How Much Does It Cost to Install a New Plug Point?

If you live in Cape Town, you have probably noticed how quickly you can run out of plug points, especially when adding new electrical appliances to your home.

Older houses often have fewer electrical outlets, which can become frustrating when you need to connect computers, televisions, kitchen appliances or other equipment so having additional plug points installed is a practical solution, but how much should you expect to pay?

Well the price will depend on the type of installation, the location of the socket and whether additional electrical work is needed.

How much will a new plug point cost in Cape Town?

The estimated cost of installing a new plug point these days in South Africa is generally between R650 and R1,500 for a straightforward installation using a suitable existing circuit. This is however only a guideline, and the actual price could vary greatly depending on the work involved.

For example, if you are replacing an existing socket you will usually pay less than installing a completely new outlet in another room but If new wiring or a dedicated circuit is required, you can expect the installation to cost more.

What determines the cost of installing a plug point?

Not all electrical installations are the same. Before an electrician can quote you they will need to establish what work is required and whether your existing electrical system can safely accommodate another outlet.

Factors affecting the price include:

– The distance between the new socket and the electrical supply
– Whether additional wiring is necessary
– The type of plug point you choose
– Whether cables need to be installed inside walls
– The condition of your existing electrical installation
– Whether a dedicated circuit is needed
– Labour, testing and certification costs

We have found that Installing a socket close to an existing suitable electrical point is usually a relatively simple job but adding one in a room without nearby wiring could require a us to do a considerable amount of more work.

Should you install a single or double plug point?

We recommend you install a double plug point as they are more popular because they allow you to connect two appliances without using an additional multi-plug. They are particularly useful in kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms and home offices and the difference in price between a single and double socket is generally small compared with the overall installation cost. I will say however that installing additional outlets does not mean your existing circuit can safely handle more electrical equipment.

We recommend having an electrician check the circuit capacity before adding new plug points.

Is installing a plug point yourself a good idea?

Installing electrical outlets may appear straightforward to your average handyman guy, but remember that incorrect wiring can cause serious problems. Loose connections, poor earthing and overloaded circuits can create electrical shock and even fire risks so a socket that works is not necessarily a socket that has been installed safely.

Electrical installation work should always be handled by a properly registered electrical contractor, with the necessary inspection, testing and certification arranged where required.

Choosing an electrician for plug point installation

Before hiring an electrician, ask for a quotation explaining the materials, labour and testing included as well as if they offer a ECOC. You should also mention where the new outlet will be installed and which appliances you intend to use.

We here at W.G. Dixon Electricians provide electrical installations, repairs and maintenance for homeowners throughout Cape Town and give a electrical certificate of compliance with all our work.