Install Outdoor Socket

Installing an outdoor socket enhances your convenience by eliminating the need for extension cords when working outside. However, ensuring the installation of an outside socket is done safely and correctly is crucial.

The Benefits of Professional Installation for Outdoor Sockets

With an outdoor socket, you no longer have to run extension leads from inside the house when you’re mowing the lawn or drilling outside. If you’re thinking of getting an outside socket installed, we recommend asking a Part P qualified electrician to help. They’re certified to work with outdoor power and will assess the size of your garden or drive and the supporting wall before installing the plug socket.

Your electrician will also suggest the best type of outdoor socket and make sure the amperage is right. They’ll turn off the main power, place the back box against the wall and mark up where to drill. After attaching the box, they’ll secure the conduit and supply cable and make all the relevant connections. Finally, your electrician will switch the power back on and test your outdoor socket before they go.

How to Install an Outdoor Socket: A Step-by-Step Guide

• Plan the Installation: Choose a location for the outdoor socket that is near a power source and protected from the elements. Ensure the spot is suitable for drilling and has enough space for the outside socket and wiring.
• Gather Materials and Tools: You’ll need a weatherproof outdoor socket, electrical cable, a drill, a conduit for protection, wire connectors, a screwdriver, and a voltage tester.
• Turn Off Power: Before starting any electrical work on the outside wall, turn off the power supply at the circuit breaker to ensure safety while handling the wiring.
• Drill a Hole: Use a drill to create a hole in the wall where the cable will pass through. Make sure the hole is large enough for the conduit and cable but small enough to fit snugly.
• Install an outside socket: Insert the conduit into the hole to protect the cable from weather damage. Seal around the conduit with weatherproof sealant to prevent water ingress in your outdoor power setup.

• Connect the Wiring: Feed the electrical cable through the conduit and connect it to the outdoor socket. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for wiring connections, ensuring that all connections are secure and correctly insulated.
  
• Secure and Test the Socket: Attach the outdoor socket to the wall using screws. Restore power at the circuit breaker and test the outdoor power socket with a voltage tester to ensure it’s working correctly. If unsure, consult a licensed electrician to verify the installation.
  

  Outdoor Socket Installation Cost

  The cost of installing an outdoor socket can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of the installation and regional labour rates. On average, you might expect to pay between £100 and £200 for a professional installation. This price typically covers the cost of materials, such as the weatherproof socket and conduit, as well as labour. Additional costs may arise if extensive wiring or modifications to existing electrical systems are required. For an accurate quote tailored to your specific needs, it’s best to contact a local electrician or service provider. 

   How can First Response 360 help?

If you’re thinking of installing an outdoor socket, you want someone who can do it as quickly as possible and safely too. That means finding a tradesperson that’s local to you. With hundreds of professionals on our platform, we can match you with a Part P qualified electrician in your area in minutes.

You can coordinate diaries and decide on a date that suits you both. Your electrician won’t have to drive far, so there’s no need to factor in travelling costs and you can book them for emergencies and any other non-urgent jobs too. They’re also fully up to date with national regulations. It’s never been easier to find a reliable First Response 360.