How Much Does It Cost to Install a Powerpoint?

Wondering about the cost of installing a power point? The price tag for an electrician to change power point outlets isn’t a fixed figure, and depends on a range of different factors. Let's get into it!​

Power points are the unsung heroes of our homes, powering our ever-growing fleet of electronics as we sail into the digital age. With an increasing reliance on electronic appliances, the demand for additional power sockets is charging up and up. Modern homes are being built with more outlets in each room, while older homes are getting modern makeovers with extra sockets. But the question remains; what is the cost of installing a brand-new power point? And what does it cost to switch out older power points? 

We're going to break down the basics of power point installation costs to help you effectively budget your outlets in your new build or renovation. Cowley Electrical is here to enlighten you!

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Powerpoint?

Typically, an electrician will charge an hourly rate to install powerpoints around a home or apartment. The hourly rate of an electrician ranges between $84 and $132 on average. Combined with the cost of the powerpoint itself, which can range from $72 to $130, the total cost to install powerpoints can vary depending on numerous factors, such as the location, accessibility of the outlet and any materials needed for its installation. Where you are located will impact the total electrician cost to change a powerpoint. As electricians charge by the hour, and powerpoint installation does not take long, you may also be charged a call-out fee for the service.  ​

Factors Influencing Total Cost of Installing a Powerpoint

1. Location

The specific location in which you wish to install your powerpoints will influence final installation rates. Installing a powerpoint to an external wall, usually a double brick cavity wall, is always easier and cheaper for your electrician than other spaces around a property. It involves drilling a small hole in the inner brick using the cavity to pull the cable up to join it to an existing power circuit. Installing a powerpoint to an internal wall, a single, non-cavity wall, requires more work and involves more materials, which may make it more expensive.

2. Materials

Depending on the job’s complexity, more materials may be required to install a powerpoint than other jobs, depending on the chosen location. The materials of the powerpoint itself will also influence material costs - different types of powerpoints serve multiple functions inside or outside a home or apartment. Here’s a breakdown of average powerpoint prices:

• Single powerpoints - $72 to $92 per socket
• Double powerpoints - $77 to $98 per socket
• 15 Amp powerpoints - $110 to $130 per socket
• Weatherproof Outdoor powerpoints - $100 to $160 per socket
• USB powerpoints - $110 to $150 per socket 

 
These prices include accessories and any extra wiring required from your switchboard.
 
When estimating the electrician cost to change a powerpoint from an older model to a newer one, we strongly recommend using a double outlet in your calculations. Whilst a dual outlet may be slightly more expensive on average, you will find it far more convenient in any room of the house. 

3. Accessibility of The Socket

For locations that are hard to reach and require excess labour to install, costs will be impacted by any other work that will need to be completed around the desired area. In general, powerpoints in sensitive areas of the house, like support columns, should be avoided but will be installed with care when required. 

4. New Powerpoint or Replacing an Old One

When it comes to installing powerpoints, you have two options: You can either add in a brand new one or take out an older model to replace it. New systems require far more extensive electrical servicing and, as such, will incur higher costs. If you upgrade an existing powerpoint, you may retain usable wiring, which will shorten the total labour time, lowering your costs. 

Other Considerations in Your Total Cost to Install Powerpoints

Purchasing Your Own Products

One action that will significantly lower your total cost of installing powerpoints is if you select and purchase the powerpoints yourself. Having your chosen powerpoints ready for the electrician will substantially reduce your total fees and give you the freedom to shop around for the outlets that best suit your needs. Buying in bulk for more significant home renovations can make this step even cheaper, and you will only be paying for the electrician’s cost of labour when it comes to installation. You will just need to be careful that you purchase the correct type of outlet for your home.

Any Required Plastering or Painting

Extra work is typically applied to internal wall installation. With interior walls, one option involves chasing the cable into the wall. Inner wall cabling is done so that there is nothing visible outside the wall and is the preferred method. To ensure the powerpoint is recessed, you will have to engage the services of a plasterer or painter to cover the wiring and refine the look of the wall. Recessing and running the cables behind or through the wall is the ideal solution during renovation prior to painting.
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Alternatively, you can install surface mounted ducting. This option is not as neat looking but will not incur the extra cost of painting or plastering. White ducting will enclose the powerpoint cables and lead to the switchboard. In this instance, the outlet cannot be recessed into the wall and will require a small mounting block. Whilst this may present a cheaper solution as it will not require any further work, we recommend having this powerpoint in a location where there can be something against the wall that will cover the ducting, like a wardrobe or couch.

Electrician Cost to Change Powerpoint with Cowley

Combining the above factors will all influence the total cost of installing a powerpoint or multiple powerpoints with Cowley Electrical Services. Please be advised that the prices provided above are a general guide, and consultation with your knowledgeable Cowley electrician will give you the most definite answer based on your job.

Cowley Electrical Services should be your first call if you have any questions about the cost to install powerpoints in your home or apartment. Servicing the Bateman’s Bay area and throughout the South Coast of NSW, our fully certified and friendly team of electricians can assess all powerpoint installations, from complete renovations to installing the first set of outlets in your new home. For more information, give us a call on 0411 457 441 or get a quote online.