Replacing a 120V outletor light switch can be done by do-it-yourselfers.
But is it worth saving the $137 to $319 that electricians typically charge to replace an outlet?
Find out how much an electrician costs for projects ranging from replacing an outlet to rewiring an entire home.
The Spruce / Letícia Almeida
The average service call fee for an electrician to visit your home ranges from $163 to $535.
Outlet receptacles can cost as little as $1 to $3.
you might save a considerable amount of money if youreplace the outletyourself.
Warning
Treat electricity with care.
Call an electrician if you feel uncomfortable undertaking even basic electrical repairs.
The task will take about 30 minutes per outlet.
You should have all the required updates done simultaneously.
Tip
Group several tasks to get the most value from the service call fee.
For example, have the electricianreplace several outletsrather than just one.
Also factor in the cost of the GFCI outlet: $10 to $20 per machine.
The cost of the gear is $1 to $3.
Updating your 2-prong outlets to 3-prong outlets lets you use modern 3-prong electrical cords found on most devices today.
If the home’s electric system needs grounding added, the project cost will rise substantially.
Install Floor Outlet
The cost to install floor outlet ranges from $137 to $319.
The cost of the floor outlet and box will cost up to $50 each.
Floor outlets give you greater flexibility for plugging in floor lamps throughout a room.
Floor outlets and boxes are relatively expensive since they include special gaskets and seals required by the electrical code.
Each smart outlet costs up to $50 each.
A smart outlet has wireless, Wi-Fi-equipped remote control technology embedded in the outlet.
The outlet is controlled by a smartphone.
Save on the cost of installing a smart outlet by using a smart plug instead.
About $15 each, a smart plug fits into an existing 120V outlet.
Expect to pay more if the electrician installs switches in two locations, requiring new cables and wall boxes.
At one time, 100-amp service was standard in homes.
Rewire a House
The cost of rewiring a house ranges from $1,600 to $11,400.
A 2,000-square-foot house has about 450 linear feet of walls.
Multiplying 450 by $8 produces an average cost of $3,800.
Wire a Garage
Adding circuits to a garage ranges from $1,200 to $2,500.
With a detached garage, an underground feeder cable must be installed to supply a new circuit.
Installing a 240-volt receptacle and a level 2 charger forrecharging an electric carcan cost as much as $4,800.
Costs rise if an electrical sub-panel is required or if your basement will have elaborate multimedia wiring.
This cost involves running cable, installing boxes, and making connections.
Costs of light fixtures and other devices are additional.
Costs will increase if you also replace fixtures and devices or update the main service.
How much an electrician charges per hour depends on their experience level and other factors.
Typically, most electricians charge between $50 and $100 an hour.
To calculate electrical labor costs, multiply the hourly rate times the number of hours required for the project.
An electrician may be needed to add an outlet to an area without electrical service.
An experienced homeowner can also do this work.
Replacing an outlet can be done by an electrician in five to 10 minutes.
How Much Does It Cost To Install Electrical Outlets?HomeAdvisor.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Electrician?HomeAdvisor.
What Is a GFCI?
U.S. Consumer Protection Safety Commission.
How Much Does It Cost To Upgrade Or Replace An Electrical Panel?HomeAdvisor.
