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GFCI Outlet Installation Cost
GFCI outlet, installed
Bottom line: Installing a GFCI outlet costs about $210 on average, and most homeowners pay $130 to $300, according to Angi. Replacing an existing outlet with a GFCI costs $100 to $200 (Angi) or $120 to $150 (HomeGuide), while installing a new GFCI outlet costs $150 to $300. The outlet itself costs $15 to $50.
Angi puts the national average installation at $210, with most jobs between $130 and $300.
Price breakdown
| Job | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Replacing an existing outlet | $100 – $200 | Angi |
| Replacing a standard outlet with GFCI | $120 – $150 | HomeGuide |
| Installing a new GFCI outlet | $150 – $300 | Angi |
| GFCI outlet, part only | $15 – $50 | Angi |
| Electrician rate | $50 – $100 per hour | Angi |
| Electrician service call / first hour | $75 – $125 | HomeGuide |
Other common electrical jobs
| Job | Cost (HomeGuide) |
|---|---|
| Replace a light switch | $80 – $120 |
| Install or replace a standard outlet | $120 – $150 |
| New conventional outlet | $140 – $165 |
| New single-pole switch | $150 – $200 |
| Basic light fixture install | $133 – $414 |
Related guides
HomeGuide lists the electrician service call or first hour at $75 to $125. See ceiling fan installation cost and 240V outlet installation cost.
GFCI outlet prices by type (Angi, part only)
| Outlet | Use | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 15-amp | Living room, bedroom, bathroom | $15 – $30 |
| 20-amp | Kitchen, utility room, garage | $17 – $40 |
| Outdoor | Pool, hot tub, shed, balcony | $15 – $35 |
| With light switch | Bathroom, kitchen | $20 – $40 |
| Smart outlet | Living room, office | $25 – $50 |
Replace vs. new
Replacing a GFCI outlet takes 10 to 30 minutes and costs $100 to $200; installing a new one takes 30 minutes to 3 hours and costs $150 to $300 (Angi).
Outdoor outlets
Angi puts outdoor outlet projects at $300 to $1,400. A waterproof cover adds $10 to $20, and moving an outlet costs $200 to $300. HomeGuide lists an exterior outlet with cover at $200 to $275.
Fees
Many electricians charge a $100 to $200 minimum visit fee. Permits run $50 to $400, and an electrical inspection averages $150 (Angi). HomeGuide lists apprentice electricians at $40 to $50 an hour and master electricians at $100 to $120.
Related outlet work (HomeGuide)
Replacing a GFCI outlet runs $90 to $200, grounding an existing outlet $100 to $300, and a new split outlet $190 to $275.
An installed outdoor outlet runs $180 to $350 and replacing one $100 to $175 (HomeGuide).
What a GFCI outlet does
A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) cuts power quickly when it detects electricity leaking to ground, such as through water or a person. It helps prevent serious shocks.
Where GFCI protection is needed
Building codes require GFCI protection in many areas where water and electricity may meet, including:
- Bathrooms and kitchens.
- Garages and unfinished basements.
- Outdoor outlets.
- Laundry areas.
Requirements change with code updates, so check local rules.
Outlet vs. breaker
GFCI protection can come from a GFCI outlet or a GFCI breaker in the panel. One GFCI outlet can also protect other outlets downstream on the same circuit.
What affects the price
- Number of outlets.
- Outlet location and access.
- Old wiring without a ground.
- Weather-resistant covers for outdoor use.
Testing
Press the test and reset buttons monthly. If the outlet does not trip or reset, replace it.
Questions to ask
- Which outlets in my home need GFCI protection?
- Is a GFCI breaker better for this circuit?
- Will you check other outlets on the same circuit?
In Texas
Outdoor outlets are used heavily in Texas for patios, pools and holiday lights. Weather-resistant GFCI outlets with in-use covers help protect them from rain and humidity.
How a GFCI outlet works
A GFCI outlet monitors the current flowing through the hot and neutral wires. If it detects a small imbalance, which can mean current is flowing through a person to the ground, it shuts off power almost instantly. That protects against electric shock, especially in wet areas.
Where GFCI protection is required
Electrical codes require GFCI protection in areas where water and electricity can meet, including bathrooms, kitchen countertop outlets, garages, outdoor outlets, unfinished basements, crawl spaces, laundry areas and near sinks. Requirements have expanded over the years. Older homes may not have GFCI protection in all these places, and adding it is an inexpensive safety upgrade.
Protecting several outlets with one GFCI
A GFCI outlet can protect other outlets downstream on the same circuit. Wired correctly, one GFCI in a bathroom can protect other outlets in that room. Downstream outlets should be labeled "GFCI protected."
GFCI breakers
A GFCI breaker in the panel protects the entire circuit. It can be useful when outlets are hard to replace or when a circuit serves several wet areas.
Testing GFCIs
Press the "test" button monthly. The outlet should cut power. Press "reset" to restore it. If it does not trip or reset, replace it.
Older homes without ground wires
GFCI outlets can be installed on two-wire circuits without a ground to add shock protection. These outlets should be labeled "No equipment ground."
How an electrician installs a GFCI outlet
When replacing a standard outlet with a GFCI, the electrician turns off the circuit, removes the old outlet and identifies which wires bring power in (line) and which continue to other outlets (load). Connecting them to the wrong terminals is a common DIY mistake; the GFCI may appear to work but leave the downstream outlets unprotected, or refuse to reset. The electrician then mounts the new outlet, which is deeper than a standard outlet and may need a larger box, restores power and tests it.
New outlets in places that require GFCI protection, such as a garage or outdoor wall, involve running a new circuit or extending an existing one, which adds wire, a box and sometimes a weather-resistant cover.
When a GFCI keeps tripping
A GFCI that trips occasionally is doing its job. One that trips often may point to a real problem: moisture in an outdoor outlet box, a damaged cord, an aging appliance with a small ground fault, or several appliances sharing one protected circuit. Unplug everything on the circuit, reset the GFCI and plug items back in one at a time to see which one causes the trip. If it trips with nothing plugged in, call an electrician, since the fault may be in the wiring.
Signs a GFCI outlet needs replacing
GFCI outlets wear out. If the test button no longer trips the outlet, if it will not reset, or if it is warm or discolored, replace it. Newer GFCI outlets run a self-test and may show a light when they reach the end of their life.
Sources
Electricians in Texas
Our Texas business directory lists 755 electricians across 6 major cities. The ratings below are the average Google rating of the listed businesses in each city, and the review counts are the total number of Google reviews they have received.
| City | Businesses listed | Avg. Google rating | Total reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | 285 | 4.5 | 8,557 |
| Dallas | 95 | 4.7 | 4,755 |
| San Antonio | 126 | 4.5 | 11,438 |
| Austin | 100 | 4.6 | 8,868 |
| Fort Worth | 96 | 4.6 | 5,029 |
| El Paso | 53 | 4.5 | 1,052 |
Source: twupro Texas business directory, built from public Google Maps listings.
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