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 to Move an Outlet: 9 Steps for Safe Installation
Say so long to unsightly wires with these simple steps
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No obligation · 100% free
SKILL LEVEL
Challenging
COMPLETION TIME
2 hours
COST
$100–$300
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
- Stud finder
- Drywall saw
- Pen or pencil
- Voltage tester
- Screwdriver
SUPPLIES
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
- Electrical box
- Spackle
Let’s say you have a mounted TV with unsightly cables hanging down your wall. In that case, it’s possible to learn how to move an outlet for convenience and cord-clutter removal.
Keep in mind that electrical work is best left to a professional electrician to ensure it’s completed correctly and safely. If you have experience working with electrical wiring, the steps below can help take you through the process, from how to prep to how to connect wiring to your new outlet.
Prepping to Move an Outlet
Before you start cutting into drywall and stripping wire, identify where you want to move the outlet. You’ll want to make sure the new spot is compliant with current city building codes and that you have all the necessary tools and supplies. This way, you won’t have to make an extra trip to the hardware store mid-project.
It’s also essential to purchase or gather protective gear, such as safety glasses and gloves, to ensure you’re as safe as possible when working with wiring. If you’re working with an outlet in an older home, inspect the wiring for frayed wires or loose connections that would require more extensive work. If that’s the case, hire a professional electrician to determine the best next steps for your home’s wiring.
Turn Off the Power
First thing’s first: Turn off the power to the circuit of the outlet in question. Flip the appropriate breaker in your circuit breaker box to eliminate power to that outlet. Even if you’re positive the power is off, you’ll need to use a voltage tester on the outlet surface to make sure. Once the voltage tester proves power is off, you can move to the next step.
Locate the Studs
Determine where you want to move the outlet and use a stud finder to locate the studs in that wall. Mark the stud’s locations with a pencil so that, when the time comes, you can attach the electrical box to the side of a stud.
Mark the Wall and Cut a Hole
Photo: BanksPhotos / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesPlace the electrical box on the wall where you plan to attach it to the stud, and then trace around it with a pen or pencil. Using a drywall saw, cut into the wall on the lines, following as close to the traced lines as possible.
Take Off the Plate Cover and Remove the Outlet
Use your screwdriver and remove the plate cover from the old outlet. Then, unscrew and take out the mounting screws to the outlet and pull it out of the wall. Next, loosen the terminal screws on the side of the outlet. Remove the outlet from the attached wires.
Extend Cable and Cut Excess
With one hand in the hole for the new outlet, pull the cable from the old outlet out of the wall. Using your wire cutters, cut about 6 inches of cable off. Then, use your wire stripper to strip 2 inches off the end of the cable and 1 inch of insulation off the black and white wires.
Attach the New Electrical Box
Move the end of the cable through the knockout hole in the back of the new electrical box. Put the box into the pre-measured hole and secure it to the side of the stud with a screw and screwdriver.
Connect the Wiring
Photo: sestovic / E+ / Getty ImagesUsing a pair of pliers, put the ends of the wires into the hooks. Take the black wire and hook it into the brass terminal screw on the outlet. Tighten the screw, then repeat the same step with the white wire, but onto the silver terminal screw. Now, take the bare copper wire and hook it to the green screw on the bottom of the outlet.
Slide Wiring into Electrical Box
Push the wiring and the outlet into the new electrical box and screw them in with a screwdriver. Take the plate cover and screw it into place, then restore power to the circuit. Test the power with the voltage tester to make sure everything is wired correctly. Repeat until power reaches the outlet in its new location.
Repair the Wall
Patch the hole in the wall where the old outlet lived with spackle and a putty knife. Once the area is dry, you can touch up the paint so it will look good as new.
Commonly Requested Outlet Projects
According to data from Angi customers, 57.8% of electrical projects are repairs-based, while 42.2% are for initial installations or relocations. Call a professional electrician for any electrical problems you have or projects you’re thinking about.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
While it’s possible to DIY moving an outlet if you have prior electrical experience, it’s best to hire a licensed electrician to complete this task. Working with electrical wiring can be hazardous to your home and personal safety, risking electrical shock or fire.
The good news is that if you hire a professional electrician, the cost to install an outlet yourself is largely the same cost as what an electrician would charge. While you may spend anywhere from $100 to $300 to do the job yourself, an electrician is likely to charge about $75 to $485 per outlet. If it saves you time, stress, and the risk of creating further issues, it’s worth hiring an expert from the get-go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Electrical services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.7★ avg. • 107 total reviews
- Jeff B.
Great company! Price was competitive, technician showed up on time and completed the job (exterior electric Radon fan replacement) quickly. Would hire them again.
MaGen Property Inspections and Radon Mitigation - Regina H.
I conferred with 2 other contractors before Armstrong Electric. Nick and his crew showed me that the project was not as convoluted as the other contractors made it appear to be. They completed the entire project on time. They were professional, friendly and cleaned up after at completion. I...
Armstrong Electric LLC - Jeffrey J.
The techs on my project, Shawn and Cliff, were great. They were prompt, courteous, and efficient. I am very happy with the results and would definitely contact Mr. Electric for any future electrical projects.
Mr. Electric of Columbus - William R.
Victor was wonderful. He was on time, professional, and explained everything he was doing. He was thorough and figured out that the problem was electrical instead of with my HVAC system. Very knowledgeable. I will be using this company in the future for any HVAC needs. Thanks!
Hubbs Heating & Air LLC - Jerald W.
They were excellent. They did a great job. I was totally satisfied. They put tremendous effort in making sure the work was completed. They were great. They provided immediate response to any inquires I made. I would hire them again. I would recommend them to anyone who needs electrical work....
Property-Tech Industries, LLC - Paul H.
Initially, the repairman could not find the problem. Apparently, there was some electrical shortage, but he could not find the definite problem. He left, but called back later to say he had a new idea. He returned and replaced the light switches on the doors. The refrigerator seemed to return...
Appliance Pro LLC - Sarah C.
The initial quoted price from a walk-through seemed high, but we discussed that the quote represented worst case scenario (re-wiring to two floors) and we were excited about the opportunity to have the work done in a timely manner with closing for fire safety reasons, etc. When the job was...
- Erin W.
I have to tell you I am all about customer service - I will go out of my way and even pay more for it if you give me great customer service. <br> <br>In a world where this is hard to find, these guys were awesome! I can not sing their praises enough. They were prompt, personable, funny, got...
Waibel Electric - Bradley H.
When I challenged the markup on the generator, Bruder Electric withdrew its bid. They only want naïve customers.
- Gregory B.
We had no power to any of the electrical outlets in the MBR. We'd had an intermittent problem for a few years and they finally went out all together. We live on the 3rd floor of a 100 year old building and I know from past experience the wiring has been added to in hodgepodge ways over the...
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