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How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Socket Outlet?

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Socket Outlet?

It's one of the most common questions we get asked, and it's a fair one. Socket replacement is bread-and-butter electrical work — not complicated, not scary, just a job that needs doing properly by someone qualified. So let's talk about what it actually costs and, more importantly, what affects the price.

The Starting Point: From £98.48 + VAT

Replacing a double socket outlet — a standard white plastic double socket in a straightforward location — starts from £98.48 + VAT with Bright Spark.

That price covers labour, the socket itself, isolation of the circuit, testing, and making good. It assumes the job is clean and uncomplicated: the wiring behind the socket is in good condition, the back box is sound, and we're doing a like-for-like swap. One socket out, one socket in.

For most routine replacements in a modern or recently rewired home, that's exactly what happens.

What Can Push the Price Up?

Here's where it's worth being straight with you, because the starting price isn't always the finishing price — and there are legitimate reasons for that.

The condition of the wiring behind the socket. In older properties, what's hidden behind the faceplate can be a surprise. Wiring from the 1970s and 80s often has rubber insulation that's gone brittle and crumbly over time. When that's the case, we can't simply swap the socket and walk away — because the connection point itself isn't safe. We'll tell you what we've found, show you if we can, and give you options. That might mean a small cable repair, or it might point towards a broader conversation about the installation. Either way, you'll know before anything proceeds.

No earth conductor. Some older wiring doesn't include an earth wire at all. That's a specific situation that needs handling correctly and can't just be ignored when fitting a replacement socket.

The type of socket you want. Standard white plastic is the entry-level price point. If you're upgrading to a brushed steel, chrome, or satin nickel finish — which a lot of people are doing during renovations — the socket itself costs more, and that's reflected in the final price. USB sockets with built-in charging ports (particularly USB-C, which is where most devices are now) are also more expensive than a standard outlet, but the price difference is modest for the convenience they offer.

Single to double upgrades. If you've got a single socket and want to replace it with a double, that usually means changing the back box — the housing set into or mounted on the wall. If it's surface-mounted, that's straightforward. If it's flush-fitted into the plaster, the wall may need a small amount of chasing to accommodate the wider box. Not a big job, but it adds a little time.

Multiple sockets in one visit. One thing worth knowing: if you've got several sockets to replace, booking them together in a single visit is the most cost-effective way to do it. Travel time and the minimum charge are spread across the whole job rather than repeated for each socket. If you're replacing one socket now and thinking you'll probably do three more at some point, it's almost always worth doing them together.

What's Included in the Price?

We get asked this too, so it's worth being clear. The price includes:

The socket outlet itself (standard white plastic at the from price), labour to safely isolate the circuit, remove the old socket, check the wiring, connect and fit the new socket, test the circuit and confirm everything's working correctly. You also get a full digital invoice that details the work carried out, time, and a breakdown of labour and materials. Hard copies are available if you'd prefer one.

We don't cut corners on testing. Every socket we fit is tested before we leave.

What About Decorative Finishes and USB Sockets?

As mentioned above, white plastic is the baseline. If you want something different, we're happy to accommodate that — we just need to know in advance so we can bring the right materials.

Brushed steel and chrome finishes are the most popular alternatives right now, particularly in kitchens and living rooms. USB sockets are increasingly common in bedrooms and home offices. If you're not sure which to go for, have a look at what's already in the room — or ask us. We can advise on what works well and what's available.

One thing to be aware of with USB sockets: the USB-A ports that were standard for years are being phased out as devices move to USB-C. If you're fitting new sockets, it's worth specifying USB-C or a combined A/C socket rather than USB-A only, so you're not fitting something that's already outdated.

Can I Supply My Own Socket?

You can, but there are a couple of things to understand if you go down that route. We won't provide a warranty on parts we haven't supplied — if the socket fails, the cost of returning to replace it is down to you. We also can't guarantee the quality or suitability of parts we haven't sourced ourselves. For a cheap socket from a DIY shop, the risk is yours. Our preference is always to supply the parts ourselves — we charge trade price plus a standard markup to cover admin and transport, and the parts are right for the job.

Why Get a Qualified Electrician to Change a Socket?

It's electrical work. It seems simple — and in experienced hands it is — but socket replacement involves working on a live electrical installation, and the consequences of getting it wrong range from a non-functioning socket to a fire risk. In the UK, electrical work must meet BS7671 (the wiring regulations), and the work needs to be carried out competently. An NICEIC registered electrician, like everyone on our team, is the right person for the job.

It also matters when you come to sell your home. Buyers' solicitors ask about electrical work. Work that's been done without certification, or done poorly, can hold up a sale or cause problems with buildings insurance.

Ready to Book?

If you've got a socket that needs replacing — whether it's cracked, worn, the wrong type, or you just want an upgrade — give us a call on 01892 531 728 or request a quote online, from our contact quotation form on this page.  We cover Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Crowborough and the surrounding area.

Prices start from £98.48 + VAT for a standard double socket replacement, Monday to Friday. We'll always confirm the price with you before any work starts.

All prices exclude VAT. Standard rates apply Monday–Friday 7:30am–6:00pm. Weekend and out-of-hours rates differ — see our Rates & Fixed Prices page for full details.