Installing New Outlets
Installing New Outlets | Electrical Outlets | Electrical | Charleston
Dreaming of a home where every gadget has a convenient place to plug in? HEP’s licensed electricians make that dream a reality throughout Charleston by installing new outlets with precision, respect for your décor, and a keen eye on safety. From transforming drafty corners into cozy charging stations to adding dedicated power for heavy-duty appliances, we listen to your goals, inspect your wiring, and recommend the perfect locations and styles—all while adhering to the latest code requirements.
Whether you’re remodeling, expanding your outdoor living space, or simply tired of juggling power strips, our swift, mess-free service ensures you’ll enjoy dependable electrical outlets that keep pace with modern living. Call today and let HEP turn every room into a fully powered hub of convenience and peace of mind.
FAQs
What types of new outlets can you install in my Charleston home?
We install all standard 120-volt receptacles, 240-volt appliance outlets, GFCI outlets for kitchens, baths, and exterior locations, AFCI/dual-function outlets for added fire protection, USB and USB-C charging receptacles, tamper-resistant outlets required by code, and weather-resistant models for porches and docks. If you have specialty needs—such as floor outlets for a historic home, countertop pop-ups, or EV-charging receptacles—our licensed electricians can design and safely install those as well.
Do I need a permit or inspection to add new electrical outlets in Charleston, SC?
Yes. The City of Charleston and Charleston County both follow the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) and require an electrical permit whenever new wiring is added or an existing circuit is significantly modified. We pull the permit, schedule the inspection with your local building department, and make sure the work passes on the first visit, saving you time and potential re-inspection fees.
How much does it cost to have a licensed electrician install a new outlet?
Pricing depends on the outlet type, distance to the nearest power source, wall material, and whether the home has available circuit capacity. In Charleston, a straightforward installation on an existing circuit typically ranges from $150–$250 per outlet. Adding a dedicated 20-amp GFCI circuit for a kitchen or laundry area usually falls between $350–$600. We provide a fixed, written quote after an on-site assessment so there are no surprises.
How long does a typical outlet installation take, and will the power be off?
A single new outlet on an existing circuit usually takes about one hour, including cleanup. Running a new dedicated circuit may take two to four hours, especially in homes with plaster walls or limited crawl-space access. We shut off only the circuit we’re working on, so the rest of your home remains powered. Outages are normally 30–60 minutes per circuit.
Are GFCI or AFCI outlets required, and where?
Under the 2020 NEC adopted by Charleston, GFCI protection is mandatory for all receptacles in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry areas, garages, unfinished basements, crawl spaces, and all outdoor locations—including waterfront docks exposed to salt spray. AFCI protection is required in most living areas such as bedrooms, family rooms, and dining rooms. We supply dual-function AFCI/GFCI receptacles or breakers where the code calls for both protections, ensuring your installation is fully compliant and safer against shock and fire hazards.
Can you upgrade two-prong outlets to three-prong grounded outlets in my historic Charleston property?
Absolutely. Many downtown homes built before the 1960s still have ungrounded wiring. We evaluate the existing wiring to see if a ground path is present; if so, we simply install a grounded receptacle. If not, we can run a new grounded cable, install a GFCI receptacle labeled “No Equipment Ground,” or convert the circuit to a grounded AFCI/GFCI breaker, all per NEC Article 406.4(D). These options preserve your home’s historic character while meeting modern safety standards.