Fixington

Electrician Hourly Rate

Trade: Electrician

⭐ Introduction

Electricians carry out essential work in your home’s electrical system, from fitting new sockets and lights to rewiring rooms or installing home security systems. You might need an electrician for various reasons: upgrading your fuse box, adding new wiring for appliances, fixing faulty circuits, or making sure your home meets UK safety standards like Part P of the Building Regulations.

Electrical work is highly technical and comes with important safety considerations. Hiring a qualified electrician ensures the job complies with current regulations, protecting your property and your family.

🔧 What the job involves

Electricians working in domestic properties typically:

  • Inspect existing electrical systems to diagnose faults or assess upgrade needs.
  • Install, maintain, or replace wiring, sockets, switches, light fittings, and consumer units (fuse boxes).
  • Connect wiring to appliances and security systems.
  • Test circuits for safety and performance.
  • Provide certification demonstrating compliance with UK regulations (like Part P).

Work can range from straightforward repairs or socket additions, which take an hour or less, to full rewires taking several days. All work must be done safely and must meet national electrical safety standards (BS 7671).

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

  1. Initial Enquiry
    Contact the electrician, explain the job briefly, and arrange a convenient time for a survey or quotation.

  2. Survey & Quotation
    The electrician visits your home to assess the work required, check wiring condition, understand your needs, and discuss options. They then provide a clear, written quote.

  3. Booking the Job
    Agree a date and confirm the quote, including details of materials, labour rates, and any certification.

  4. Day of Work
    The electrician will arrive, complete the agreed tasks professionally, test all circuits, and make sure everything is safe and working.

  5. Post-Work
    You’ll receive relevant certification (e.g., Electrical Installation Certificate) if applicable. The electrician might also give advice on maintenance, warranty, or future upgrades.

  6. Payment & Feedback
    Finalise payment as agreed (invoice or upfront deposit), and provide feedback or keep their contact for future work.

💷 Main costs to expect

Costs will vary depending on the job size, location, and complexity. Typical cost components include:

  • Labour: Charged hourly (£40–£70 per hour, depending on region and electrician’s experience).
  • Materials/Parts: Sockets (£5–£15 each), light fittings (£10–£50+), consumer units (£150–£400), cables, clips, etc.
  • Disposal: Removal of old wiring or units may incur a small fee.
  • Certification: Issuing official certificates usually included but confirm with your electrician.
  • Additional Fees: Call-out charges (sometimes £30–£50) if visiting for an initial quote or emergency.

Example itemisation for a simple socket installation:

  • Labour (1 hour): £50
  • Socket + accessories: £12
  • Certification: Included
  • Total: ~£62

📊 What affects the price

Several factors influence the final cost of electrical work:

  • Access: Difficult access behind walls, in lofts, or under floors can increase time and cost.
  • Complexity: Simple repairs vs. rewiring or installing multiple circuits.
  • Regulations/Certification: Work requiring Part P certification or Building Regulations notification may carry extra costs.
  • Remedial Works: Handling faulty or outdated wiring can add time.
  • Location: Tradespeople in London and the South East tend to charge more than other regions.
  • Timeline: Rush or emergency call-outs usually cost more.

⏱ How long does it take?

Typical job durations:

  • Replacing or adding a socket: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Installing light fittings (per fitting): 30 minutes.
  • Changing a consumer unit (fuse box): 2 to 4 hours.
  • Partial rewire (one or two rooms): 1 to 3 days.
  • Full rewire of a standard 3-bedroom house: approximately 5 to 7 days.

Complex jobs take longer due to safety checks and wiring concealment.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

Electrical work is not generally suitable for DIY due to safety risks and regulations. Error can cause fire hazards or electric shock. UK law (Building Regulations Part P) requires certain types of work to be signed off by a competent person.

What you can do safely:

  • Change bulbs and simple plugs (unplug first).
  • Reset trip switches.

When to hire a pro:

  • Installing new wiring or sockets.
  • Consumer unit upgrades.
  • Work on circuits that require certification.

Always remember, uncertified work can cause insurance problems.

💰 Typical UK price range

Expect to pay roughly:

  • Minor repairs or installations: £40 to £80 per hour + parts.
  • Consumer unit replacement: £250 to £600 total.
  • Small rewires (1–2 rooms): £500 to £1,200.
  • Full rewires: £3,000 to £5,000+.

All prices usually include VAT at 20%, but always confirm upfront.

✅ Handy tips before you start

  • Prepare a clear brief of what you want done to avoid misunderstandings.
  • Ask your electrician for a written quote and confirmation of certification.
  • Check the electrician is registered with a competent persons scheme (e.g., NICEIC, NAPIT).
  • Before work begins, remove fragile items near the work area.
  • Keep all paperwork, including test certificates and receipts, for warranty and resale.
  • Consider scheduling periodic electrical inspections every 10 years or before major renovations.
  • Ask about aftercare and warranties on parts and labour.

Taking these steps helps the job go smoothly and ensures your home’s electrical system stays safe and reliable.