How much does it cost to install a 220v or 240v outlet?
How much does it cost to install a 220v or 240v outlet?
$250 – $800 average cost to install a 220V or 240V outlet
Cost to install a 220V or 240V outlet
The cost to install a 220V or 240V outlet is $250 to $800 on average, depending on the amperage, distance from the main electrical panel, and the home's current wiring conditions. Adding an outlet for a garage or electric dryer requires running new wire to a dedicated circuit.
| National Average Cost | $450 |
| Minimum Cost | $100 |
| Maximum Cost | $1,500 |
| Average Range | $250 to $800 |
Outlets rated 220V, 240V, or 250V are considered identical.
New 240V outlet installation for an EV charging station may require upgrading the main electrical panel or adding a subpanel.
220V & 240V outlet installation cost breakdown
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Outlet | $8 – $30 |
| Circuit breaker | $5 – $40 |
| Wire cost | $30 – $40 |
| Electrician labor | $50 to $130 per hour |
| Permit | $30 – $80 |
The following factors impact the cost to install a new 220V or 240V outlet:
Circuit length – The circuit length is the distance from the main electrical panel to the outlet's location. The farther the outlet is from the panel, the more wiring the electrician must run through the walls, floors, attic, crawlspace, or basement.
Accessibility – Running new wiring is easiest in an unfinished attic or basement or in open walls before installing drywall. Labor costs increase for complex installations, including:
Running wire up through multiple stories in the house
Fishing wire between walls
Running wire along concrete flooring
Running wire in tight attic spaces that restrict movement
Installations that require opening multiple holes in the walls
Labor rates – Electricians' labor rates vary by location and experience. Master electricians have the most experience but charge 50% to 100% more than Journeyman or Apprentice electricians.
New circuit breaker – A new 30-amp or 50-amp circuit breaker costs $5 to $40 for the part alone, not including the outlet.
Electrical panel upgrades – Adding a new 240V outlet for a dryer or electric vehicle charging station may require more amps than the home's existing electrical panel can provide.
Upgrading the electrical panel costs $1,300 to $4,000, depending on the amperage.
Adding a subpanel costs $500 to $1,700.
An electric car charging station costs $750 to $2,600, including a Level 2 charger, 240V outlet, wiring, and wall mounting.
Dryer installation costs $100 to $300 on average for labor only.
Permits – Electrical permits cost $30 to $80 on average to install one new 240V outlet or up to $350 if combining multiple electrical jobs in one project.
3-slot vs. 4-slot outlet prices
220V and 240V outlet prices are $8 to $30 for the unit alone, depending on whether the outlet is 3-slot, 4-slot, or locking. When selecting an outlet, confirm the number, shape, and layout of slots on the outlet match the prongs on the appliance's plug.
| Type | Average unit cost* | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| 3-slot | $8 – $15 | Large appliances made before 1996 |
| 4-slot | $10 – $18 | Large appliances made in 1996 or later |
| Locking | $20 – $30 | Added safety and impact resistance |
*Not including installation.
If the cord on your appliance does not have the same prong configuration as the outlet, changing the cord is an easy DIY project and typically only requires a replacement cord and a Phillips head screwdriver. Replacement cords cost $15 to $30 at home improvement stores.
Electrician cost to install 220V or 240V outlet
Electricians charge $50 to $130 per hour, depending on location and experience. Most electricians also charge a $100 to $200 service call fee, which may be applied to the first hour of labor. Consider combining multiple electrical jobs in one visit to minimize costs.
New outlet installation – Outlet installation costs $150 to $350, depending on the type. Standard 120V outlets cost less to install than 220V or 240V outlets.
Outlet replacement – The cost to replace an outlet is $125 to $250 for 240V outlets and $80 to $200 on average for standard 120V outlets.
GFCI outlet – A GFCI outlets costs $150 to $350 installed or $90 to $200 when replacing an existing outlet.
Outdoor outlet – An outdoor outlet costs $180 to $350 installed. Replacing an existing outdoor outlet costs $100 to $175.
220V & 240V wire cost per foot
Running a new electrical line costs $7 to $10 per linear foot for the wire and labor to connect a 220V outlet to a circuit on the main electrical panel. The average wire length from the panel to a clothes dryer is 30 to 40 feet, depending on the home's layout.
240V breaker cost
Large appliances require a dedicated 240V circuit breaker supplying power solely to that appliance. A dedicated circuit costs $250 to $900 installed and typically includes either a new 220V, 240V, or 250V outlet or hardwiring the circuit directly to an appliance.
Outlet amperage
Outlets are rated by amperage—how much electrical current the outlet can handle without overheating or tripping the circuit breaker. 220V and 240V outlets are typically rated for 30 or 50 amps. Dryers typically require a 30-amp outlet, while most electric vehicle charging stations require a 50-amp outlet.
Cost to convert a 120V to 240V outlet
The cost to convert a 120V outlet to a 240V outlet is $250 to $800 – the same as installing a new 240V outlet. Converting an outlet from 120V to 240V requires running new heavier-gauge wire from the outlet to the electrical panel and installing a dedicated circuit breaker with the correct amperage.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a 220V and 240V outlet?
There is no difference between a 220V and 240V outlet. The standard voltage was 220V until the 1960s and increased incrementally over the years to handle greater demands on the electrical grid. Though the term "220V" is still popular, the voltage is interchangeably referred to as 220V, 240V, and 250V.
Can you plug a 220V appliance into a 240V outlet?
Yes, you can plug a 220V appliance into a 240V outlet. Outlets rated 220V, 240V, or 250V are all considered identical.
Can you plug 120V appliances and electronics into a 240V outlet?
You cannot plug 120V appliances or electronics into a 240V outlet without risking an electrical fire or damage to the device. Most sockets only accept plugs with a specific prong configuration to prevent homeowners from accidentally plugging a device into an outlet with the wrong voltage.
Do I need a permit to install a 220V or 240V outlet?
Most cities require a permit to install a new 220V or 240V outlet. However, you do not need a permit to replace an existing outlet with a new one.
Getting estimates from electrical outlet installation services
Before hiring a local electrician to install a new outlet, be sure to:
Get three quotes to compare. Confirm the quotes include comparable materials.
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Hire a licensed, bonded, and insured company that has been in business for 5+ years.
Avoid choosing the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full before the project is complete.
Questions to ask
How long have you been in business?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Can you provide local references with contact information?
Do I need a new dedicated circuit for the new outlet?
Will the cord on my appliance need replacing to match the new outlet?
Do you handle the permits and inspection process?
Are all permit fees included in the estimate?
What additional costs should I expect?
How long will the installation take?
Do you offer a warranty? If yes, what does it cover?