If you’ve come across this article, you might be thinking about updating your home’s light switches. But how much does it cost to install a light switch or replace an old one? Typically, the light switch installation costs around $150. The lower end of this average is $60, while the higher end is $300. The disparity in light switch installation cost largely depends on the switch type: standard, double, dimmer, or timer. In this article, we will thoroughly discuss light switch installation costs and common factors that influence the price.
Light Switch Installation Costs: Installation
How much does it cost to install a light switch?
On average, the installation cost of a light switch is between $100 and $300, including materials and labor costs. The total installation cost varies according to the type of switch and the wiring accessibility.
For example, if the installation requires running wire through enclosed walls, the cost will be higher compared to installing a switch during new construction or in an unfinished basement.
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Light Switch Installment Costs: Replacement
How much does it cost to replace a light switch?
The average cost to change a light switch ranges from $50 to $250. It also includes labor costs and materials.
If you’re replacing an existing switch with a dimmer or smart switch, the cost will be between $80 and $250 or more. If you want to replace all light switches and outlets in your home, it can cost between $2,400 and $5,100.
Cost to Move Light Switch
How much does it cost to relocate a light switch? If you need to relocate a light switch, you can expect to pay between $100 and $300 or maybe more. However, the overall relocation cost depends on different factors, such as the distance from the original location, wiring accessibility, and compliance with building codes. Moving a light switch involves removing and closing the old switch location, creating a new hole, and running the wire to the new location.
Types of Light Switch Installations and Their Costs
The type of light switch you select has a significant impact on cost. The more complex the switch, the more expensive it will be. Therefore, a standard switch is the most affordable option, while dimmers and timers are on the higher end in terms of cost.
Standard Light Switch
A single light switch is a basic “on and off” switch that controls a single light fixture. Replacing or installing a standard light switch typically costs between $50 and $150. This is calculated based on an average hourly fee of $50 to $100 for an electrician.
Double, Three-Way, and Four-Way Light Switches
Double light switches control two devices. Three-way switches control one fixture from two locations, and four-way switches control one fixture from three locations. They require additional wiring than a single switch and are somewhat more expensive to replace.
What is the average cost to install 3-way switches? The average cost to install a set of 3-way switches is typically between $100 and $200 per switch. What is the average cost to replace a 3-way switch? An average electrician will charge between $75 and $175 for this repair.
Dimmer Switch
A dimmer switch provides a range of lighting levels. However, these switches take more time to install than standard switches. The dimmer switch installation costs are usually between $80 and $200.
Timer Switch
Timer switches allow you to schedule the operation of lights. Their cost is not much higher than that of a dimmer switch, usually ranging from $85 to $200.
Smart Light Switch
Similar to dimmers and timers, the cost of installing a smart switch ranges from $85 to $150 nationwide. It’s important to note that this cost is only for the switch. If you are hardwiring smart devices, lighting packages often include items such as outlets.
Transfer Switches
Transfer switches are placed near the main circuit breaker of a home and direct power from a portable or standby generator to specific appliances. Professional installation of a transfer switch usually averages $200 to $400. This is based on an electrician’s average hourly rate of $50 to $100, as it typically takes three to four hours to complete.
The location of the switch will affect the cost. For residential units, manual transfer switches range from $100 to $800, while automatic ones range from $300 to $2,000.
Before changing to a different type of switch, it’s important to check that it is compatible with the light fixture you have.
Replacement of Light Switches and Outlets: Labor Cost for Electricians
Hiring an electrician to replace light switches or outlets comes with labor costs. How much does labor cost to replace a light switch? Generally, electricians charge between $40 and $100 per hour, and there may also be a service call fee, usually around $75 to $125. This fee covers the cost of coming to your home to do the job.
Factors Influencing Labor Costs
There are several factors that determine the cost of replacing a light switch, including:
- Number of switches and outlets – The total number of switches influences the amount of labor and materials needed, as well as the installation time. If you’re replacing multiple switches or outlets at once, the per-switch cost might be lower because the electrician can complete them in one visit.
- Quantity of fixtures – The number of fixtures controlled by the switch affects the amount of wiring involved and the time needed for installation.
- Type of switch – More complex switches, like dimmers or three-way switches, require more time and skill to install, which can increase the price.
- Accessibility – Replacing a light switch in a hard-to-reach area or an attic can lead to an increase in installation time and labor costs.
- Experience of electrician – Generally, an Apprentice or Journeyman electrician charges a lower hourly rate compared to a Master electrician.
- Building codes – If you live in an older home, there may be extra work needed to meet current electrical codes, which can add to the cost.
- Permits – Electrical permits typically range from $50 to $350. While replacing a light switch usually does not necessitate a permit, adding or altering a light switch or replacing electrical wiring generally does.
- Upgrades – Replacing an electrical panel can cost between $850 and $4,000, depending on whether it’s being replaced with 100 Amps or upgraded to 200 or 400 Amps.
- Repairs – The cost of repairing drywall ranges from $200 to $750+, depending on the extent of the repairs needed. If a different type of light switch requiring new wiring is being installed, it may involve opening walls and requiring extensive drywall and electrical repairs after installation.
DIY Light Switch Replacement Cost
If you decide to replace a light switch yourself, you can save the $50 to $100 per hour fee of hiring an electrician. As long as you take the necessary safety measures, changing a simple switch should be a feasible do-it-yourself project.
Gather these tools to undertake light switch replacement tasks.
- The new switch
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Standard slotted screwdriver
- Needle-nose pliers
- Wire strippers
- Voltage tester
- Continuity tester
- Work light
You can also do it yourself with a dimmer switch, but I advise having local licensed electricians install timers and smart switches.
When swapping out light switches, it’s common to replace outlets as well. Since you will already have the power turned off and all the necessary tools at hand, this can save time that you might otherwise spend on an upgrade later.
Another suggestion is to install a new light fixture or ceiling fan. Once again, you already have the necessary tools, and the power is already off. All that’s missing is the new fixture.
Other Light Switch Installation Costs to Keep in Mind
There are other light switch installation costs, like rewiring light switches, that are explained below:
Cost of replacing all switches and outlets in a house
Are you considering replacing all the switches and outlets in your house? How much does labor cost to replace all light switches and outlets? The expense can be somewhere between $2,400 and $5,100. The final labor cost depends on factors like home size, existing wiring condition, and switch type (e.g., standard, dimmer, or smart). The installation of standard hardware falls at the lower end of the cost spectrum. Opting for smart switches and high-end hardware raises both material and labor expenses.
Cost of rewiring a light switch
Rewiring a light switch costs between $150 and $350 or more per switch, depending on your home’s wiring system and layout. If extensive drywall needs to be removed and repaired, this can increase the cost. Switching to a more advanced type of switch, like a dimmer or timer, or moving control from an outlet to a ceiling fixture might also require rewiring.
How much does it cost to rewire an old home? Homes constructed prior to 1985 often require rewiring to meet current building codes. We advise you to hire a home inspector to review the property’s electrical setup. A home inspection usually costs $250 to $400 and includes checks on the home’s structure, wiring, plumbing, roof, HVAC system, and ventilation.
How much does it cost to rewire an entire house? Rewiring an entire house is a larger project. It costs between $1,600 and $7,800 overall, or around $7 to $10 per linear foot of wiring.
Cost of fixing or repairing a light switch
The cost of repairing a light switch installation is between $50 and $250, which is the same as replacing the switch. Faulty light switches are typically not repairable and necessitate replacement instead. Issues that mandate rewiring generally incur higher costs, as they extend the labor time and may entail opening walls and repairing the drywall.
Cost of installing an electrical panel transfer switch
The cost of installing an electrical panel transfer switch is between $400 and $2,500, including labor and materials, contingent on the size, type, layout, and electrical system of the home. A transfer switch may be manual or automatic and serves to connect a generator to the home’s hardwired electrical circuits.
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Wrap Up
Every homeowner will need to install or replace light switches at some point. While it might be tempting to handle this as a DIY project, the quality and safety of the light switch installation can make all the difference. Improperly installed switches can lead to electrical issues down the line and can affect your home’s safety and functionality.
We strongly recommend hiring professionals to ensure that everything is done correctly and safely. At Electric All Pro, we’re a team of trusted and experienced electricians. Our expertise will provide peace of mind and ensure your light switch installation project is in capable hands.
Do you have any questions or need additional information on any part of the light switch installation costs? Contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Replacing a light switch typically takes 15 to 30 minutes if you are replacing it with the same switch type. Installing a different switch may take 1 to 2+ hours, depending on the differences between the switches and the amount of wiring required.
A light switch can malfunction over time due to normal wear and tear of its mechanical parts with repeated use. Additionally, loose wiring may cause a switch to overheat and malfunction. Well-installed light switches usually last for 20+ years. Replace a malfunctioning light switch immediately to prevent fire or electrical shock.
While it is possible to connect a GFCI outlet to a light switch, some professionals do not recommend it because this safety feature may cause the lights to turn off, which could be dangerous. GFCI outlets, which are required by code in potentially wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, cut off power when they detect irregular current.
A light switch does not require grounding if it is replacing an older, ungrounded light switch. However, the National Electrical Code (NEC) mandates that all new light switch installations with new wiring must be grounded. Grounding provides a safe path for excess electricity, helping to prevent electric shock and fires.
While a handyman may be capable of replacing a light switch, it is best to hire a licensed electrician. Electricians are trained to carry out electrical work safely and ensure that everything is up to code. Some states do not permit unlicensed individuals to perform any work directly related to the home’s electrical system.
