How Much Does It Cost To Have A Cable Outlet Installed?

Average Costs to Install a Cable Outlet

Cable Outlet Material Prices

If you want to install a new cable outlet, you'll need a few materials, none of which are costly. Here's a list of essential items:

• F-connector: $5–$10

• Mounting brackets: $5–$30

• Short coaxial cable: $10–$20

• Electrical outlet box: $5–$15

• Screwdriver: $10–$20

Cable Outlet Installation Costs

It costs $50 to $100 per hour to hire an electrician to do general work like installing a cable outlet. The typical visit usually costs $160 to $520, the total cost of the job including labor and parts. It may take 2 to 4 hours for an electrician to install a new cable outlet.

Cable Outlet Installation Cost Factors

Three main factors affect the cost of this project.

Access Difficulty

To install a new cable outlet, you may need to run cables behind the walls to the access spot if they aren't already there. If the cables are located far away and generally difficult to access, this will increase the time it'll take for a professional to do the job—and the cost of the job.

Replacing Old Outlet vs. Installing New Outlet

If there's already an outlet and all you need to do is replace it, this will significantly reduce your price, costing only about $50 to $60 to replace an old outlet.

Running Cables vs. Installing New Outlet

While cables can be unsightly, you can hire a professional to run cables from an existing outlet along the base of the wall or other hidden areas for $60 to $150. If you decide to run cables instead of installing a new outlet, this will save you money. The pro will keep them out of the way and out of sight so you may not even notice them.

DIY vs. Hire an Electrician

The cost of this project is almost entirely from labor, so if you have experience doing this type of work, you could certainly save a lot of money. If you have all the necessary tools, you may only need some coaxial cables, an F-connector, and an outlet box for $20 to $40, an approximate total for all the materials.

However, you're dealing with electricity here, which creates all kinds of safety risks. Unless you have experience doing projects like this, taking on this project isn't a good idea. You want to make sure the job is done right so you don't have to do it again. Even more important, an electrician can complete the task safely.

Contact an electrician near you and tell them about your situation. They may recommend a new outlet, describe how they would run cables, or quote how much it would cost for professional installation. At the very least, you'll have an idea of how much it would cost you to hire them.

FAQs

Can you self-install a cable outlet?

If you have experience with this type of work, you can install a cable outlet with the right tools and an understanding of cable installation basics. However, this involves cutting into the wall and dealing with potentially dangerous wires, so the job is best left to an electrician or rough-in contractor near you.

Do I need a cable outlet for the internet?

Yes, most WiFi services are provided from a box that’s hooked up to a cable outlet. So if you want internet connection, you’ll need a cable outlet somewhere in the house. Fortunately, since WiFi broadcasts to all parts of the home if the signal is strong enough, it typically won’t matter where the outlet is located.

How do I know if my coax outlet is live?

You can get a coax cable tester online for about $10 to $20. Plug the device into the new outlet and press the “test” button located on the device to see the results. It will show you in seconds whether the coax outlet is live.