Worn-Out Outlets? Here's How Much It Costs to Install New Ones

Old, worn-out outlets can increase the risk of a house fire or electric shock, so it's a good idea to replace them as quickly as possible.

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However, many homeowners worry about how much they'll spend to install an electrical outlet from scratch or replace their old sockets.

According to HomeGuide, replacing an electrical outlet costs around $80 to $200 (CAD 110 to CAD 270), including materials and labor. The outlet itself is relatively inexpensive, costing between $1 and $7 (CAD 1.35 and CAD 9) for a basic 120-volt (120V) outlet or between $20 and $50 (CAD 30 and CAD 70) for a smart outlet.

Electricians charge between $50 and $130 (CAD 70 and CAD 175) per hour to remove the old outlet and install a new unit. However, most charge a minimum callout fee of $100 to $200 (CAD 135 to CAD 270), so you'll usually pay at least this much, even if the job takes under an hour.

Replacing all the outlets in your home will cost considerably more. How much you'll spend depends on the number of outlets, but most homeowners pay between $1,200 and $2,600 (CAD 1,600 and CAD 3,500) in total.

Several factors could make replacing your outlets more expensive. If your outlet needs rewiring, expect to spend between $7 and $10 (CAD 9 and CAD 13) per linear foot for materials and labor. Your electrician may need to remove drywall to access the wiring, so it's worth factoring in an additional $50 to $400 (CAD 70 to CAD 540) for drywall repairs.

How Much Does It Cost to Upgrade an Existing Outlet to a GFCI Outlet?

GFCI outlets are suitable for wet areas, such as kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms. You can purchase GFCI outlets from DIY stores for around $12 to $40 (CAD 16 to CAD 55) each. Expect to pay around $90 to $200 (CAD 120 to CAD 270) for GFCI outlet installation, including the cost of the outlet itself and electrician fees.

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How Much Does It Cost to Install an Electrical Outlet Where There Isn't One?

New electrical outlet installation is usually more expensive than replacing an old outlet because you'll need to install wiring to supply power to the new socket. Generally, installing a new outlet costs between $150 and $350 (CAD 200 and CAD 475), although the overall price depends on the outlet type. Standard 120V outlets are the most affordable outlet type to install.

Expect to spend more if you want to install 240V outlets because they require a dedicated electrical circuit. Installing a new circuit for a 240V outlet typically costs between $250 and $900 (CAD 340 and CAD 1,220).

It's usually cheaper to have your electrician install multiple outlets per visit instead of installing them separately. That's because electrician callout fees often exceed the cost of installing an outlet, so bundling your services can reduce how much you'll spend per unit.

How Much Does USB Outlet Installation Cost?

Installing a USB outlet means you'll never have to hunt for your charger plug again, and it can also reduce the clutter caused by having multiple chargers lying around. According to Fixr, USB outlets cost between $20 and $40 (CAD 30 and CAD 55) from home improvement stores, excluding electrician fees. Factor in an additional $50 to $130 (CAD 70 to CAD 175) per hour for installation labor.

Alternatively, you could consider installing a multi-use outlet with integrated USB ports. These outlets are practical options because you can use them for plugging in both standard 120V appliances and USB device chargers. Expect to spend around $20 to $50 (CAD 30 to CAD 70) on the outlet itself, or between $100 and $200 (CAD 135 and CAD 270) for the outlet plus installation.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.