing a like-for-like socket front on an existing point is non-notifiable in England and Wales and is within reach of a competent DIYer — but only with the power isolated at the consumer unit and confirmed dead first. If the wiring behind the socket looks old, discoloured or scorched, stop and call a professional.
Adding a new socket, moving one, or any socket work in a bathroom or kitchen splash zone is best left to a registered electrician. New circuits and spurs need correct cable sizing and testing, and getting it wrong risks overloading the circuit or creating a shock hazard. Warning signs such as scorch marks, buzzing or a plug that keeps slipping out should always be checked by a professional.
How To Save Money On Socket Replacement
- Replace several sockets in one visit to spread the call-out across more work.
- Swap like-for-like rather than moving or adding points where you can.
- Choose surface-mounted fittings if chasing into walls is not essential.
- Buy the sockets yourself if the electrician is happy to fit customer-supplied parts (check first).
- Bundle with other jobs, such as light fittings or an EICR, in one appointment.
- Get 2–3 quotes and compare what is included, including making good.
How To Hire A Good Electrician For Socket Work
Confirm the electrician is registered with a Competent Person Scheme (NICEIC or NAPIT) and insured, particularly for new circuits or kitchen and bathroom work. Ask for a written quote that separates labour and materials, check reviews or references, and confirm whether making good is included.
With Fantastic Services, you get vetted, insured and qualified electricians, transparent pricing and online booking — describe the job and get a price up front.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Plug Socket?
In 2026, replacing a socket costs £50–£120 across most of the UK and £80–£220 in London. A like-for-like swap is at the lower end; USB and smart sockets cost more for the part and slightly more to fit.
How Much Does It Cost To Add A New Socket?
Adding a new socket costs £100–£200 outside London and £150–£250 in London, because it needs new cabling, a spur off the existing circuit and making good afterwards.
Does Replacing A Socket Need A Registered Electrician?
A like-for-like swap on an existing point is non-notifiable and can be a careful DIY job. Adding a socket, moving one, or any socket work in a bathroom is notifiable or higher-risk and should be done by a registered electrician.
When Should A Socket Be Replaced?
Replace a socket if it shows scorch marks, feels warm, buzzes, has cracks, or if plugs slip out easily. These are signs of wear or faulty wiring and should be checked by an electrician without delay.
Is It Cheaper To Replace Several Sockets At Once?
Yes. The first socket carries the call-out charge, so each additional socket in the same visit costs less. Doing a whole room together is far better value than separate visits.
How Long Does It Take To Replace A Socket?
A like-for-like swap takes around 20–30 minutes per socket. Adding a new point takes longer — often an hour or more per socket — because of the cabling, wall work and making good.
Are USB Or USB-C Sockets Worth Fitting?
USB and USB-C sockets let you charge phones and tablets without a plug adaptor and cost only a little more than a standard double socket. Fitting one is much the same job as a like-for-like swap, so the main extra is the price of the socket itself — typically £10–£40 depending on the type and charging speed.
Sources (market research, 2026): Checkatrade, MyBuilder, MyJobQuote, Housekeep and regional electrical providers. All prices are indicative market ranges and should be verified against Fantastic Services' live pricing before publication.
