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It's one of the most common questions we get asked, and it's a fair one. Socket replacement is bread-and-butter electrical work — not complicated, not scary, just a job that needs doing properly by someone qualified. So let's talk about what it actually costs and, more importantly, what affects the price.
Replacing a double socket outlet — a standard white plastic double socket in a straightforward location — starts from £98.48 + VAT with Bright Spark.
That price covers labour, the socket itself, isolation of the circuit, testing, and making good. It assumes the job is clean and uncomplicated: the wiring behind the socket is in good condition, the back box is sound, and we're doing a like-for-like swap. One socket out, one socket in.
For most routine replacements in a modern or recently rewired home, that's exactly what happens.
Here's where it's worth being straight with you, because the starting price isn't always the finishing price — and there are legitimate reasons for that.
The condition of the wiring behind the socket. In older properties, what's hidden behind the faceplate can be a surprise. Wiring from the 1970s and 80s often has rubber insulation that's gone brittle and crumbly over time. When that's the case, we can't simply swap the socket and walk away — because the connection point itself isn't safe. We'll tell you what we've found, show you if we can, and give you options. That might mean a small cable repair, or it might point towards a broader conversation about the installation. Either way, you'll know before anything proceeds.
No earth conductor. Some older wiring doesn't include an earth wire at all. That's a specific situation that needs handling correctly and can't just be ignored when fitting a replacement socket.
The type of socket you want. Standard white plastic is the entry-level price point. If you're upgrading to a brushed steel, chrome, or satin nickel finish — which a lot of people are doing during renovations — the socket itself costs more, and that's reflected in the final price. USB sockets with built-in charging ports (particularly USB-C, which is where most devices are now) are also more expensive than a standard outlet, but the price difference is modest for the convenience they offer.
Single to double upgrades. If you've got a single socket and want to replace it with a double, that usually means changing the back box — the housing set into or mounted on the wall. If it's surface-mounted, that's straightforward. If it's flush-fitted into the plaster, the wall may need a small amount of chasing to accommodate the wider box. Not a big job, but it adds a little time.
Multiple sockets in one visit. One thing worth knowing: if you've got several sockets to replace, booking them together in a single visit is the most cost-effective way to do it. Travel time and the minimum charge are spread across the whole job rather than repeated for each socket. If you're replacing one socket now and thinking you'll probably do three more at some point, it's almost always worth doing them together.
We get asked this too, so it's worth being clear. The price includes:
The socket outlet itself (standard white plastic at the from price), labour to safely isolate the circuit, remove the old socket, check the wiring, connect and fit the new socket, test the circuit and confirm everything's working correctly. You also get a full digital invoice that details the work carried out, time, and a breakdown of labour and materials. Hard copies are available if you'd prefer one.
We don't cut corners on testing. Every socket we fit is tested before we leave.
As mentioned above, white plastic is the baseline. If you want something different, we're happy to accommodate that — we just need to know in advance so we can bring the right materials.
Brushed steel and chrome finishes are the most popular alternatives right now, particularly in kitchens and living rooms. USB sockets are increasingly common in bedrooms and home offices. If you're not sure which to go for, have a look at what's already in the room — or ask us. We can advise on what works well and what's available.
One thing to be aware of with USB sockets: the USB-A ports that were standard for years are being phased out as devices move to USB-C. If you're fitting new sockets, it's worth specifying USB-C or a combined A/C socket rather than USB-A only, so you're not fitting something that's already outdated.
You can, but there are a couple of things to understand if you go down that route. We won't provide a warranty on parts we haven't supplied — if the socket fails, the cost of returning to replace it is down to you. We also can't guarantee the quality or suitability of parts we haven't sourced ourselves. For a cheap socket from a DIY shop, the risk is yours. Our preference is always to supply the parts ourselves — we charge trade price plus a standard markup to cover admin and transport, and the parts are right for the job.
It's electrical work. It seems simple — and in experienced hands it is — but socket replacement involves working on a live electrical installation, and the consequences of getting it wrong range from a non-functioning socket to a fire risk. In the UK, electrical work must meet BS7671 (the wiring regulations), and the work needs to be carried out competently. An NICEIC registered electrician, like everyone on our team, is the right person for the job.
It also matters when you come to sell your home. Buyers' solicitors ask about electrical work. Work that's been done without certification, or done poorly, can hold up a sale or cause problems with buildings insurance.
If you've got a socket that needs replacing — whether it's cracked, worn, the wrong type, or you just want an upgrade — give us a call on 01892 531 728 or request a quote online, from our contact quotation form on this page. We cover Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Crowborough and the surrounding area.
Prices start from £98.48 + VAT for a standard double socket replacement, Monday to Friday. We'll always confirm the price with you before any work starts.
All prices exclude VAT. Standard rates apply Monday–Friday 7:30am–6:00pm. Weekend and out-of-hours rates differ — see our Rates & Fixed Prices page for full details.
I was very pleased with the prompt and efficient service. The electrician phoned in advance to confirm his time of arrival and was friendly and polite.
I had a number of light fittings that weren't working and, on a recommendation from a friend, called Bright Spark. Karen called in to evaluate and price the work the same day and sent one of her colleagues, to carry it out before the end of the week. It was a very impressive response and the work was done to an excellent standard. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Bright Spark, and it's reassuring to know such a reliable firm exists the next time I need an electrician.
Thank you for attending my “Emergency Call out” there was smoke coming out of my socket. I telephoned at least 15 electricians after 7:15pm (in the evening) when we discovered the smoke coming out of the Socket. Their phones not even being answered. The next on my list was Bright Sparks, who were the only ones to answer the call - literally within a couple of rings, and was answered by a lovely lady who reassured me that help would be on the way. The Call was sent to your emergency electrician who called back within 15 minutes, and was able to attend within the hour, and fix the problem. Thank you. Excellent Service
We are very pleased with Phillip’s work. You’ve truly gone above and beyond to deliver what we had in mind for our front porch.
Our timer on our central heating went and my husband was miles away at work,it was early evening when I phoned karen, but straight away she told me not to worry,to send a photo of the timer and she'd sort it out,and she did, an electrician came out with a new timer fitted it and was gone, brilliant service from start to finish, will definitely use them again and would highly recommend them
