How Much Does Switch And Outlet Installation Cost?

Homeowners will always require switches and outlets to control the entirety of their living spaces. It is what turns the lights on and off and keeps the electricity moving. There are often times when an outlet is too far away or a switch needs to be rearranged for the purposes of renovations. Depending on which situation or category you fall under, there are cost estimates that will affect your overall budget.

 

The average range of installing an electrical outlet or switch will cost you about $100 to $300. Each receptacle model can cost an average between $3 to $50, depending on the unit you’re trying to purchase and install. At the lowest end of this cost, homeowners might only need to spend about $80, while at the highest end of the cost, homeowners will be expected to spend around $300.

 

Average Range	$100-$300
Low-End	$80
High-End	$300

 

If you’re going through a massive renovation or construction, you’ll also want to consider what kind of voltage to install. Homeowners will have to also consider the increase in the cost for GFCI protection on their outlets and whether the outlets are being used for residential or commercial purposes. Depending on the different factors below, homeowners may have to adjust this range of costs.

 

 

Electrical Outlet Cost By Outlet Type

Like most installations, there are various types of materials involved with the project you have in mind. Depending on the type of outlet you’re looking to install, the cost range will be different according to the size, style, capacity, and varying factors. There are many different kinds of appliances that might be plugged in throughout the home, so you have to consider which type of outlet you might need for the appliance you’re thinking of installing and plugging in.

 

The range for purchasing a certain outlet could be estimated from $1 to as high as $80. This is why homeowners need to be careful about which appliances they’re looking to buy on the market. If your outlet isn’t fitting the plug according to the specifications, you’re going to have to look into which of these outlets you’ll need for the future.

 

These outlets are considered the most common ones that homeowners try to find:

 

Standard	$1-$5
Tamper-Resistant	$1-$6
Duplex	$1-$20
Floor	$1-$50
Coax	$3-$7
Combination	$7-$30
Heavy-Duty	$10-$20
GFCI	$10-$20
LED	$10-$30

 

These are the outlets that homeowners try to find in particular situations:

 

Recessed	$10-$60
Rotating	$12-$20
AFCI	$20-$35
USB	$20-$40
Smart	$20-$80

 

Cost of Standard Outlet

Typically, homeowners will have a standard outlet installed in their properties and a standard duplex ranges between $1 and $5. Designed for the maximum 120 voltage, the standard outlet will include a long slot, short slot, and grounding slot. Homeowners should remember that the standard outlet will have an amperage of 15, and is typically used for lamps, toasters, radios, and smaller appliances meant for the aforementioned voltage and amperage.

 

Cost of Tamper-Resistant Outlet

Also known as the child-proof outlet, the tamper-resistant outlet will cost about $1 to $6 and it is this type of outlet that is typically used for protection against electrical shocks. The tamper-resistant outlet acts as a deterrent from children harming themselves. Accidents happen, but to avoid and minimize injury, a tamper-resistant outlet might need to be installed to prevent any damages to your home, but especially to your children.

 

Cost of Duplex Outlet

A duplex convenience outlet can accommodate light fixtures, small appliances, and products with the same level of amperage. It will cost about $1 to $20 for each duplex outlet. With the added benefit of preventing any electrical damages happening to you, your loved ones, and your property, the duplex outlet is designed to create a safer environment in your home. 

 

Cost of Floor Outlet

The range for a floor outlet is about $1 to $50. Due to the availability of different voltage capacities and their purpose, the estimated cost is so ranging. The price of these units will depend on your preferences according to the space’s interior style. However, oftentimes, the floor outlet will be installed in larger rooms. They’re also the convenient choice for electrical cords that are shorter than the average cord, this is because homeowners want to avoid using extension cords.

 

Cost of Coax Outlet

An average estimate associated with the coax outlet typically ranges between $3 to $7, and most modern properties will already have this type of outlet installed into their spaces. Homeowners should remember that the coax outlet is used for cable tv, satellite services, or antennas. A coaxial cable will likely cost about $5 to $20. 

 

Cost of Combination Outlet

The range to purchase a combination outlet ranges from $7 to $30. The arrangement for a combination outlet includes both the outlet and the switch in one unit. The convenience of this kind of addition to the home is the control of turning the outlet on and off. Combination outlets are typically installed with through-switch wiring instead of end-line wiring, which would include two or three cables being entered in the box.

 

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Cost of Heavy-Duty Outlet

The estimate to purchase a heavy-duty outlet will probably range between $10 to $20 for each unit. Initially designed to draw a large quantity of power, the heavy-duty outlet is categorically differentiated from the voltage, including 220V, 240V, and 250V, and each of these units are generally utilized for appliances like refrigerators, dryers, and ovens. Designs of heavy-duty outlets vary from slot, T-slot, to round slot. Used for very specific circuits, the heavy-duty outlet is used for rooms with large appliances.

 

Cost of GFCI Outlet

As per the NEC standards, most outlets require a level of grounding. This is especially important for spaces like the kitchen, bathroom, and the laundry room. GFCI outlets are used to prevent moisture from causing any risk or harm to anyone who lives in the home. Without the accurate GFCI protections, your home could be endangered with the possibility of fire hazards.

 

Cost Of LED Outlet

Units, like the LED outlets, are specifically designed to be turned on or off by a particular sensor. Typically, these units will cost about $10 to $30 per outlet. The benefits of installing LED outlets come from the socially conscientious purposes that they’re designed for, these units are generally useful for saving electricity and automating your LED light fixtures.

 

Cost of Recessed Outlet

Recessed outlets will range between $10 to $60 and are typically installed for recessed purposes on the walls. They’re designed to fit behind your furniture to keep any noticeable cables or plugs out of sight. Mainly utilized for wall-mounting receptacles, the recessed electrical outlets can be installed for low-profile framing. Typically, these units are installed in home theater rooms for homeowners that want to keep their plugs connected in one secure location.

 

Cost of Rotating Outlet

A rotating outlet will cost you about $12 to $20 and the use of these units are quite literally in the name. The rotating outlet was initially designed to indulge the use of various devices and are advantageous for the use of bulky adapters and several cords. Whilst the technician will probably install the rotating outlet like any other standard unit, the rotation offers up more space for a charger once it is rotated after a cord is plugged in.

 

Cost of AFCI Outlet

The acronym means arc fault circuit interrupters, each of these outlets will probably cost homeowners an average of $20 to $32 and is designed to prevent any risk from arcs that might cause fires. An arc is the movement of electricity that transfers from one wire to the other. Although the GFCI outlet and the AFCI outlet may look very similar, the two are designed for different reasons, though they are both meant to prevent fire hazards.

 

Cost of USB Outlet

Homeowners will be expected to spend an average of $20 to $40 to purchase a USB outlet. Designed to read the amount of charge that is in a device and the time it takes to charge the device that is plugged in, the USB receptacle is a very convenient utility for homeowners that want to remove any of the messes that result in chargers and cables laying around. 

 

Cost of Smart Outlet

Referred to as smart plugs, the smart outlet will cost you about $20 to $80. Like the name suggests, these outlets are designed with smart capabilities to help homeowners with building a smart home. Both the switches and the units are compatible with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi features. Along with the smart features, the outlet units will also have USB ports. You should note that smart home devices and phone applications are required for these units.

 

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Labor Cost For Outlet Installations

Electricians will charge homeowners a rate of $40 to $120 per hour, depending on their level of expertise and experience. Typically, these projects will only take about as little as half an hour, however, the more complex projects could take up to two hours or more. More challenging jobs for this sort of project might include removal of certain areas with the drywall or running wires throughout the home.

 

Luckily, simple projects such as outlet and switch installations are possible with any kind of electrician, whether the technician is at an apprentice, journeyman, or master level. However, the more complex your preferences and specifications, the more likely you’ll need a journeyman or master electrician. Included with the estimated cost above, homeowners might need to consider the cost of parts and materials for the whole project.

 

There are other considerations that need to be made for the cost range like whether your home requires additional wiring or whether there needs to be a new arrangement of wires included with the installation. An average range for rewiring your home will range between $790 to $10000, depending on the spaces you’re wiring or rewiring. You also have to think about the installation costs for heavy-duty outlets which might cost an additional $10 to $20.  

 

• Apprentice electricians: A starter electrician that will probably require supervision

• Journeyman electricians: A novice electrician that has finished the apprenticeship with at minimum four years or 8000 hours of experience, passing the journeyman exam

• Master electricians: An expert electrician that has more than six years of experience or about 12000 hours completed, passing the master electrician exam

 

Apprentice Electrician

Retaining the services for an apprentice will include the simplest electrician jobs, which will probably entail outlet and fixture installations. Homeowners should be expected to spend about $40 to $60 per hour for a project of this size. Even the simplest and basic electrical work will require about 8000 hours of supervision. This will include hundreds of hours of education and studying to be applied to the costs.

 

Journeyman Electrician

The journeyman will cost about $60 to $90 at an hourly rate. It is clear to see the gap in experience between a journeyman and an apprentice, since journeyman electricians will mostly focus on and be involved in a higher volume of projects. Besides the amount of work, a journeyman electrician will offer services that are known for being complex. This includes wiring, panel installations, ceiling fan installations, diagnosing and rectifying an electrical issue and even installations or repairs for car charging stations. A journeyman electrician will not require any supervision, but the cost of which will be calculated into their services.

 

Master Electrician

Once the journeyman electrician has completed at the minimum of two years in experience, they will have to take the next step and pass a Master Electrician exam. After finishing this process, the master electrician can open up their own business and begin to manage and supervise their own inventory of journeyman and apprentice electricians. The complexity of the work can speak for itself, since the master electrician will be qualified in numerous remodeling and construction projects. It is precisely why hiring a master electrician is so costly and hiring one can range between $90 to $120 per hour.

 

Cost To Install Light Switch

Depending on which light switches you want installed into your living quarters, you’ll have to consider the estimates that are associated with each one. It also depends on whether you require a rewiring service for the installation. Homeowners could spend up to $75 to install a single-pole switch without a rewiring service included.

 

The average estimated cost for rewiring your home will range between $790 to $10000, with the low-end cost resulting in $130 to the high-end cost resulting in $30000. Smart switch installations will probably require this service from a technician and the installation will cost roughly $250. 

 

Ground Outlet Installation Cost

The cost range associated with grounded outlets can go from $100 to $150. Essentially, there are two separate areas for the grounding to work: the outlet and the main fuse, which would be the circuit breaker panel. Most grounded units will have an old 2-slot type, however, due to the modernization of both the local codes and home infrastructures, the outlet will have the common hole with the two slots. 

 

Typically, the older two prong units are considered a safe option for electrical devices like lamps and radios. However, due to the nature of the current technology, homeowners will find difficulty in using the two prong models since larger electrical appliances use three prong outlets instead. Homeowners should remind themselves that ungrounded outlets can only be replaced with grounded outlets if the right kind of wiring is installed.

 

GFCI

Typically, ground fault circuit interrupter outlets will range in cost between $10 to $20. Fast acting, the GFCI receptacles make sure to reroute any power to the ground. These kinds of outlets will ensure the safety of any devices or appliances being used that could potentially harm an individual or even cause fatalities. Keep in mind that while the amperage between GFCI and AFCI outlets is the same, the voltage is different. AFCI uses 120V, while both will utilize an amperage of 15 to 20.

 

AFCI

The arc fault circuit interrupters will probably cost around $20 to $35. AFCI outlets are designed to prevent any fires from occurring within the home. The purpose of the AFCI receptacles is to protect the electrical system from any arc faults that could cause smoke or start a fire, as stated previously above. A major difference between the GFCI and the AFCI outlets is the danger or the hazard that is typically prevented from each respective installation. GFCI protects the home from electrical shocks and AFCI will protect the home from any fire hazards.

 

Both outlets will have a reset button to use when the interrupter is tripped. One other major difference is where they’re located and installed. AFCI outlets are generally installed in new construction or electrical remodeling projects, while GFCI outlets are typically installed in areas with excess moisture.  

 

Cost To Replace All Switches And Outlets

The cost range estimated to replace your outlets would probably be about $20 to $120, depending on the amount of outlets replaced. However, if you’re considering the replacement of all your outlets, you’ll be expected to spend about $900 to $2000. Upgrading the outlets will probably take a longer time, and homeowners should note that there are higher costs involved with an upgraded outlet.

 

Even if you have knowledge or experience with how to replace or install any outlets, you should still contact an electrician to handle the work. The risk of a fire and the costs that could come along with doing the work yourself will be that much more regrettable. Especially if you have loved ones in the home, the worst outcomes come from not making any of these ruminations. 

 

Cost Of Replacing Two Prong With Three Prong

The labor that goes along with replacing the two prong unit with a three prong unit is more than just a replacement service. Essentially, you’d have to completely change the unit itself. The technician will have to make sure that the three prong unit is grounded since this is crucial with the safety of risking any power surges from happening in your home. The power of the unit needs to be directed to the ground.

 

Since two prong outlets consist only of neutral and live wiring, the professional that you decide to hire will have to inspect and service the whole electrical system. Homeowners should know that the cost estimate increases if their fuse box is not properly grounded.

 

Cost Of Replacing 3 Prong With Four Prong

Ranging in costs between $300 to $500, homeowners that are considering a change to four prong units should know that they are a much safer utility by the standards of the National Electrical Code. One of the newer standards established for average homeowners was the inclusivity of four prong units and their compatibility with the appliances that are newly produced. Three prong units will have ground and neutral wires installed together, which means that the neutral wiring could affect the grounding current, resulting in an unexpected shock to the homeowner.  

 

How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Light Switch?

Homeowners that are thinking of replacing their light switches could probably need to spend about $65 to $125 for each replacement. The job and service for this will require a wiring service for both the new fixture and the switch. This could result in performing tasks that could take a few hours and $400 or more included with the replacement job.  

 

How Much Does It Cost To Relocate A Light Switch?

Having to move the light switches around in another location in your home will cost about $100 to $200 per switch. However, if you’re moving multiple switches around, the costs might be reduced. There are many different factors that could affect this estimate, like the amount of jobs and tasks that are required for the whole project, the overhead of the work, and whether there are repairs that need to be made for sheetrock or drywall. Fortunately, whether you’re replacing or relocating the light switch, the material cost should only be about $10 to $20.

 

Cost Of Light Switches By Type

There are about six different standard types that are available for homeowners. The cost for a light switch can range anywhere from $5 to $45 for the materials, depending on which type the homeowner wants for their homes.

 

Single Pole	$1-$15
Three-Way	$3-$15
Double Pole	$10-$20
Four-Way	$10-$25
Dimmer	$10-$25
Smart	$45-$150

 

Single Pole Switch

A standard switch that is most common amongst homeowners that might already be installed within their confines, the single pole switch is the simplest and easiest option to choose. It is connected to one fixture. The single pole switch will have one input and one output which turns your light fixtures on or off. Either wired open or closed, they’re designed to be latching or momentary.

 

Three-Way Switch

A three-way switch is the control for a single fixture from two different locations and will involve more work with the installation process. The electrician will have to be more involved with this project. The operation of a three-way switch usually goes with either a long hallway or stairway that might require a switch at one end or the other. The NEC requires three-way switches to be installed for these situations and circumstances.

 

Double Pole Switch

The double pole switch is the second most standard switch seen on the market. They are designed to control two separate electric circuits. Essentially, these units will be linked with one another to complete a circuit either simultaneously or staggeringly. 

 

Four-Way Switch

Like the three-way switch, the four-way switch can operate from one fixture throughout three locations, instead of two. Like the three-way switch, the four-way switch controls the lighting in areas of your home from three or more places. The unfortunate aspect of this switch is that it cannot replace the three way switch. Unlike the three-way, which requires two switch leg terminals in tandem with one another, the four-way switch will only operate with two separate single gang switches.

 

Dimmer Switch

A dimmer switch allows the homeowner to change the brightness of their fixtures by dimming or brightening the light. Typically, they’re designed either through a single, three-way, or smart arrangement. The dimmer switch unit can be installed from any existing switch location. It can be customized with light bulbs and fixtures meant for dimming.

 

Smart Switch

The smart switch gives control of your fixtures to smart applications like Google Home or Alexa. Using Wi-Fi capabilities, homeowners can control the lighting throughout their homes by the touch of a phone screen. Some of the benefits that come along with the smart switch include voice-enabled operations, programmable scheduling, mood lighting for ambiance, and incorporation with various smart home devices.

 

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How Much Does It Cost To Add An Outdoor Outlet?

Unlike the outlets that are installed indoors, the cost range that is expected with installing an outdoor receptacle will probably be about $250 to $400, which would include the service itself and the products required for the project. There are two situations where the estimate might be even higher, which would either be for rewiring an older home or for changes and upgrades planned for your electrical panel. In either case, homeowners are expected to spend about $1000 to $1400. 

 

Typically, homeowners want to install outdoor outlets to accommodate newly constructed pools, or to ensure the convenience of plugging in their jacuzzis. Adding an outdoor outlet will require a hole-cutting job through your outside wall and properly installing the GFCI protections for the outdoors.

 

Decorative Outlets

Other than the different types of outlets in the market, homeowners can also purchase and install ornamental outlets that are designed with different colors and patterns. You’ll have to spend an average of $5 to $25 for each one and they can range in different floral designs and art-themed creations.

 

Cost Of Child-proofing Outlets

The best and simplest way to make your outlets more protective against children is to install plugs. Luckily, the cost for several plugs will range between $3 to $15. Unlike the other installations mentioned above, the child-proof plugs are quite easy to install. These plugs are quite simple to set up, homeowners can apply equal pressure to both sides of the plug simultaneously and connect it over the outlet’s cover plate.

 

Time It Takes To Install Outlets And Switches

Journeyman and master electricians have the competence to replace and upgrade two-prong outlets with three-prong outlets in under half an hour. The installation time will also depend on whether you have a grounded fuse box installed. While this may be the case, there are often times that such a project might take up to or longer than a day. Durations that take longer than a day will require the rewiring of your electrical system or updating your electrical panels.

 

Cost Of Rewiring Your Home

Whether you’re installing wires for a new home or whether you’re having your current home rewired, the cost estimates will vary. Typically, the easier procedure comes from a new home since essentially, the electrical system is installed before the walls can be finished. More often than not, wire installations throughout a new home will be simpler and won’t cost as much.

 

• New Home: $3-$5 per sq ft

• Home Rewiring: $6-$10 per sq ft

 

Older wires are going to need to be removed to arrange new wiring throughout your home and although it is a job with more efforts involved, your budget will involve the size of your living space. For instance, if a homeowner is intending to construct a new home, the entire home has to be wired for this project to be completed. A house rewiring will depend on the scale, location, and necessity of which wires to remove and reinstall.

 

A conventional 1000 square foot home will require an estimate ranging between $2000 to $6000 for a rewiring service to be made. The service will probably cost you about $2 to $4 per square foot, while the project’s costs will be determined by the size of the home, the accessibility of the wiring, and the types of upgrades made to your panel.

 

Homeowners that simply want to rewire their rooms will only have to spend about $190, depending on the size of the aforementioned room. The estimate of $190 is the average cost for rewiring a 120 square foot space. Keep in mind that if the rewiring service requires you to also update your electrical panel, you will likely have to spend about $1100 to $2500. 

 

Finding Multiple Estimates Through House Tipster

The services and costs of finding an electrician can be quite ranging, depending on the projects or jobs you need completed throughout your home. Homeowners should use our web tool, House Tipster, to find the right professional for the job. With our business listings, you can find the right person for the job with matching qualifications for your home construction and renovation needs.

 

The web tool provides users two main features: a chat function and a reviews function. Users can use the chat function to directly correspond with the business listing of their choosing and discuss rates, estimates, and ask or reply to inquiries between the professionals and homeowners. The reviews function allows users to browse through different portfolios and analyze which listings might be best-suited for your properties. By using House Tipster, you won’t have to concern yourself with the actual search and only think about what kind of modifications you want to make with your home.

 

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