How Much Does It Cost to Install a 220v Outlet? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $137 - $319
To install a 220v outlet, expect to pay around $228 on average, but this could increase if you need additional electrical work done.
If you’re looking to decrease how long it takes to charge an electric vehicle or need one for your new dryer, you might need to install a 220v outlet in your home. The average cost to install a 220v outlet is around $228.
Depending on the installation location and whether your electrical panel can even handle the upgrade, you should expect to pay anywhere from $137 to $319.
- Average
- $228
- Low end
- $80
- high end
- $596
How Much Does It Cost to Install a 220v Outlet by Type?
First off, be sure your appliance requires a 220v outlet, as there are many types of outlets for 220v, 240v, and 250v out on the market. Most newer appliances require a 240v outlet rather than 220v. Depending on the reason for the installation, you should also ensure you pick up the right shaped outlet.
| 220v Outlet Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 3-Prong | $5–$15 |
| 4-Prong | $10–$20 |
| Locking | $15–$30 |
4-Prong Outlets
Four-prong outlets handle a large variety of appliances, ranging from a dryer to an EV charger. The cost of a 220v 4-prong outlet will range anywhere from $10 to $20.
3-Prong Outlets
3-prong outlets are also available for dryers and ranges, but you also can install these throughout the home if you need a 220v outlet for a window A/C unit. 3-prong 250v outlets will cost anywhere from $5 to $15.
Locking 220v Outlets
Sometimes, the plug for these appliances is too heavy to stay in an outlet properly, so you’ll need to install a locking 220v outlet. These outlets will average an extra $5 to $10.
220v Outlet Installation Cost Factors
Unlike simply swapping out an outlet, which may take as little as 10 minutes to accomplish, you may need to completely redo the wiring in the area to accomplish installing a 220v outlet.
| 220v Outlet Installation Breakdown | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Labor | $50–$150 per hour |
| Materials | $6–$8 per foot |
| Permit | $100–$500 |
| Adding a New Circuit | $300–$800 |
| Upgrading Panel for Increased Amperage | $500–$4,000 |
Labor
Hiring a local electrician to install a 220v outlet will cost you anywhere from $50 to $150 per hour. If the wiring for a 220v outlet is already in place, you should expect to see a flat service fee of around $100 to $150, as this is a relatively quick job. Harder jobs where access is limited may take three or more hours. Your electrician may also find additional requirements, like needing to ground an outlet, which can add to costs.
Materials
If the area you selected does not have the proper wiring in the walls to support a 220v outlet, you should expect to pay more for materials. The further away the electrical panel is from the area, the more wire you’ll need.
To add the necessary wiring for a 220v outlet, expect to pay around $6 to $8 per foot, plus the cost of the outlets.
Permits
In most areas, adding a new electrical outlet requires a permit. The average permit cost for electrical work ranges between $100 to $500. The specific requirements may vary based on local building codes and regulations. A licensed electrician will know the specifications of your area.
Adding a New Circuit to the Electrical Panel
Ever have your lights flicker when you run an appliance? That means you need more voltage. If you need a 220 outlet in a room where appliances aren’t common (say the primary bedroom), you will need a new circuit added to the electrical panel. If this is the case, you’re likely to see an increase of $300 to $800. This situation rarely arises and is often only used for window-mounted AC units.
Increasing Amperage
The amperage refers to the amount of electrical current the outlet can handle without overheating. For 220v outlets, you’ll find the common amperage at around 20, 30, and 50 amps.
If your panel can handle the added amperage, you’re good to continue with the project. But if you need a boost, the cost to upgrade your electrical panel is $500 to $4,000, depending on the amperage needed.
Installing a 220v Outlet Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
Keep in mind, installing an outlet yourself is an extremely risky task, and you should only do this if you have existing electrical knowledge and the necessary tools. A poorly installed outlet could result in electric shock, short circuits, electrical fires, and damage to connected appliances or devices. If you lack prior experience or tools for this job, call up a licensed electrician near you to run the proper wiring and install a 220v safely and effectively.
How to Save Money When Installing a 220v Outlet
Most electrical supplies are readily available at online and physical locations, including 220v outlets. You could save some money by purchasing the outlets ahead of time, though you should always double-check compatibility with the appliance you plan to plug into it.
Additionally, you can save money by installing outlets in bulk. Your cost per outlet will come out to be much lower if you’re looking to replace all the outlets in your home instead of a single room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the majority of appliances that run at 240v will work with a 220v outlet, but will often run slower and may have a slight delay in turning on. This could also cause long term damage to the appliance being used, so it’s recommended to always use the correct voltage for your appliance and upgrade to a 240v outlet if needed.
You should never plug a normal 120v appliance into a special 240v outlet, as it can quickly burn out the appliance. This will cause irreparable damage to the appliance and, in worse case scenarios, cause damage to your circuit breaker.
The cost to install a typical outlet is around $215 on average after labor and materials. The most common outlet is a 120v outlet, which costs between $10 to $50 at the hardware store. From there, the average hourly electrician rate is between $50 to $100 per hour. You’ll often receive a better estimate if you install many outlets in your home over just a single one.