How to price adding a double socket
Materials, labour time and a worked example for quoting a new double socket off an existing ring in the UK, with typical prices for 2026.
For electricians in the UK. Prices checked November 2026.
Worked example
“Add a new double socket in the living room, spurred off the existing ring.”
| Material | Qty | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double switched socket white | 1 | £4.50 | |
| Metal back box 35mm double | 1 | £1.50 | |
| 2.5mm twin and earth cable | 5 m | £6.50 | |
| Earth sleeving green/yellow 6mm | 1 pack | £3.00 | |
| One coat filler 1kg | 1 | £8.00 | |
| Labour, 2.1 hours at £50.00/hour | £105.00 | ||
| Transport | £25.00 | ||
| Total | £153.50 |
Typical UK retail prices including VAT, November 2026. Not VAT-registered example; add 20% to the total if you are. Rate is an example: use your own.
What customers expect to pay
Homeowners are told to expect £100–£200 for adding a socket, according to the Checkatrade cost guide. The worked example comes to £153.50.
Where the time goes
- Chase walls, fit back boxes and run cable1.3 h
- Connect sockets0.3 h
- Test and certify0.5 h
Before you quote
- Price the first socket as a job and each extra one in the same room as an add-on: the setup, testing and certificate don't repeat.
- Chasing into solid walls takes longer than dry-lined walls; ask before you quote.
- A new radial from the consumer unit needs an RCBO and building control notification, so quote it separately.
How the quantities are worked out
Each material is counted in the units merchants sell it in, with normal waste allowed, so you can order straight from the list. Labour is the on-site time for one competent tradesperson, including setting up, testing and clearing up. Change the measurements and the whole quote moves with them; that's what Quotable does for you on every job, with each material priced live at UK merchants.
Quote this job with today's prices
Type the job, check the lines, send a link your customer can accept and pay. Every material is priced live and linked to the product.