Typical Electrician Rates
Most electricians charge either an hourly rate for smaller jobs or a fixed price for defined tasks like installing a fuse board or rewiring a room. Here's what you can expect to pay.
| Charge Type | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate | £45 – £85 per hour |
| Day rate | £250 – £500 |
| Call-out fee | £50 – £100 |
| Emergency call-out | £100 – £300+ |
Qualifications Matter
Electricians who are registered with a competent person scheme (like NICEIC or NAPIT) can self-certify their work — meaning no separate building control sign-off is needed. This can save you time and additional fees.
Common Electrical Jobs and Costs
Small Jobs
| Job | Typical Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Install or replace a socket | £80 – £150 | 1 – 2 hours |
| Install or replace a light switch | £60 – £120 | 30 mins – 1 hour |
| Install a ceiling light fitting | £60 – £150 | 30 mins – 1.5 hours |
| Install an outside light | £100 – £200 | 1 – 2 hours |
| Replace a light pull cord | £50 – £90 | 30 mins |
| Fault finding / diagnostics | £80 – £150 | 1 – 2 hours |
Bigger Jobs
| Job | Typical Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer unit (fuse board) upgrade | £350 – £600 | 4 – 8 hours |
| Rewire a single room | £300 – £800 | 1 – 2 days |
| Full house rewire (3-bed) | £3,000 – £5,500 | 5 – 10 days |
| Install an electric shower | £200 – £450 | 3 – 6 hours |
| Install an EV charger | £800 – £1,200 | 4 – 8 hours |
| EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) | £120 – £250 | 2 – 4 hours |
| Garden / outdoor electrical work | £300 – £800 | 1 – 2 days |
What Affects the Price?
- Location — Rates in London and the South East are typically 20–40% higher than the national average
- Property age — Older homes may have outdated wiring, asbestos, or non-standard installations that take longer to work with
- Accessibility — Running cables through solid walls or under floors costs more than surface-mounted work
- Certification — Notifiable work (like new circuits or fuse board changes) must be signed off. Electricians on competent person schemes can do this themselves, saving you building control fees
- Materials — Check whether the quote includes materials. Fuse boards, cable, and specialist switches vary widely in price
When Do I Need a Qualified Electrician?
In England and Wales, certain electrical work is "notifiable" under Part P of the Building Regulations. This includes adding new circuits, work near bathrooms and kitchens, and installing fuse boards. This work must either be done by a registered electrician or inspected by your local building control.
DIY Electrical Work
While minor tasks like changing a light fitting or a like-for-like socket swap are generally acceptable as DIY, anything involving new circuits, wiring, or work in kitchens and bathrooms should always be left to a qualified professional. Incorrect electrical work is a serious fire and safety risk.
Before You Book an Electrician
- Check they are registered with NICEIC, NAPIT, or another competent person scheme
- Ask if they carry public liability insurance
- Get a written, itemised quote — not a verbal estimate
- Ask whether materials are included in the price
- For notifiable work, ask if they'll provide an electrical installation certificate
- Check reviews from previous customers
- Never pay in full upfront
Get Quotes from Verified Electricians
Every electrician on Landoro is qualified, insured, and verified. Your payment is held in escrow until you approve the completed work.
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