How Long Does It Take an Electrician to Fit a Socket?

How Long Does It Take an Electrician to Fit a Socket? ⚡🔌

Adding a new plug socket to a room can be a great way to improve convenience, reduce reliance on extension cords, and ensure your home meets modern electrical needs. Whether you need an extra socket for a home office setup, a kitchen appliance, or simply a more practical layout, hiring an electrician is often the best way to go. But how long does it actually take for an electrician to install a plug socket? Let’s break it down.

How Long Does It Take to Install a New Plug Socket?

On average, a professional electrician can fit a new plug socket in about 1 to 2 hours. This estimate is based on a straightforward installation where the existing electrical wiring is in place, and there are no major obstacles.

However, if additional work is required, the time needed can increase significantly. Here’s a breakdown of the factors that can influence how long the job takes:

Factors That Affect How Long It Takes to Fit a Plug Socket

1. Wiring Accessibility and Condition

If your home has modern wiring and an available power source nearby, installing a socket is relatively simple. However, if your property has older wiring, it may require extra work to ensure the new socket is compatible with the existing system.

🔹 Straightforward installations (1-2 hours) – If the necessary wiring is already in place and easily accessible, fitting a socket is quick and efficient.

🔹 Older properties (2-4 hours or more) – If the wiring is outdated or needs upgrading to meet modern electrical standards, the job may take longer.

2. New Wiring vs. Existing Circuit

If an electrician is simply adding a socket to an existing circuit, it’s usually a fast job. But if new wiring needs to be run from the consumer unit (fuse box), the job becomes more complex.

🔹 Using an existing circuit (1-2 hours) – If an additional socket is being wired from an existing ring main, the job is fairly simple.

🔹 Running new wiring (3-5 hours) – If your home requires new cabling to connect the socket to the circuit, the installation will take longer.

3. Type of Wall Material

The wall type where the socket is being installed can also impact the time required.

🛠 Plasterboard walls – Easier to cut and fit sockets into, making the process quicker.

🛠 Brick or concrete walls – Require extra work, as the electrician may need to chase out sections of the wall to run new cables. This can add an extra hour or more to the job.

4. Number of Sockets Being Installed

If you’re having multiple sockets installed at the same time, the process may take longer. However, an electrician can often install two or more sockets faster than doing them separately on different visits, since the preparation work is done all at once.

🔹 Single socket installation (1-2 hours) 🔹 Multiple sockets in one room (2-4 hours) 🔹 Sockets in multiple rooms (a full day or more)

5. Is the Room Already Wired?

If you're adding a socket to an extension or renovation, and the room hasn’t been wired yet, the installation will take significantly longer.

🔹 Newly built extensions – If the room hasn’t been wired, the electrician will need to install a full circuit, which can take a full day or more.

🔹 Existing rooms with wiring – If the wiring is already in place, adding a socket will be much quicker.

6. Compliance with UK Wiring Regulations

All electrical work in the UK must comply with BS 7671 Wiring Regulations, ensuring that installations are safe and up to standard. In some cases, the electrician may need to perform additional safety checks, which could add time to the job.

How to Prepare for an Electrician Installing a Socket

If you’re hiring an electrician to fit a new plug socket, here are some things you can do to help speed up the process:

✅ Clear the area – Move furniture and remove obstacles around where the socket will be installed. ✅ Decide on placement – Know in advance where you want the socket so the electrician doesn’t need to make multiple changes. ✅ Ensure easy access to the consumer unit – If the circuit needs to be tested or turned off, making the fuse box accessible will save time. ✅ Discuss your needs in advance – Let the electrician know if you plan to add multiple sockets or if you may need extra work done.

Can You Install a Plug Socket Yourself?

If you have basic electrical knowledge, installing a plug socket might seem like a simple DIY project. However, incorrectly wiring a socket can be dangerous, increasing the risk of electric shocks, fire hazards, and overloaded circuits.

In the UK, minor electrical work such as changing a socket cover or replacing an existing plug socket is allowed. However, installing a new socket—especially if new wiring is involved—should always be done by a qualified electrician to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.

Final Thoughts: How Long Does It Take?

For a standard socket installation, an electrician will typically take 1 to 2 hours to complete the job. However, the time required increases if:

🔹 New wiring needs to be installed (3-5 hours or more). 🔹 The walls require additional preparation, like chasing into brickwork. 🔹 Multiple sockets are being added at the same time. 🔹 An extension or renovation requires a completely new circuit (which could take a full day).

In general, hiring a professional ensures that the job is done safely, meets UK regulations, and is completed efficiently. If you’re considering adding a new socket, it’s always best to consult a qualified electrician.

📢 Need an electrical inspection? Call Jet Power & Light on 07983580149 or visit www.jetpowerandlight.co.uk for expert electrical services! ⚡🔧