Socket & Switch Installation

Additional sockets, USB outlets, outdoor power points, and switch upgrades — installed safely and certified to Part P by qualified electricians.

Never Enough Sockets

It's the most common electrical complaint in British homes: not enough sockets. Older properties were built with one or two sockets per room — a fraction of what modern life demands. Extension leads and adaptors are the usual workaround, but they're an electrical hazard: overloaded extension leads are one of the leading causes of domestic electrical fires in the UK.

Adding sockets is straightforward for a qualified electrician and eliminates the need for dangerous daisy-chaining. Whether you need an extra double socket behind your TV, USB charging points in the kitchen, or a weatherproof outdoor socket for the garden, we install them neatly and safely with full Part P certification.

Types of Socket

Standard Double Sockets

The workhorse of UK electrical installations. We install flush-mounted (recessed) or surface-mounted double sockets depending on your wall type and aesthetic preference. Flush sockets sit within the wall for a clean finish; surface-mounted sockets sit on top of the wall surface and are quicker to install where chasing into the wall isn't practical.

USB Sockets

Combined 13A + USB sockets are now standard in modern installations. Choose from USB-A, USB-C, or combined A+C outlets. USB-C sockets with Power Delivery (PD) can charge phones, tablets, and even laptops directly from the wall without a separate charger — reducing cable clutter and freeing up plug sockets.

Outdoor Sockets

Weatherproof outdoor sockets (IP66 rated) provide convenient power for lawnmowers, pressure washers, electric BBQs, garden lighting, and festive lights. They must be installed on a dedicated RCD-protected circuit — a legal requirement under BS 7671. We install twin outdoor sockets with lockable covers and weatherproof enclosures.

Kitchen Sockets

Kitchen sockets above worktops typically need to be on a dedicated ring circuit or radial circuit, separate from the general house ring. Adding sockets in a kitchen is Part P notifiable work — it must be done by a qualified electrician who can self-certify. We commonly install additional worktop sockets, island sockets (pop-up or flush-mounted), and dedicated appliance sockets.

Switch Upgrades

Dimmer Switches

Replace standard light switches with dimmers for adjustable room brightness. Modern trailing-edge dimmers work flicker-free with LED bulbs. Available in rotary, push, and touch styles to match your interior design.

Smart Switches

Smart switches connect to your home WiFi and allow control via smartphone app, voice assistant (Alexa, Google, Siri), or automated schedules. No-neutral-wire smart switches are available for older homes without a neutral at the switch position. We wire smart switches so they work reliably — not relying on WiFi signal alone.

Decorative Switches and Sockets

Switches and sockets come in a wide range of finishes — brushed steel, matt black, polished chrome, antique brass, and glass. Upgrading from standard white plastic to a premium finish is a simple way to elevate a room's appearance. We supply and fit all major ranges.

Part P and Building Regulations

Adding sockets or switches in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoors is notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations. This means it must be either carried out by a registered electrician who can self-certify the work, or submitted to Building Control for separate inspection (which costs more and takes longer). All our electricians are Part P registered and issue certificates for every job.

Costs

  • Single additional double socket: £80–£150
  • USB double socket (upgrade existing): £60–£100
  • Outdoor weatherproof socket: £120–£200 (including RCD protection)
  • Kitchen worktop socket (additional): £100–£180
  • Dimmer switch installation: £50–£90
  • Full house socket upgrade (white to chrome): £300–£600 depending on quantity

Need more sockets or a switch upgrade? Get a free quote — most socket installations take just 1–2 hours.

Common Questions

Frequently asked questions about this service.

There's no regulatory limit on the number of sockets per room. The limiting factor is the capacity of the circuit they're connected to. A standard ring circuit can safely supply up to 20 socket outlets. If you're adding a large number of sockets, we may recommend a new radial circuit from the consumer unit.
Adding sockets in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoors is notifiable under Part P. Adding sockets in other rooms (bedrooms, living rooms) by extending an existing circuit is generally not notifiable, though it still must comply with BS 7671 wiring regulations. All our work is fully certified regardless.
Yes. Surface-mounted sockets and mini trunking are a quick, neat alternative when chasing into walls isn't practical — for example on solid brick walls, tiled surfaces, or where you want to minimise disruption. Surface-mounted sockets are fully functional and available in all the same finishes as flush sockets.
Absolutely. USB sockets eliminate the need for separate charging plugs, reduce cable clutter, and free up your standard sockets for appliances that actually need a 13A plug. USB-C sockets with Power Delivery can charge phones, tablets, and laptops at full speed directly from the wall — they're now standard in our kitchen and bedroom installations.

Request a Consultation

Tell us about your electrical requirements and we'll get back to you with a free, no-obligation quote.

Your details are secure. We typically respond within 1 working day.

Ready to transform your property?

Partner with UK Electrical Installers for certified electrical work you can rely on.

Start Your Project