Replace an aerial socket

Replace an aerial socket in Edinburgh

County: East Scotland

An aerial socket is what connects your TV or radio to the aerial cable, allowing you to receive broadcast signals clearly. Over time, sockets can wear out, become loose, or stop working properly, causing poor picture or sound quality. Replacing an aerial socket is a common electrical task that helps restore reliable TV and radio reception in your home. You might need a replacement if your socket is cracked, damaged by moisture, or if you want to upgrade to a newer or more suitable type, such as adding a satellite or digital TV-ready socket. Doing this ensures your entertainment system works as intended without annoying interruptions.

Open full page →

⭐ Introduction

You might need a replacement if your socket is cracked, damaged by moisture, or if you want to upgrade to a newer or more suitable type, such as adding a satellite or digital TV-ready socket. Doing this ensures your entertainment system works as intended without annoying interruptions.

🔧 What the job involves

Replacing an aerial socket is generally straightforward but requires some care since it involves handling electrical cables, albeit low voltage ones used for aerial signals.

The electrician will:

Turn off power to the circuit for safety (usually the lighting or socket circuit, though aerial cables carry no electrical current).
Remove the existing socket faceplate from the wall.
Disconnect the old aerial cable from the socket.
Check the condition of the cable to ensure it’s sound and free from damage.
Attach the cable to a new aerial socket, suitable for your needs (e.g., TV, FM radio, or satellite).
Secure the socket back onto the wall, ensuring it is flush and tidy.
Test the connection to make sure the signal strength and quality are satisfactory.
Clean up the area before finishing.

If your current wiring is outdated or unsafe, an electrician might need to replace some cable or install additional sockets for better signal distribution.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

Initial enquiry: Contact a registered electrician or electrical firm specialising in domestic work to explain your issue and request a quote for replacing your aerial socket.
Survey and quote: The electrician visits your home if needed, inspects the existing socket and wiring, then provides a clear, written estimate including parts and labour.
Scheduling the job: Agree on a convenient date and time for the work to be done.
Day of works: The electrician arrives, confirms your requirements, switches off relevant circuits if needed, replaces the socket, and tests signal quality.
Wrap-up and paperwork: The electrician tidies the working area, explains any changes or recommendations, and provides a receipt or invoice with details. If applicable, they issue certification or advisory notes relating to electrical safety or Part P compliance.

💷 Main costs to expect

Labour: Electricians typically charge around £40–£60 per hour depending on location and expertise.
Materials/parts: A new aerial socket costs between £5 and £15 depending on type (standard TV, satellite, FM radio compatible).
Extras: If cable replacement or additional sockets are needed, expect increased costs for materials and time.
Disposal: Generally minimal or included; old sockets are small and can be disposed of with household waste or taken away by the electrician.
Certification: No formal certificate is usually required for aerial socket replacement alone, but minor electrical works are subject to Part P regulations for safety.

For example:

Item	Cost
Labour (1 hour)	£50
Socket	£10
Cable replacement (optional)	£20–£40
Total approx.	£60–£100+

📊 What affects the price

Access: Difficult-to-reach sockets or fragile walls can increase labour time.
Complexity: Installing satellite-compatible or multiple sockets may require more work.
Regulations/certification: If accompanying electrical work requires Part P notification or certification.
Remedial works: Repairing damaged or outdated cable runs or wall fabric.
Location: Prices vary between regions and if an electrician must travel further.
Timeline: Urgent or same-day appointments may attract a premium.

⏱ How long does it take?

Straight swap: Typically 30 minutes to 1 hour for a single aerial socket replacement.
More complex installations: 1 to 2 hours if rewiring, adding sockets, or testing signal quality in several rooms.
Additional work: May require multiple visits if signal boosting or satellite dish adjustments are involved.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

While technically possible for a confident DIYer, replacing an aerial socket is not simply plugging in a new faceplate. You will need to:

Confirm the type of socket and cable.
Handle cables carefully to avoid damaging the coax (aerial cable).
Ensure you know how to safely work around electrical wiring in the home.

Because aerial wiring runs alongside mains wiring but may not be fully isolated, and because quality of signal depends on correct installation, it’s wise to hire a qualified electrician. They will understand UK wiring standards, prevent damage, and make sure your TV or radio signal is optimal.

💰 Typical UK price range

The typical cost to replace an aerial socket in the UK is roughly £60 to £120, including parts, labour, and VAT. Prices vary depending on location, complexity, and whether additional wiring is needed.

This estimate excludes larger jobs such as full rewiring, signal boosters, or satellite dish installations.

✅ Handy tips before you start

Check your socket type: Confirm whether you need a standard TV aerial socket, a combined TV/FM one, or a satellite TV-compatible socket.
Clear the workspace: Remove furniture near the socket to give your electrician easy access.
Keep paperwork: Retain invoices and any certificates provided for future reference or home insurance.
Discuss aftercare: Ask if any maintenance is needed for your aerial system or if replacement sockets have warranties.
Consider signal boosters: If you experience signal problems, ask about options for amplifiers or improved cabling during the visit.

Replacing an aerial socket is a relatively simple job that can greatly improve your viewing and listening experience. Choosing a qualified electrician ensures it’s done safely, to UK standards, and with minimum fuss.

Checkatrade Which? Trusted Traders TrustATrader MyBuilder Rated People

Other electricians projects in Edinburgh

Appliance Repair
Appliance Repair by a vetted local pro.
Bathroom TV Installation
Bathroom TV Installation by a vetted local pro.
Ceiling Fan Installation
Ceiling Fan Installation by a vetted local pro.
Chandelier Installation
Chandelier Installation by a vetted local pro.
Change a hard wired appliance point to a normal power socket
Change a hard wired appliance point to a normal power socket by a vetted local pro.
Connect a cooker or other appliance to an existing hard-wired power outlet
Connect a cooker or other appliance to an existing hard-wired power outlet by a vetted local pro.
Cooker Hood Repair
Cooker Hood Repair by a vetted local pro.
Diagnose and fix an electrical fault
Diagnose and fix an electrical fault by a vetted local pro.
Dimmer Switches Installation
Dimmer Switches Installation by a vetted local pro.
Disconnect a hard-wired cooker or other appliance
Disconnect a hard-wired cooker or other appliance by a vetted local pro.
Do one hour’s electrical work
Do one hour’s electrical work by a vetted local pro.
Drive Over Lights
Drive Over Lights by a vetted local pro.
EICR: Electrical Inspection Condition Report
EICR: Electrical Inspection Condition Report by a vetted local pro.
EPC Certificate
EPC Certificate by a vetted local pro.
Electric Blind
Electric Blind by a vetted local pro.
Electric Car Charger Installation
Electric Car Charger Installation by a vetted local pro.
Electric Fire Installation
Electric Fire Installation by a vetted local pro.
Electric Shower
Electric Shower by a vetted local pro.
Electrical Safety Check
Electrical Safety Check by a vetted local pro.
Electrical Wall Box
Electrical Wall Box by a vetted local pro.
Electrician Hourly Rate
Electrician Hourly Rate by a vetted local pro.
Emergency Electrician
Emergency Electrician by a vetted local pro.
Ethernet and Phone Lines
Ethernet and Phone Lines by a vetted local pro.
Extend wiring for new light where there hasn’t been one before
Extend wiring for new light where there hasn’t been one before by a vetted local pro.
Fire Suppression System
Fire Suppression System by a vetted local pro.
Fit switched fused spur for boiler or other appliance
Fit switched fused spur for boiler or other appliance by a vetted local pro.
Fix a light or light switch which isn’t working properly
Fix a light or light switch which isn’t working properly by a vetted local pro.
Fix a socket which isn’t working
Fix a socket which isn’t working by a vetted local pro.
Fix a tripping fusebox
Fix a tripping fusebox by a vetted local pro.
Fix an electric heater
Fix an electric heater by a vetted local pro.
Fix an extractor fan
Fix an extractor fan by a vetted local pro.
Fix an intercom which isn’t working correctly
Fix an intercom which isn’t working correctly by a vetted local pro.
Fix or replace bathroom pull switch
Fix or replace bathroom pull switch by a vetted local pro.
Hive Installation
Hive Installation by a vetted local pro.
Home Cinema
Home Cinema by a vetted local pro.
Home Generator Installation
Home Generator Installation by a vetted local pro.
Home Lift
Home Lift by a vetted local pro.
Indoor Lights Decor
Indoor Lights Decor by a vetted local pro.
Install Hot Tub power
Running a Hot Tub by a vetted local pro.
Install Recessed Lighting
Installing Recessed Lighting by a vetted local pro.
Install Smart Garage Door Opener
Smart Garage Door Opener by a vetted local pro.
Install Smart Lighting
Smart Lighting by a vetted local pro.
Install Under-Cabinet Lighting
Installing Under-Cabinet Lighting by a vetted local pro.
Install a Smart Meter
Smart Meter by a vetted local pro.
Install a light (to existing wiring)
Install a light (to existing wiring) by a vetted local pro.
Install a nest thermostat
Install a nest thermostat by a vetted local pro.
Install a new power outlet for a cooker or other hard-wired appliance and connect the appliance
Install a new power outlet for a cooker or other hard-wired appliance and connect the appliance by a vetted local pro.
Install an additional aerial socket
Install an additional aerial socket by a vetted local pro.
Install an additional light switch
Install an additional light switch by a vetted local pro.
Install an additional power socket
Install an additional power socket by a vetted local pro.
Install earth bonding
Install earth bonding by a vetted local pro.
Install new power outlet for a cooker or other hard-wired appliance and connect the appliance
Install new power outlet for a cooker or other hard-wired appliance and connect the appliance by a vetted local pro.
Install new smoke or heat detector
Install new smoke or heat detector by a vetted local pro.
Install or replace a Fusebox
Install or replace a Fusebox by a vetted local pro.
Lawn Mower Repair
Lawn Mower Repair by a vetted local pro.
Loss of power
Loss of power by a vetted local pro.
Motion Sensor Lights Installation
Motion Sensor Lights Installation by a vetted local pro.
Move a light
Move a light by a vetted local pro.
Move a light switch
Move a light switch by a vetted local pro.
Move a power socket
Move a power socket by a vetted local pro.
Move a smoke or heat detector
Move a smoke or heat detector by a vetted local pro.
Move an Electric Meter
Moving an Electric Meter by a vetted local pro.
Move an aerial socket
Move an aerial socket by a vetted local pro.
Move an electric heater
Move an electric heater by a vetted local pro.
Move an intercom handset
Move an intercom handset by a vetted local pro.
New Electric Fuse Box
New Electric Fuse Box by a vetted local pro.
New Plug Sockets
New Plug Sockets by a vetted local pro.
Outdoor Cinema
Outdoor Cinema by a vetted local pro.
Outdoor Lights
Outdoor Lights by a vetted local pro.
Outdoor Socket Installation
Outdoor Socket Installation by a vetted local pro.
Oven Installation
Oven Installation by a vetted local pro.
Oven Repair
Oven Repair by a vetted local pro.
PIV Installation
PIV Installation by a vetted local pro.
Parking Sensor Installation
Parking Sensor Installation by a vetted local pro.
Portable Appliance Testing
Portable Appliance Testing by a vetted local pro.
Projector Installation
Projector Installation by a vetted local pro.
Repair or fix a fire alarm or fire alarm system
Repair or fix a fire alarm or fire alarm system by a vetted local pro.
Replace Circuit Breakers
Replacing Circuit Breakers by a vetted local pro.
Replace a fire alarm/smoke detector
Replace a fire alarm/smoke detector by a vetted local pro.
Replace a light switch
Replace a light switch by a vetted local pro.
Replace a power socket
Replace a power socket by a vetted local pro.
Replace an electric fire
Replace an electric fire by a vetted local pro.
Replace an electric heater
Replace an electric heater by a vetted local pro.
Replace an extractor fan
Replace an extractor fan by a vetted local pro.
Replace an intercom handset
Replace an intercom handset by a vetted local pro.
Rewire a House
Rewire a House by a vetted local pro.
Roof Heating Cable Installation
Roof Heating Cable Installation by a vetted local pro.
Smart Home Installation
Smart Home Installation by a vetted local pro.
Smart Plugs
Smart Plugs by a vetted local pro.
Smart Speakers
Smart Speakers by a vetted local pro.
Smoke Alarm Installation
Smoke Alarm Installation by a vetted local pro.
Solar Battery
Solar Battery by a vetted local pro.
Solar Panel Installation
Solar Panel Installation by a vetted local pro.
Solar Panel Maintenance
Solar Panel Maintenance by a vetted local pro.
Stairlift Installation
Stairlift Installation by a vetted local pro.
Storage Heaters
Storage Heaters by a vetted local pro.
TV Aerial Installation
TV Aerial Installation by a vetted local pro.
TV Screen Repair
TV Screen Repair by a vetted local pro.
Wind Turbine Installation
Wind Turbine Installation by a vetted local pro.
Wireless Light Switch
Wireless Light Switch by a vetted local pro.

Are you a Tradesperson or business owner?

Grow your business with Fixington — tools and services for electricians, plumbers and heating engineers.

1) Fixington app

Estimate, schedule and invoice on the go with our iPhone app and web tools.

More info Buy

2) Fixdd job management

Manage jobs from quote to invoice, take card payments, and keep customers updated.

Visit fixdd.com

3) Get listed on Fixington

Appear where customers are searching. Showcase reviews and get discovered locally.

See all services for tradespeople