How Much Does It Cost to Move an Outlet?

Have you ever purchased a beautiful lamp or splurged on a new television only to discover there's no outlet to plug it into? If so, you've probably found yourself wishing an existing outlet was just a few feet to the left or right. Trailing wires are unsightly and can cause a trip hazard, so moving an outlet is the safest and most convenient way to keep your space clutter-free.

This May Also Interest You: How to Replace an Electrical Outlet: A Step-by-Step Guide

Fortunately, moving an outlet is a straightforward project that an experienced electrician can complete relatively quickly.

How Do You Move an Electrical Outlet From One Spot to Another?

Moving an outlet involves turning off the power supply and unscrewing and removing the existing outlet. An electrician then creates a hole in the wall in the desired location and secures a new electrical box to a wall stud. They extend the existing wiring from the old outlet and connect it to the new outlet and electrical box. Finally, they screw the new outlet into place and repair the hole where the old one used to be.

While moving an outlet yourself is possible if you have electrical experience, hiring an expert is the safest option. Without detailed knowledge, you could make mistakes while working with your electrical system that could put your home and family at risk. A licensed electrician has the training and experience to install an outlet correctly, reducing the risk of house fires, electric shocks and other hazards.

How Much Does It Cost to Move a Power Outlet?

According to data from HomeGuide, moving an outlet costs between $40 and $250 (CAD 58 and CAD 360). Labor typically costs between $50 and $130 (CAD 72 and CAD 187), while the outlet itself will likely cost $1 to $40 (CAD 1.44 to CAD 58).

More Related Articles:

• All Homeowners Should Know These Electrical Terms

• How Much Do Electrical Repairs Cost? A Comprehensive Guide

• Why U Trippin’? 3 Reasons Your Circuit Breaker Trips

• 15 Ways to Save On Your Electric Bill

• Socket to Me: How Much Does It Cost to Install or Replace Electrical Outlets?

How Much Does Wall Outlet Installation Cost?

The average cost to install a new outlet is $280 (CAD 403), including electrician fees and materials. Most homeowners spend between $150 and $350 (CAD 216 and CAD 504), although you could pay as little as $40 (CAD 58) if you live in an affordable area and use basic materials.

Outlet installation can cost up to $1,500 (CAD 2,158), although prices this high are relatively unusual. Installing an outlet in an awkward location or fitting a premium outlet to supply a power-hungry appliance is usually more expensive than installing a standard 120-volt outlet. Expect to pay more than average if you require additional electrical work, such as wiring modifications or upgrades, to accommodate your new outlet.

What Factors Affect the Cost of Moving an Outlet?

Various factors can impact the cost of moving an outlet, and the outlet type will likely have the most significant influence on the price. Changing the outlet type usually increases the cost. For example, you'll typically pay more to move a standard 120-volt outlet if you intend to replace it with a 240-volt model. That's because some types of outlets cost more than others. Common outlet types include:

• 120-volt outlet: $1 to $7 (CAD 1.44 to CAD 10)

• Smart outlet: $20 to $50 (CAD 29 to CAD 72)

• 240-volt outlet: $8 to $30 (CAD 12 to CAD 43)

• GFCI outlet: $12 to $40 (CAD 17 to CAD 58)

Depending on the outlet type, moving it may require wiring modification. Making changes to your existing wiring adds to the cost of an outlet extension. For example, you may need to install a dedicated circuit or new ground wire to comply with building codes and keep your electrical system safe.

The location of your existing and new outlet can also affect the cost. Moving an outlet in a confined or inaccessible space, such as your crawlspace or attic, typically costs more than a similar project in an easy-to-access area.

Your geographic location can also make a difference. Electrician fees are usually higher in areas with a higher cost of living, while they may be lower in a less expensive rural town.

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