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.
6 Easy Steps for USB Outlet Installation
Say goodbye to bulky chargers for good
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Installing a USB outlet eliminates bulky USB adapters and frees up your outlet space while charging phones, tablets, and other devices you use daily.
Your USB outlet installation costs $30 to $60 for the receptacle and wall plate, making this an affordable upgrade for any room in your home.
You need basic electrical knowledge before starting this project, including safely shutting off power at the breaker and using a voltage tester to confirm the outlet is off.
Hiring a local electrical professional provides peace of mind when working with your home's electrical system, ensuring safe wiring connections and proper installation throughout the process.
SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate
COMPLETION TIME
2 hours
COST
$30-$60
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
- Phillips-head screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- Voltage tester
SUPPLIES
- USB receptacle
- Wall plate
You’ll need a USB cable to charge phones, tablets, e-readers, and many other common devices we’re all so addicted to. If you've ever tried to charge multiple devices using a standard outlet, you know how quickly bulky USB adapters can crowd and clutter your space.
Installing a USB outlet is an easy fix that will free up outlet space because it eliminates the need for a bulky USB adapter. And it just so happens to be a fairly simple project for someone with basic electrical knowledge under their belt.
Preparing to Install a USB Outlet
Before getting started, figure out which of your existing outlets you want to use to install your USB outlet. Since USB outlets don't draw much power, you can safely add them to most outlets, except those with switches and outlets dedicated to larger appliances, like ovens, refrigerators, and microwaves.
Installing an outlet involves working with your home's electrical system, which poses a shock hazard, so we only recommend this project for folks with some electrical experience. It's best to call a local electrician to help if you've never worked with a home electrical system. But if you're already familiar with basic home electrical systems, you'll probably find that a USB outlet installation is a fairly simple DIY project.
6 Steps to Install a USB Outlet
Gather your tools and materials. Then, it's time to get started.
Shut Off the Power
Before you start, head to your home's breaker and turn off the power connected to the outlet. This step will protect you from potential electrical shocks. For added protection, use your voltage tester at the outlet to verify that the power is off.
Remove the Existing Plate and Take a Reference Photo
Next, use your flathead screwdriver to unscrew the cover plate on your existing outlet. Then, without disconnecting any wires, pull the receptacle out an inch or two and take a photo of the existing wiring attached to it. You can use this photo as a reference when it comes time to attach the wires to your new USB receptacle.
Typically, you'll find three types of outlet wires and colors in U.S. homes, each with a different charge: copper or green, black, and white.
White: Neutral wires designed to transfer unused electricity back to the breaker panel.
Black: Hot wires that feed power from the breaker panel to the outlet.
Copper or Green: Ground wires that transfer electricity from the outlet to the breaker, then outside to a rod buried in the ground to neutralize the charge.
Disconnect the Wires
After saving a photo of your wiring, disconnect the wires from the old receptacle. If your wires are attached with screws, use a Phillips-head screwdriver to loosen them. Clamps have a small release button that you can push with a screwdriver or other small tool to disconnect the wires.
Connect the Wires to Your USB Receptacle
Photo: Panithan / Adobe StockGrab your reference photo and use it to connect the wires to their corresponding terminals on your new USB receptacle. Make sure they're securely clamped or screwed into place.
Attach the Cover Plate
Once your wires are securely attached to your new USB receptacle, use your flathead screwdriver to screw the cover plate back onto the outlet.
Restore Power and Test the Outlet
With your cover plate securely attached, go back to your breaker panel and turn the outlet's power back on. Grab one of your USB devices and plug it into the outlet to ensure your installation was a success.
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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