The average cost to install an electrical outlet is $133 to $296 each. This guide explains what factors impact the total cost of installing an outlet.
How Much Does a Whole-House Surge Protector Cost? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $70 - $700
A whole-house surge protector costs $70 to $700, with a national average of $300. If you need electrical system upgrades to support the system, expect to pay more.
How we get this data
Photo: Tom Merton/KOTO / Adobe Stock
Photo: Tom Merton/KOTO / Adobe Stock
Cost Insights
When installing a whole-house surge protector, the key cost factors are the type of surge protector and whether additional electrical work is required.
Type 2 surge protectors are most commonly used for whole-home protection, and they cost $50 to $250.
You’ll likely pay between $100 and $200 in labor for this project.
Budget an additional $500 to $4,000 if you also need to upgrade to a more modern 200-amp service while your electrician is on-site.
Average Whole-House Surge Protector Cost
A whole-house surge protector often costs between $70 to $700, with an average cost of $300. That said, depending on various cost factors, such as the type of surge protector and the amperage of your electrical panel, you could spend anywhere between $50 and $700.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Cost by Surge Protector Type
There are three types of surge protectors, with Type 2 being the most commonly used for whole-home protection and costing $50 to $250. Here’s what you might pay for each type, not including installation:
| Type | Average Cost Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | $50–$250 | Highest protection from power surges; externally installed before power reaches your main breaker |
| Type 2 | $50–$250 | Installed internally, in the main breaker, where you can configure them to protect your most important electrical circuits or the entire circuit panel |
| Type 3 | $10–$25 | Doesn’t require installation; you plug this type of surge protector into individual outlets |
How Much Does Labor Cost?
The average cost to hire an electrician to install a whole-house surge protector is around $100 to $200. The installation should take around two hours, and most electricians cost between $50 and $100 per hour. Some electricians may charge $150 for the first hour before dropping prices to a lower hourly rate.
Timelines for Electrical Wiring or Panel Upgrades
According to data from Angi customers, 32.2% of people request wiring or panel upgrade service within the week, and 13.5% of people request service within one to two weeks. Asking for a quicker turnaround time, especially if it’s a bigger job, could increase labor costs as pros work to finish your project sooner.
Additional Cost Factors
Photo: Tomasz Zajda / Adobe Stock
There are a few other cost factors to consider when installing a whole-house surge protector, such as the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) rating and additional electrical work. Here’s what to expect.
NEMA rating: ranges from $80–$150 for a NEMA 1 model (suitable for indoor use) to $120–$225+ for a NEMA 4 model (built to resist dust and moisture for outdoor environments)
Additional electrical work: Total cost increase of 100% or more if your project requires extensive work, such as trenching
Electrical panel upgrades: $500–$4,000+
Can I Install a Whole-House Surge Protector Myself?
Unless you have extensive experience working with electricity, we recommend hiring a professional electrician near you to install your whole-house surge protector. Your pro knows all the ins and outs of safely and correctly installing surge protectors.
Here's why you should hire a pro:
An experienced electrician can complete the job safely and efficiently.
Improper installation can result in electrical shock, fires, or damage to your electrical system.
A pro understands and ensures code compliance.
Pros can evaluate your home’s electrical system to determine the right type, surge capacity, and optimal installation location.
Many surge protectors come with warranties that are only valid if the device is installed by a licensed electrician.
If you have experience with electrical home improvements and feel confident in your abilities, installing a Type 2 whole-house surge protector is often easier, as it’s mounted inside the main panel. But even then, professional installation is recommended to ensure safety and code compliance.
Next Steps
You shouldn’t install a whole-house surge protector yourself, as doing it wrong can result in electrical shock, fires, or damage to your electrical system.
Hiring an electrician ensures the job is done safely and efficiently.
Be sure to check the NEMA and kiloAmp ratings for your surge protector—higher numbers in both offer better protection.
You may be eligible for a break on your homeowner’s insurance after installing a whole-house surge protector, which can help offset the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
The homeowners guide to electrical services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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Discover how to upgrade your electrical panel for added convenience and to help increase the safety of the electrical system in your home.
This guide will walk you through why electrical outlets go out and why one bad outlet can affect others in your home. Use our helpful guide to learn more.