Socket and Switch Upgrades | NAPIT Registered | C-Lec Electrical
Sockets & Switches • Specialists

Socket and Switch
Upgrades, Done Right

Replace tired or outdated sockets and switches with modern equivalents. USB-C and USB-A integrated sockets, smart switches, dimmer switches, illuminated brushed steel and chrome plates, weatherproof outdoor sockets and switched fused spurs. Fully tested and certified, no surprises.

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From: £55 Per Outlet
Compliance: BS 7671 18th Edition
Approval: NAPIT & Part P Approved
At a glance

Old single-pin sockets, scorched switch plates and "not enough sockets in the right places" are the three most common reasons people call us. We replace, upgrade and add sockets and switches across homes and businesses. Modern double sockets with USB-C and USB-A built in, smart-ready switches with neutral terminations, brushed chrome and matte black designer plates, dimmer switches matched to your LED loads, illuminated rocker switches and weatherproof IP66 outdoor sockets. Fully tested and certified. Most jobs done in half a day to a full day.

Why this matters

Old sockets and switches age badly and they're a fire risk

Sockets and switches don't last forever. The brass contacts inside oxidise over time, the screws loosen, the plastic discolours and brittle. We see scorch marks behind switch plates daily on EICR inspections, almost always caused by loose connections heating up over years. Switches and sockets are designed for around 25 to 40 years of life. Beyond that they become a real fire risk.

Beyond safety, modern lifestyle has changed. Houses built in the 80s and 90s have a single socket per wall in some bedrooms. Try charging two phones, a laptop and a fan in there. We add USB-integrated sockets, double up where there's only a single, install dedicated outdoor sockets so the BBQ doesn't run on an extension lead through a window. All to current 18th Edition spec.

  • Old single sockets replaced with double sockets at no extra cable cost
  • USB-C and USB-A built-in sockets save cluttering plug-in chargers
  • Outdoor IP66 sockets so garden BBQ and tools don't run on extensions
  • Switched fused spurs with isolators above worktops for kitchens
  • Dimmer switches matched to LED loads for proper smooth dimming
Modern USB Sockets, Smart Switches and Outdoor Outlets
NAPITRegistered
Part PApproved
USB-CPD Compatible
12 MthWorkmanship Guarantee
BS 7671 18th Edition Certified
Socket and switch facts

Why old fittings
need replacing

Sockets and switches are designed to last decades but not forever. After 30 to 40 years they wear out and become a fire risk.

25-40yrs

Typical Service Life

Quality MK and BG sockets and switches typically last 25 to 40 years. Cheaper "white box" fittings often need replacement after 15 to 20 years.

USB-CPD

Modern Charging Standard

Modern USB-C Power Delivery sockets charge phones and laptops at full speed without separate plugs. We use 30W or 65W USB-C PD modules.

IP66outdoor

Outdoor Rating

Outdoor sockets need IP66 rating to handle heavy rain, dust and splash. Standard indoor sockets fitted outside fail within 18 months.

1day

Typical Upgrade Time

Most full-house socket and switch upgrades complete in a single day. No new cable runs needed if just replacing existing fittings.

What we install

Every type of socket
and switch upgrade

Standard Double Sockets

Replace tired single or scorched double sockets with modern white moulded or brushed chrome flat plate equivalents. MK, BG, Knightsbridge or Schneider quality.

From £55 per outlet

USB-C / USB-A Sockets

Double sockets with built-in 30W USB-C PD and USB-A charging ports. Fast charge phones, tablets and laptops directly without plug-in chargers cluttering up sockets.

From £85 per outlet

Smart & Dimmer Switches

Smart switches (Lutron, Shelly, Hue compatible), TRIAC dimmer switches matched to LED loads, illuminated rocker switches and 2-way and 3-way circuit upgrades.

From £75 per switch

Outdoor IP66 Sockets

Weatherproof outdoor sockets in proper IP66 housings, mounted on outside walls, garden offices, sheds and gazebos. Suitable for direct rain and splash.

From £125 per outlet

Switched Fused Spurs

Switched fused spurs (FCUs) for kitchens above worktops, isolators for bathroom appliances, towel rail isolators and dedicated single-appliance switches.

From £65 per spur

Designer Plate Upgrades

Brushed chrome, matte black, polished brass and antique copper designer plates in flat or screwless face designs. Supply your own or chosen from our range.

From £65 per plate
Whole property packages

Three packages by
property size

Three honest packages priced on full-property fitting count. Replace every socket and switch in the property at the same time for the best value.

Essential

Up to 15 Outlets

£545 From, flat or 2 bed
  • Up to 15 sockets and switches
  • Standard white moulded plates
  • Modern double sockets throughout
  • Light switches verified and tested
  • Loose connections tightened
  • Full circuit testing
  • 1 year warranty
Choose Essential
Most Popular Premium

Up to 30 Outlets

£995 From, typical 3 bed
  • Up to 30 sockets and switches
  • Brushed chrome or matte black plates
  • 4 USB-C / USB-A integrated sockets
  • 2 dimmer switches included
  • 1 outdoor IP66 socket
  • Full circuit testing
  • 2 year warranty
Choose Premium
Pro

Up to 50 Outlets

£1745 From, larger property
  • Up to 50 sockets and switches
  • Designer screwless plates
  • 8 USB-C / USB-A sockets
  • 5 dimmer switches
  • 2 outdoor IP66 sockets
  • 2 smart switch positions
  • 3 year warranty
Choose Pro
How it works

From quote to upgraded
property in five steps

1

Free Quote

Tell us how many sockets and switches over the phone. We give you a rough package quote in minutes.

2

Plate Selection

You pick your preferred finish: white moulded, brushed chrome, matte black, polished brass or screwless designer plates.

3

Site Day

Most jobs completed in a single day. Power isolated by circuit so you keep some lights and sockets working throughout.

4

Test Every Outlet

Every replaced outlet tested for polarity, earth and tight termination. Loose connections (the main fire risk) eliminated.

5

Sign-Off

EIC certificate issued. Old plates removed and disposed of. 12 month workmanship guarantee included as standard.

Ready to upgrade your sockets?

Free Quote,
Single Day Install

Most full-property socket upgrades are quoted within minutes by phone and installed in a single day. Tell us how many outlets and your preferred finish.

Quality MK / BG fittings • USB-C standard option • 12 month guarantee
Call Today Get a Quote
Common mistakes

Socket and switch issues
we see on every EICR

A snapshot of socket and switch issues we are most often called to fix. Most of these flag as C2 fails on EICR inspections.

!Scorched PlatesLoose connection fire risk
!Cracked Switch BodiesLive parts exposed
!Single Sockets BedroomsNot enough for modern life
!Cheap Plug-in ChargersCould be USB-C in socket
!No Outdoor SocketBBQ on extension through window
!No Switched Fused SpursKitchen appliances not isolated
!Wrong Dimmer For LEDFlicker, buzz, won't go low
!Reverse PolarityLive and neutral swapped
!No Earth ContinuityEarth wire loose or missing
!Yellowed White PlatesUV degraded, brittle
!Outdoor Indoor PlateStandard socket fitted outside
!Loose In WallLugs not engaging back box

If your sockets and switches show any of these. We can replace and certify them in a day.

Why C-Lec

Quality fittings,
tested properly

Quality

MK and BG Brands

We fit MK, BG, Schneider and Knightsbridge quality fittings as standard. No "white box" cheap fittings that fail within 5 years.

Test

Every Outlet Tested

Every replaced socket and switch tested for polarity, earth continuity, tight termination and matching to circuit specs.

Quick

Single Day Install

Most full-property upgrades completed in a single day. Power isolated by circuit so most of the property still works throughout.

Cert

EIC Issued

EIC certificate issued on completion. NAPIT registered for any notifiable work (kitchen, bathroom). 12 month guarantee.

Areas we cover

Local cover across
Bedfordshire, Bucks & beyond

We are based in Bedford and cover the wider region for domestic and commercial work. The majority of our jobs come from these towns:

MKBedford & Surrounding Villages MKMilton Keynes (All Postcodes) MKKempston & Wixams MKAmpthill & Flitwick NNNorthampton NNWellingborough & Rushden LULuton & Dunstable LULeighton Buzzard SGBiggleswade & Sandy PESt Neots & Huntingdon HPAylesbury & Tring CBCambridge Outskirts
Frequently asked

Socket and switch questions, answered fast

How much does it cost to replace sockets and switches?
Individual socket replacement starts from £55 per outlet. USB-C and USB-A integrated sockets from £85. Smart and dimmer switches from £75. Whole-property packages start from £545 for up to 15 outlets in a flat or 2 bed. £995 for up to 30 outlets in a typical 3 bed. £1745 for up to 50 outlets in a larger property. All quoted as fixed-price packages including the fittings.
Can you upgrade single sockets to doubles?
Yes and we recommend it. The cable is already there for a single socket so swapping to a double is straightforward without any cable runs needed. Most single sockets in older homes can be upgraded to doubles in around 15 minutes per socket. Common in bedrooms, hallways and home offices where modern life needs more outlets.
Are USB-C sockets worth it?
For most homes yes. A modern USB-C PD (Power Delivery) socket charges phones, tablets and laptops at full speed without the clutter of plug-in chargers. We typically recommend 4 to 6 USB-C sockets at the most-used positions: bedside tables, kitchen counters, home offices and lounge sofa positions. Old USB-A only sockets can also be replaced with USB-C variants now.
Why do I need outdoor IP66 sockets?
Standard indoor sockets fitted outside fail within 18 months due to moisture ingress. Outdoor sockets need IP66 weatherproof housings to handle rain, dust and splash properly. We fit outdoor IP66 sockets typically near the back door, on patios, in garden offices, sheds and at the front for car cleaning and EV charging top-up.
What's a switched fused spur and where do I need them?
A switched fused spur (FCU) is a fused isolator switch giving a dedicated single connection point for an appliance. They are needed above kitchen worktops to isolate under-counter appliances (fridge, dishwasher, washing machine), in bathrooms for towel rails, fans and showers and for boiling water taps and other hardwired appliances. Without them, isolating the appliance for repair means tripping the whole circuit at the consumer unit.
Can you fit dimmer switches with LED bulbs?
Yes if the dimmer is matched to the LED type. Modern LED-compatible dimmers (TRIAC, leading edge or trailing edge depending on driver) work properly with quality dimmable LEDs giving smooth dimming down to about 10 percent brightness. Mismatched dimmer and LED combinations cause flicker, buzz or won't dim below 50 percent. We always specify the matching pair.
What about smart switches that need a neutral?
Most modern smart switches require a neutral wire at the switch position. Older UK lighting wiring loops the neutral at the ceiling rose, not at the switch. We can run a neutral to your switch positions during the upgrade if you want smart-ready wiring. Around 60 percent of UK homes need this work doing before smart switches will fit.
Do you provide the sockets or do I supply them?
Either. We supply quality MK, BG, Schneider or Knightsbridge fittings as standard included in our packages. If you prefer specific designer plates (Hamilton, Crabtree, Forbes & Lomax) you can supply them and we fit them. We do recommend sticking to recognised brands rather than budget Amazon fittings as the cheap ones fail within years.
Book your socket upgrade

Sockets and Switches,
Upgraded in a Day

Free written quotes, NAPIT registered, every job certified to BS 7671 18th Edition. Most full-property socket and switch upgrades completed in a single day.

Call Today Get a Quote