It's all too easy to skip over some of the smaller details of house design – skirting boards, architrave, door and window hardware to name just a few.
When it comes to fixtures like switches and electrical sockets, overlooking the important role they can have in visually elevating a home, as well as in ensuring the smooth running of everyday life, is a huge mistake, yet not an uncommon one. This is, in part, due to the decision fatigue that can often set in at the end of a project, but also because these practical elements tend to get skimmed over in favour of the more glamorous aspects of a home, such as the kitchen design or great lighting.
To help make the process of choosing the right sockets for your home a little less arduous, we've put together a simple guide to all the different types of sockets out there – so there is no excuse to leave the decision to someone else.
Standard single and double sockets
This is the most basic, familiar type of electrical socket in the UK, as Charanjit Mannu, director of Elec Training, explains. "Most UK homes have the standard 13A double socket and it is still regarded as one of the best all-round options."
Marvin Adams, managing director and lead electrician at EMAY Electrical, explains why this is such a popular choice. "The standard UK 13A socket is still the most common type you'll find in a home. It's designed for normal three-pin UK plugs and is suitable for everyday appliances such as televisions, lamps, vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances.
"You can get single or double sockets, although I'd generally recommend double sockets where there is enough space," adds Marvin. "They give you a bit more flexibility and can save you having to add another socket later. This type of socket is affordable, reliable, readily available and suitable for most everyday uses."
Charanjit Mannu is Director of Elec Training, a West Midlands-based electrical training provider. In his role he works across electrical training, electrical safety and installation standards
Marvin Adams is the lead electrician & managing director of EMAY Electrical in Leighton Buzzard. Marvin specialises in Commercial & Domestic electrical installation and maintenance.
USB sockets
Next up are USB sockets – now familiar sight in UK homes, and a lifesaver where charger wars are a regular feature of everyday life.
"USB sockets are becoming increasingly common because they allow you to charge phones, tablets and other devices without using up one of the main sockets with a separate USB plug," picks up Marvin Adams. "Older versions generally came with USB-A, but USB-C is now becoming much more common. Some newer sockets also support USB-C Power Delivery, which can provide much faster charging for compatible devices. They're particularly handy beside beds, at desks, within home office design and around kitchen worktops."
"In 2026 I would suggest USB-C Power Delivery being the best option," advises Charanjit Mannu. "Homeowners should always double check the wattage and also the connector types because not every USB-C socket will provide enough power for household items such as laptops. USB technology also changes far faster than standard sockets, so choose this selectively rather than fitting throughout the whole house."
Stephen Mclaughlin of SM Electrical Midlands is also keen to highlight the downsides of this type of socket. " The USB bit usually dies before the socket does and can't be replaced on its own."
Stephen McLaughlin is the director of SM Electrical Midlands, a Wolverhampton-based, NICEIC-registered firm serving homes and businesses across the West Midlands, Staffordshire and Shropshire. With 20+ years’ experience, he oversees safe, compliant electrical work.
Smart sockets
Smart home technology is moving at lightning speed and electrical sockets have not missed out on these developments. Installing them is one of the simplest ways to bring your home up-to-date.
"Smart sockets connect to your home's Wi-Fi or smart home system and allow you to control appliances remotely," explains Marvin Adams. "Depending on the product, you might be able to switch something on or off from your phone, set schedules or monitor energy usage. For example, you could have a lamp come on automatically in the evening or switch an appliance off remotely. Smart sockets are also becoming more capable," adds Marvin. "Some now offer energy monitoring and can be integrated with wider smart home systems.
"On the downside, they're more expensive than standard sockets and rely on electronic components and software. Some also depend on an internet connection," points out Marvin. "I'd only install smart sockets where there is a genuine benefit. There's not much point putting one in every room of the house if you're never going to use the features."
If you're on the fence about smart sockets, Stephen Mclaughlin has a good alternative. "A smart socket plug-in adaptor costs around £10, moves house with you and doesn't need an electrician. A built-in one looks tidier but ties part of your house to one company's app. I'd use adaptors unless you really want it hidden."
Shop smart sockets
Simple to install, with no extra wiring needed, when paired with the Lightwave app, this socket allows you to control the power and energy consumption of anything plugged into it. It can also be controlled via Alexa or Google Assistant.
Simply plug this little socket in and control your appliances and devices from wherever you are, using your smart phone. You can set timers too, meaning that when you're away you can set lights to come on, making it look like someone is home.
Fully waterproof (IP66 rated) for use outdoors, this sturdy outdoor smart socket lets you control your electricals from the comfort of indoors via your smart devices – perfect for outdoor lighting
RCD-protected sockets
For most people, RDD-protected sockets are probably unnecessary, although there are instances where they can come in handy.
"Some sockets include their own RCD protection. An RCD, or Residual Current Device, is designed to cut the power if it detects an imbalance in the electrical current. This provides additional protection against electric shock," explains Marvin Adams. "They can be useful in certain situations, although the level of protection required will depend on the property's existing electrical installation."
"RCD sockets have the trip built into the faceplate," adds Stephen Mclaughlin. "This is useful in older houses where the fuse board doesn't protect that circuit, but on anything modern the protection is already at the board."
"They're also more expensive than a standard socket and shouldn't be considered a replacement for having the home's electrical system properly protected," adds Marvin Adams.
Outdoor electrical sockets
Whether you need an electrical outlet for your lawn mower or your Christmas lights, having power outside can really come in useful – but you need to take care when choosing the right sockets for the job.
"Outdoor sockets need to be weatherproof, RCD-protected and have a proper lid," advises Stephen Mclaughlin. "If you're running a mower or a hot tub off an indoor socket with the lead trailed out through a window then that should be sorted ASAP."
"If you need electricity outside, you need a socket that's designed for outdoor use. These are built to provide protection against moisture and the elements and are commonly used in gardens, garages and patios," picks up Marvin Adams. "They're useful for things such as lawnmowers, pressure washers, garden lighting and other outdoor equipment. Be aware that they are more expensive than indoor sockets and the installation needs to take account of moisture, cable routing and appropriate electrical protection."
Which type of socket is best where?
While knowing how many electrical sockets to have in each room is handy, it is also important to think about which type of socket will work best in each of these spaces.
Kitchen: This is a room where lots of things tend to happen at once. "Kitchens generally need plenty of sockets because there are often several appliances being used at the same time," says Marvin Adams. "Positioning is important too, particularly around worktops, sinks and fixed appliances."
"Pop-up worktop and floor sockets are great for kitchen islands and open-plan rooms where there's no wall to use," adds Stephen Mclaughlin. "Cookers need their own circuit and a 45A switch, not a plug."
Bathrooms: You need to be really meticulous when it comes to choosing the right sockets here and take into account bathroom zones, as Marvin Adams explains. "This is an area where you need to be particularly careful. There are specific requirements around electrical installations in bathrooms because of the risk presented by water. A qualified electrician should advise on what can and can't be installed."
"You can't have a normal socket within 3m of the bath or shower zone, except shaver points, which are for razors and toothbrushes only," adds Stephen Mclaughlin.
Home offices: If you work from home on a regular basis, make sure you aren't sitting in amongst a tangle of cables by providing enough sockets. "I'd prioritise having enough conventional sockets rather than filling the room with specialist ones," says Marvin Adams. "USB-C charging is useful, but computers, monitors and other equipment will still need normal power sockets."
Living rooms: "Standard double sockets are usually fine, although USB sockets can be handy around TV units, sofas and other areas where people regularly charge devices," advises Marvin.
Bedrooms: Think about your bedroom design and how you plan on using the space rather than just looking at basic needs. For example, will you need sockets for hairdryers and so on?
"USB-C sockets are particularly useful beside beds," points out Marvin Adams. "They mean you don't have to fill the bedside table with chargers and adaptors."
How much do different types of sockets cost?
Given that the number of the sockets around a house can soon add up, it makes sense to be aware of how much each is going to cost you.
"Pretty much all UK sockets are BS 1363 13A three-pin sockets where the Earth pin is longer than Live and Neutral so it opens the cover of the other two holes before anything can reach the power – this is why UK plugs are some of the safest in the world," begins Stephen Mclaughlin. "They're usually flush against the wall, although some are wall-mounted out (like in your garage probably). These sockets costs about £3 but fitting them ranges in cost depending whether it's part of a bigger job or a callout just for a few sockets."
Stephen goes on to explain that design and finish will play a part in costs too. "White plastic is the default finish and metal-clad steel is usually used for garages and workshops. Brushed steel, matt black and brass are a design choice at about £15-£30 instead of £3. Bear in mind too that metal plates need a deeper back box, so swapping plastic for metal in an older house often means cutting the wall out."
Marvin Adams points out that planning ahead can also help save money. "Replacing an existing socket in the same position is relatively straightforward but adding a completely new socket can involve running new cable, chasing the wall, making alterations to the circuit and repairing the wall afterwards.
"USB and smart sockets cost more than standard sockets, but the difference in the price of the actual product can be relatively small compared with the labour involved," adds Marvin. "So if you're renovating a room or having other electrical work carried out, it's often worth thinking about whether you want additional sockets or USB charging points at the same time."
"The cheapest socket you will ever fit in your home is the extra ones you add when a wall is already open," says Charanjit Mannu. "The most expensive socket is the one you realise you need after your room has been plastered and painted."
FAQs
Switched vs unswitched sockets – which goes where?
You may notice that some sockets have no 'on' and 'off' switches and these, unsurprisingly, are known as 'unswitched sockets'.
"Most people fit switched sockets," says Stephen Mclaughlin. "Unswitched sockets go behind built-in appliances such as fridges and dishwashers, where you would never reach the switch anyway, and the appliance gets controlled by a switch above the worktop instead."
"There are also outlets designed for specific appliances and situations rather than general use," adds Marvin Adams. "Fused connection units, for example, are often used for permanently connected appliances such as boilers, extractor fans and other fixed equipment."
It is well worth looking into the different types of light switches alongside your sockets – when the two match in terms of their design, the end result looks far neater and more cohesive.
