Fixington

Do one hour’s electrical work

Trade: Electrician

⭐ Introduction

If you need a small electrical task completed around your home—such as installing a new light fitting, replacing a socket, or adding a USB charging point—then “doing one hour’s electrical work” is a handy phrase you might hear from an electrician or see in a quote.

This job covers straightforward fixes or minor installations that do not require extensive rewiring or large parts of your system to be altered. It’s often needed when you want a quick upgrade, a safety check, or a repair without a major overhaul.

Having any electrical work done safely and correctly is essential for protecting your home and family. In the UK, this also means ensuring compliance with Building Regulations (Part P), and, when relevant, getting the work certified by a registered electrician.

🔧 What the job involves

One hour’s electrical work generally means:

  • Carrying out a small task such as fitting a new pendant light, wall socket, or extractor fan.
  • Replacing an existing fitting that’s faulty or outdated.
  • Basic safety checks and minor repairs, such as tightening connections or replacing a fuse.
  • Installing low-powered appliances securely to wiring.
  • Possibly testing the circuit affected after the work is done to ensure safety.
  • Ensuring all work complies with UK electrical safety standards and, where required, Part P Building Regulations.

This type of job usually doesn’t involve rewiring entire rooms or circuits, extensive chasing of walls, or major changes to your consumer unit (fuse box).

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

  1. Initial enquiry: Contact a registered electrician (Gas Safe is for gas work; look for NICEIC or NAPIT registration for electrical work) and explain your need. They may ask for details like the type of job and location.
  2. Site visit/quote: The electrician may arrange a quick visit or ask for photos to assess the work and provide a quote, often based on an hourly rate.
  3. Agree scope and price: Confirm the work to be done, price, timing, and any certification to be issued.
  4. Arrange a convenient time: Book the electrical work visit, often within a few days to a week depending on availability.
  5. Work carried out: The electrician turns up, isolates power safely, completes the task, tests the work, and tidies up.
  6. Certification and paperwork: If works fall under Part P or require notification (e.g. new circuit), the electrician provides an Electrical Installation Certificate or Minor Works Certificate.
  7. Payment: Settle the bill, often on completion.
  8. Keep documents: Store certificates and receipts for future reference, insurance, or property sale.

💷 Main costs to expect

  • Labour: Typically charged hourly; expect around £45–£75 per hour depending on location and electrician.
  • Materials/parts: Light fittings, sockets, switches, cables—costs vary but a socket might cost £5–£15; light fittings £10–£50+.
  • Certification: If applicable, may be included in the hourly rate or a small fixed fee (~£25–£50).
  • Disposal: Removal of old fittings is often included, but large or hazardous waste may cost extra.
  • Travel/Call-out fee: Some electricians charge for travel or a minimum visit fee, especially outside urban areas.

Simple example

Item Cost estimate
1 hour labour £60
New double socket £12
Certification document £30
Total (approximate) £102

📊 What affects the price

  • Access: Difficult-to-reach areas, lofts, or cramped spaces increase time needed.
  • Complexity: Replacing a simple socket usually costs less than fitting an extractor fan with wiring adjustments.
  • Regulations/certification: Work needing Part P notification and certification may cost more.
  • Remedial works: If faults are uncovered (e.g. damaged wiring), additional work raises the price.
  • Location: Tradespeople in London or the South East often charge more than in other regions.
  • Timeline: Urgent or same-day visits often come at a premium.

⏱ How long does it take?

One hour’s electrical work usually lasts between 30 minutes and 90 minutes depending on the exact task:

  • Simple swap: Replacing an old socket or light fitting might take 20–40 minutes.
  • New installation: Adding a new socket where wiring exists could take around 60 minutes.
  • More involved: Installing a fan with ducting or a bespoke fitting might push closer to 90 minutes.

If unexpected issues come up (like faulty wiring or poor condition cables), the job could take longer or need a follow-up visit.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

Electrical work carries significant safety risks, including electric shock and fire hazards. UK regulations (Part P of the Building Regulations) require that certain electrical installations and alterations in homes are carried out by a qualified electrician and notified to the local building control.

You can only safely DIY minor jobs if you have proper knowledge, tools, and experience—usually limited to very simple tasks like changing a bulb or a plug (the outer plug only, not inside wiring).

For any work involving fixed wiring, sockets, or light fittings:

  • Leave it to the professionals.
  • Incorrect installation can invalidate your home insurance.
  • Non-compliance may cause problems when selling your home.

💰 Typical UK price range

Most straightforward one-hour electrical jobs cost between £60 and £120, including labour and basic materials but excluding VAT.

For example, a simple light fitting replacement or socket swap usually falls into this range.

This is only a rough guide; regional differences and the individual electrician’s rates apply. Always get a clear, written quote before proceeding.

✅ Handy tips before you start

  • Prepare the area: Clear furniture or obstacles near the work location for easy access.
  • Inform householders: Let everyone in the home know when the power will be off, especially if the work involves isolating circuits.
  • Check credentials: Use a registered electrician (check via NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA) for peace of mind and certification.
  • Ask about certification: Ensure your work is covered by a certificate or notification where required.
  • Keep paperwork: Store certificates, receipts, and warranties safely—they can be vital for insurance or resale.
  • Plan for aftercare: Ask about recommended servicing or safety checks, especially for new installations.
  • Discuss disposal: Clarify if the electrician will remove and dispose of old fittings or if this will be your responsibility.

By understanding what one hour’s electrical work covers and how to approach it, you can ensure your home’s electrics remain safe, functional, and compliant with UK regulations.