How Much Does It Cost to Install a Coaxial Cable Outlet?
Installing a coaxial cable outlet costs between $75 and $500, or $210 on average. Costs will depend on if you're installing a new outlet, moving an existing one, or running cable.
While many families turn to various streaming platforms for their binge-watching, many folks still enjoy cable and also use a cable outlet to receive high-speed internet. If you move your TV or internet router and don't want to run cables across your floor, you may need to install a new cable outlet which will cost you anywhere from $75 to $500.
How Much Does Cable Outlet Installation Cost by Type?
Cable outlet installations vary considerably in cost depending on if you're putting in a brand-new outlet, replacing an existing one, or just running cable from an existing coaxial outlet to the device you're plugging into it.
| Installation Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| New outlet | $150 – $485 |
| Outlet replacement | Around $60 |
| Running cable | $60 – $150 |
New Coaxial Cable Outlet
A new cable outlet is the most costly installation type because it's the most complex and time-consuming. It will set you back between $150 and $485, depending on how much work is involved.
Replacing an Old Coax Cable Outlet
Replacing an existing cable outlet with a new one should take no more than 30 minutes and can cost as little as $60 for parts and labor.
Running Cable From an Existing Coax Cable Outlet
If you decide to get a local electrician to run a cable under the floor from the existing outlet to the device you want to connect to, expect to pay anywhere from $60 to $150. Cost variables include how far you want to run the cable, whether it goes under the floor, through walls, or runs around the outside of your property.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Cable Outlet Yourself?
If you have the electrical and DIY know-how, installing a coaxial cable outlet can save you money, as you only pay for parts, not labor. Parts cost between $5 and $50, while labor costs between $50 and $100 per hour.
Remember also that an electrician most likely has a minimum call-out fee, so even a job that takes 30 minutes will cost you at least that amount.
Coax Cable Outlet Installation Cost Breakdown
Coaxial cable outlet parts are inexpensive, but the jobs can be fairly time-consuming, so the biggest cost factor is labor.
| Cost Factor | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Materials | Up to $50 |
| Labor | $50 – $100 per hour |
Materials
Materials, including the faceplate, connectors, and coaxial cable, cost up to $50 unless you need a particularly long spool of cable.
Labor
Electricians charge between $50 and $100 per hour, and they usually have a minimum call-out fee of at least one hour. So, for example, replacing an existing outlet should take around 30 minutes, but in terms of labor, you'll actually pay for an hour (or two, depending on what their minimum charge is).
Installing a new outlet is more time-consuming because it involves running cable through the wall, cutting the site for the new outlet, and more. So you can expect to pay at least three hours in labor for this type of job.
What Factors Influence the Cost to Install a Cable Outlet?
How far the cable has to travel to the outlet is one of the biggest cost factors because running cable through walls and under flooring is time-consuming. Plus, the more cable you need, the more you'll pay, as it's generally priced per linear foot.
Installing a new outlet costs you more than replacing an existing one because of the extra work involved. Running cable from an existing outlet to another area where you want to connect a device can be a cost-effective solution, provided the cable isn't so long that you get noticeable signal loss.
The time it takes to install a coaxial outlet will largely depend on the existing conditions of your wall and wiring. If you’re replacing a current coaxial outlet, this job may only take around 30 minutes. Installing a brand new coaxial outlet will typically take around three to four hours, with straightforward jobs taking on the lower end, and more complicated installations, like those that involve lengthy wiring, taking much longer. A pro can give you a more accurate time estimate when they arrive for the job.
The shorter the coaxial cable, the better. The further you run the cable, the more signal loss you'll experience. At 50 feet, you'll see significant signal loss, and by 100 feet, you'll experience at least a 30% drop in signal strength.
If you're already planning to hire an electrician and you know that you'll get billed the minimum call-out charge, you might as well make the most of it by having the contractor do another small job like replacing a light switch or electrical outlet. Even if you're paying for a new coaxial outlet, which costs several hours in labor, you may be able to save a little or maximize value by getting them to do other related jobs. For example, if you're having a coaxial cable moved, it's worth checking if you also need another electrical outlet in the new location or considering where else you would benefit from a new outlet . The cost to install an electrical outlet is around $200.
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