Written by

Kristen Cramer

February 23, 2024

Fact-checked by

Tom Grupa

Average electrical outlet repair cost

Electrical outlet repair costs $80 to $200 on average, depending on the problem. Electricians charge $50 to $130 per hour for labor to fix or replace a broken outlet, circuit, or light switch. Most faulty outlets and switches must be replaced instead of repaired.

Electrician cost to fix an outlet by issue

Cost to fix a short circuit or blown outlet

The cost to fix a short circuit or blown outlet depends on the source of the problem. Resetting the circuit breaker costs nothing and may solve the problem. Replacing the receptacle in a blown outlet costs $80 to $200. Fixing problems with the wiring may cost more.

• Common causes of a short circuit include:

• Loose connections in an electrical box

• Rodents or pests chewing through the wires

• Wiring, switches, or outlets work due to age

• Worn or frayed electrical cable sheathing

• Water or other liquids damaging the wiring

• Too many appliances or devices plugged into the same circuit

• Appliances drawing more power than an outlet or circuit breaker can provide

Replace outlet or change socket

The cost to replace an outlet is $80 to $200 on average, depending on the type:

• Replacing a standard 120V outlet costs $80 to $150.

• Replacing a GFCI outlet costs $90 to $200. A GFCI outlet has a built-in breaker that trips to prevent electrical shock whenever it senses an imbalance in the current. Pressing the Reset button on the front of the receptacle often resolves the problem.

• Replacing an outdoor outlet costs $100 to $175, not including replacing the weatherproof cover.

Replace light switch

The cost to replace a light switch is $50 to $250 on average for labor and materials, depending on the switch type. Replacing an existing switch with a dimmer or smart switch costs $80 to $250+, while replacing a standard switch with a 3-way switch costs $160 to $300 total.

Replace all switches and outlets in house

The cost to replace all light switches and outlets in a house is $2,400 to $5,100. Labor costs per outlet are typically lower when replacing all switches and outlets at the same time.

Cost to fix reverse polarity outlet

The cost to fix a reverse polarity outlet is $40 to $100. Reverse polarity occurs when the wires are connected to the wrong terminals on the outlet receptacle. Switching the position of the wires is a quick and easy job. However, most electricians charge a minimum one-hour rate.

Circuit breaker replacement cost

Circuit breaker replacement costs $100 to $260, depending on the type and amperage. Before replacing a circuit breaker, check the electrical panel to see if the breaker has been tripped. Flip the breaker switch back on to reset it. Contact an electrician if flipping the breaker does not resolve the problem.

Grounding an outlet

The cost to ground an outlet is $100 to $300 per outlet and requires running a new ground wire from the outlet to the main electrical panel. Replacing an ungrounded outlet with a GFCI outlet costs $90 to $200 and adds protection from electrical shocks without grounding.

Replace outlet covers

The cost to replace outlet covers is $5.50 to $30.00 per cover if replaced by an electrician or $0.50 to $20.00 per cover if replaced DIY, depending on the color, style, and if the outlet is indoors or outdoors. Electricians typically include a cover in the estimate for outlet replacement.

Electrical outlet box replacement

Electrical outlet box replacement costs $100 to $300 on average. The box houses the receptacle, wires, and connections. Electrical outlet boxes typically last 40+ years but may need replacing if damaged by water, fire, or impact.

Improper outlet rating / warm outlet or wall

Outlet receptacles have specific amp ratings, with higher amp outlets typically designed to handle larger appliances with greater power demands. Fixing an outlet with the incorrect amp rating costs $80 to $800, depending on the problem:

• Replacing a 15-amp outlet with a 20-amp outlet costs $80 to $200. Many kitchen appliances, such as microwaves and toasters, require a 20-amp outlet.

• Upgrading a standard 120V outlet to a 30-amp or 50-amp 240V outlet costs $250 to $800, including running new heavier-gauge wire from the outlet to a dedicated circuit in the main electrical panel. Large appliances like dryers, water heaters, and HVAC units require a 240V outlet.

Rewiring an outlet

Fixing a broken outlet may require running new wire, installing a dedicated circuit or subpanel, or replacing the electrical panel, depending on the cause of the problem.

• Rewiring – Rewiring costs $7 to $10 per linear foot. The electrician may need to replace wiring that has worn or frayed or upgrade old aluminum wiring to new, safer copper wire.

• Dedicated circuit – A dedicated circuit costs $250 to $900 installed. Upgrading an outlet to correct a problem with the amperage may require installing a dedicated circuit.

• Electrical panel upgrade – Replacing or upgrading an electrical panel costs $850 to $4,000, depending on the amperage.

• Subpanel – Adding a subpanel costs $500 to $1,700, depending on the amperage. A subpanel adds new circuits to the home, which may be necessary if too many outlets are currently wired to the same circuit and causing an overload.

Drywall / plaster repair around an outlet

Drywall repair costs $50 to $150 for small holes and $200 to $400 for medium or large holes. The drywall surrounding the outlet may get damaged during the repair process if the outlet box requires replacing. In addition, the electrician may need to open walls to run new wiring.

Cost factors to repair and electrical outlet

New outlet cost

New outlets cost $1 to $70 for the receptacle alone, depending on the type. Standard 120V outlets are the cheapest at $1 to $7 each, while smart/USB and floor outlets cost the most.

Electrical inspection

An electrical inspection costs $100 to $200, depending on the home's size and age. An electrical inspection is required for additions, remodels, or electrical upgrades that require a permit. The inspection confirms the work meets minimum code requirements for safety from electrical fire or electrocution.

Labor cost to fix an outlet

Electricians charge $50 to $130 per hour. Most electricians charge a minimum one-hour rate or a $100 to $200 trip fee. Replacing one outlet or switch typically takes less than 15 minutes. Consider having the electrician complete multiple tasks during the same visit to minimize costs.

The cost to repair or replace an electrical outlet depends on the following factors:

• Number of outlets – Costs per outlet are cheaper when replacing or repairing multiple outlets at the same time.

• The home's age – Older houses often have more complex or outdated wiring that no longer meets current building codes, requiring upgrades or full replacement.

• Labor rates – Electricians' labor rates vary by experience. Master electricians have the most experience but charge 50% to 100% more than Apprentice or Journeyman electricians.

• Geographic location – Labor rates are typically higher in large metropolitan areas.

• Permits – An electrical permit costs $50 to $350, depending on the project type and size. Many small electrical repairs and replacements do not require a permit. However, most cities require a permit for new outlet installations and rewiring.

Electrical outlet repair FAQs

How can I tell if an electrical outlet isn't safe?

Look for these signs indicating an electrical outlet isn't safe:

• The outlet is sparking.

• The outlet feels hot to the touch.

• The outlet covers are cracked.

• Lights plugged into the outlet are flickering.

• The outlet is an ungrounded two-prong receptacle.

• When you insert a plug in the outlet, it falls out.

• When you plug in an appliance into the outlet, it sparks, smokes, or smells like it's burning.

Can a bad outlet cause other outlets not to work?

Yes, one bad outlet can cause other outlets to not work, depending on how the home is wired:

• If a GFCI outlet trips, it also interrupts power to any other outlets connected to it. Resetting the GFCI outlet usually resolves the problem.

• Older homes may have multiple outlets in a room or an entire area of the home connected to a single circuit. If one bad outlet trips the circuit breaker, the other outlets connected to that circuit will not work until the circuit is restored.

• If multiple outlets were installed in a daisy-chain series, one faulty outlet may prevent the rest of the outlets in the series from working.

How long does it take to repair an outlet?

Most faulty outlets must be replaced instead of repaired. Replacing an outlet takes 10 to 15 minutes. Repairing the wiring or running a new wire to an outlet takes 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the location, wiring conditions, and distance from the main electrical panel or nearest junction box.

How long do electrical outlets last?

Standard electrical outlets last 12 to 25+ years, while GFCI outlets last 7 to 15+ years.

Getting estimates from electricians

Before you hire an electrician near you to install an outlet, be sure to:

• Get three estimates to compare.

• Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.

• Hire a licensed, bonded, and insured company that has been in business for 5+ years.

• Avoid hiring the company with the lowest quote as quality may suffer.

• Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.

• Never pay in full before the project is complete. Work out a payment plan instead.

Questions to ask

• How long have you been in business?

• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

• Can you provide local references with contact information?

• Does the outlet require replacement or can it be repaired?

• What other electrical repairs are required?

• Will the project require a permit? If yes, does the estimate include permit fees?

• What additional costs might come up during the project?

• How long will the job take?

• Do you offer a warranty? If yes, what does it cover?