About this job
What does socket installation cover?
A socket is technically called a wall outlet. It is the end point of a circuit from the meter cabinet. You have single and double versions, and flush-mounted (recessed into the wall) or surface-mounted (visible on the wall, handy in garages, outbuildings or during renovation). Earth connection is now standard: the metal pins connect your appliances via the yellow-green wire to the earth bar. Together with the RCD that is your basic protection against electric shock.
This page is about the socket itself: adding, relocating or replacing a socket, indoors or outdoors, single or double. If you mainly need a light switch or dimmer, see our separate switch replacement page, where you can read all about two-way switches, cross switches and dimmers. For larger jobs such as adding a dedicated circuit or connecting a heavy appliance, we co-ordinate with the add-a-circuit and electrical installation services.
Warning signs
When is small electrical work needed?
Do you recognise any of these situations? Then an extra socket or switch, a relocation or a replacement is often the answer.
Too few sockets
Using extension leads and adaptors to plug everything in? That is a fire risk. An extra socket in the right place is safer and more convenient.
Socket in the wrong place
After a new kitchen, a rearranged room or a renovation, a socket can end up in the wrong spot. We relocate it neatly, sometimes without chasing the wall.
Old or un-earthed fittings
Loose, discoloured or scorched fittings, or still un-earthed sockets in an older property? During renovation we advise fitting earthed sockets throughout.
Dimming or switching from two points
Want to dim your lights, or switch a lamp from two places? We fit the right dimmer or two-way switch, matched to your light fittings.
How we work
How we approach it
Small work, done just as carefully as a large job. Safe, neat and with a fixed price upfront.
- 1
A brief look at the situation
We check where the socket or switch needs to go, whether cable needs to be run and whether your circuit can handle it. Often possible in the first visit.
- 2
Fixed price upfront
You receive a clear price before we start. So you know exactly what to expect, even if cable needs to be run or some chasing and making good is required.
- 3
Safe connection
We de-energise the circuit, check it with a voltage tester and connect everything in accordance with NEN 1010. Earthed, with the correct wire colours.
- 4
Testing and neat handover
We test that everything works and the earth is correct, finish the fittings neatly and tidy up. Done while you get on with your day.
DIY?
Can you fit a socket yourself?
Legally you may in the Netherlands: there is no certification requirement. But the work must comply with NEN 1010 and you remain personally liable. Always de-energise the circuit first and check it with a voltage tester. For bathrooms, kitchens, damp areas or work at the meter cabinet, we recommend a qualified electrician, also for your insurance.
What you can do yourself
- Replace an existing socket or switch
- De-energise the circuit first
- Mark where you want the new socket or switch
What to leave to a certified electrician
- Add a new socket or run cable to a new position
- Install a dedicated circuit for a heavy appliance
- Work in damp areas such as the bathroom
Good to know
A quick technical note
Two things that often raise questions with small electrical work. We explain them calmly.
Relocating a socket without chasing the wall
Moving a socket usually means running new cable to the new position and opening the wall. Within the same wall it can sometimes be done without chasing: for example with a surface-mounted socket, using trunking or by routing the cable behind a skirting board or unit. That saves chasing and making good, and so saves time and money.
If the socket needs to move to a different room, running cable and sometimes chasing is needed. We discuss upfront what is possible in your situation and what the neat, safe solution looks like.
Does every dimmer work with my LED bulbs?
No. A dimmer needs to be matched to the lamp type and the load. For LED use a dimmer designed for dimmable LED, and pay attention to the minimum and maximum load. Choose the wrong combination and the light will flicker or buzz, or it will not dim smoothly.
Want to replace a standard switch with a dimmer? That is usually fine, as long as the wiring allows it. We choose the right dimmer for your bulbs so the light dims smoothly and evenly.
When does an appliance need its own circuit?
A 16A circuit at 230 V can handle a maximum of around 3,680 watts (230 x 16). Heavy appliances, as a rule of thumb anything above roughly 2,000 watts, therefore almost always need their own circuit. This prevents overloading and fuses that keep tripping.
| Appliance | Own circuit needed? |
|---|---|
| Washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher | Yes, each on its own circuit |
| Oven or boiling water tap | Yes, its own circuit |
| Induction hob | Yes, often 2 or 3 circuits (Perilex) |
| EV charger | Yes, always its own well-protected circuit |
| Standard sockets, lighting | No, shared on a circuit below 3,680 watts |
Guide values. If your job falls in this area, see the add-a-circuit or electrical installation pages. We work out your actual load for you.
Price
What does a socket or switch cost?
The price depends on your situation: the distance to existing wiring, whether cable needs to be run, chasing and making good, flush or surface-mounted, and the type of switch or dimmer. That is why we have a look first and then give you a fixed price upfront. Below is a guide per situation.
Common extras:
- Earthed or child-safe socket, recommended during renovation
- Splash-proof socket for outdoors, outbuildings or bathroom (zone 3)
- Double socket or socket with USB
- Relocation to another room, towards a few hundred euros
- A dedicated circuit for a heavy appliance, via the add-a-circuit service
Price guide
Fixed price upfront| Extra socket, per unit | € 55 to € 80 |
| Relocate socket within the same room | € 90 to € 175 |
| Switch replacement or dimmer installation | € 75 to € 200 |
| Running cable per metre | € 30 to € 80 |
| Electrician's hourly rate | € 40 to € 85 |
Indicative prices incl. VAT. You will always receive a tailored quote.
Related services
Often done together
Not sure which job you need exactly? We are happy to help. These services often go hand in hand.
Add a circuit
Does a heavy appliance like a washing machine, oven or induction hob need its own circuit? We often add it neatly to your existing consumer unit.
More infoElectrical installation
Larger installation work or a complete system, for example during renovation or a new build? We install your electrics from start to finish.
More infoBathroom electrics
A socket or switch in the bathroom requires care, with zones and splash-proof fittings. We do that properly, to standard.
More infoOutdoor lighting
An outdoor socket or lighting in the garden? We install it splash-proof and safely, on the right circuit.
More infoSwitch replacement
A switch playing up or a dimmer to add? That small job we handle neatly alongside.
More infoWhy Brabant Elektra
Certified, insured and guaranteed
All our engineers are qualified and work to the NEN 1010 standard. We give a 2-year guarantee on all our work. Reliable work you can count on.
Frequently asked questions
Good to know
Service area
Small electrical work across Noord-Brabant
From a post-war terraced house in Eindhoven to a farmhouse in the countryside: every home is a little different. We come to you for small jobs, an extra socket in the living room, a splash-proof socket in the outbuilding or a dimmer in the hallway, and we do it right first time, earthed and to standard.
If the job heads towards a dedicated circuit, a heavy appliance or an EV charger, we co-ordinate it with your meter cabinet and, where needed, with grid operator Enexis. That way even larger work stays in one pair of hands, without you having to figure anything out yourself.
Service area
Across Noord-Brabant
From major cities to smaller towns, active in:
Ready to have this job done professionally?
Request a free quote or call an electrician near you directly. You will always get a fixed price upfront.
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