Fixington

Ethernet and Phone Lines

Trade: Electrician

⭐ Introduction

Ethernet and phone lines remain key to many homes for reliable internet and landline connectivity. Whether you’re upgrading your broadband connection, moving into a new property, or troubleshooting poor signal or aged wiring, an electrician skilled in low-voltage installations can help.

This job covers installing new Ethernet cabling (for wired internet), extending or repairing phone lines, or replacing outdated cables to improve speed and reliability. While many aspects of phone and internet wiring don’t fall under the stricter Building Regulations or Part P electrical rules, professional installation ensures safety, proper functioning, and future-proofing your home network.

🔧 What the job involves

An electrician installing or repairing Ethernet and phone lines will:

  • Plan the best cable routes from the home’s incoming service point (like the master socket for phone cables or a network hub for Ethernet).
  • Install cabling compliant with UK standards, such as Cat5e or Cat6 cables for Ethernet, suitable for your broadband speed.
  • Fit sockets/trunking neatly, usually in visible rooms, utility areas, or home offices.
  • Ensure all terminations are correctly wired and tested with appropriate tools to verify signal strength and data speeds.
  • Remove and safely dispose of any old or damaged cabling left behind.
  • Label cables and sockets for clarity.
  • Provide advice on optimising your network setup or future upgrades.

While phone line work traditionally uses twisted-pair copper cables, Ethernet offers much faster, more stable connections ideal for streaming, gaming, and smart home devices.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

  1. Enquiry: You contact a qualified electrician or specialist installer in your area to discuss your needs—whether it’s a new install, an upgrade, or a repair.
  2. Survey and quote: The electrician visits to assess cable routes, measure distances, check existing wiring, and explain solutions. They provide a clear, written quote covering all jobs and materials.
  3. Scheduling: Agree on a convenient date and time for installation or repair work.
  4. Day of works: The electrician arrives, carries out the installation or repairs, carefully fitting cables along skirting boards, inside walls, or via surface trunking as agreed.
  5. Testing: Once complete, sockets and lines are tested to confirm signal integrity and speed.
  6. Customer briefing: The electrician explains the work done, labels socket locations, and offers any tips for optimising your network.
  7. Wrap-up and payment: The workspace is tidied, any waste removed, and payment arranged. Any relevant documentation, such as a completion certificate, is handed over.

💷 Main costs to expect

  • Labour: Typically charged hourly or as a fixed price per socket installed. Labour rates usually range from £40 to £70 per hour.
  • Materials and parts: Includes cable (Cat5e, Cat6), sockets, faceplates, wall boxes, trunking, and connectors.
  • Extras: Removing old cables, chasing walls (cutting channels), or installing through multiple rooms adds cost.
  • Disposal: Removing and disposing of old or redundant materials may incur a small fee.
  • Certification: While most Ethernet/phone line jobs don’t require formal certification, testing reports or a completion note may be provided.

Example itemisations:

Item Approximate Cost
Labour (2 hours) £80–£140
Ethernet cable £10–£30 per 10m
Socket + faceplate £15–£25 each
Trunking & clips £10–£20 total

📊 What affects the price

  • Difficulty accessing cable routes (e.g., walls requiring chasing or loft crawl spaces)
  • Length and number of cables/sockets needed
  • Complexity, such as multiple rooms or special routing to avoid interference
  • Whether existing cables can be reused or full rewiring is needed
  • Requirement for neat finishes using trunking or flush fittings
  • Presence of existing master socket or network hub and any upgrade needed
  • Travel distance and local labour costs
  • Timescales (urgent jobs may cost more)

⏱ How long does it take?

  • Simple Ethernet socket installation straight from an existing router or hub: 1–2 hours.
  • Running new cables through multiple rooms, including some wall chasing or loft work: 3–5 hours or more.
  • Phone line repairs/replacements often take 1–2 hours unless there are complex issues.
  • Full rewiring of a large home network can take a day or more.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

It is possible for a confident DIYer with basic electrical knowledge to fit Ethernet cables and sockets, especially if no wall chasing or complex routing is needed.

However:

  • Ethernet and phone wiring requires precise termination and verification with suitable tools.
  • Poorly installed wiring can result in slow internet, data loss, or interference.
  • Work that involves mains electricity connections, such as integrating with your consumer unit or data cabinet, should be left to a qualified electrician.
  • While not usually covered by Part P, ensuring all cables are safely installed and comply with British Standards is important.
  • For wall chasing or drilling, take care to avoid existing cables, pipework, and comply with Building Regulations on fire safety and insulation.

If unsure, hiring a professional ensures the job is done safely and reliably.

💰 Typical UK price range

For a straightforward Ethernet or phone line installation or repair:

  • Typical range: £100 to £300 including VAT
  • The price depends on scope—single socket swaps at the lower end, full multi-room ethernet installations at the higher end.
  • Always request a detailed written quote before work begins.

✅ Handy tips before you start

  • Identify where your broadband router or master socket is located and discuss desired socket locations with your installer.
  • Clear access to loft spaces, cupboards, or cupboards where cables may be routed.
  • Avoid scheduling during busy times; allow a 2–4 hour window for the job.
  • Keep paperwork, final certificates, test reports, and work guarantees safely for future reference or if you move home.
  • Check for any warranty terms on materials or workmanship—good electricians should offer at least 12 months.
  • Consider future-proofing by requesting Cat6 cable (or higher) even if you don’t yet need ultra-high speeds.
  • Ask your electrician for advice on optimising your network or additional upgrades like extending WiFi coverage.

With the right installation, good Ethernet and phone wiring can reliably support your home’s communications for years to come.