Move a light

⭐ Introduction

Moving a light fitting involves relocating a ceiling or wall light to a different position in a room. Homeowners often consider this job during redecorating or remodelling projects, where furniture arrangements or room use changes mean the existing light no longer provides optimal illumination.

You might need to move a light fitting to:

• Improve room lighting
• Avoid awkward shadows caused by furniture placement
• Make way for a loft conversion or partition wall
• Upgrade or change the style of your lighting

It’s important to use a qualified electrician for this work, as moving wiring incorrectly presents safety risks and must meet all relevant UK electrical regulations.

🔧 What the job involves

When an electrician moves a light fitting, they will carefully disconnect the existing wiring and remove the current fitting. They will then extend or re-route the electrical wiring within the ceiling or wall to the new desired location. A new mounting bracket and light fitting plate may be installed.

Work includes checking the circuit to ensure all cables remain in good condition, safe to use, and correctly connected. The electrician will also ensure the new position is safely wired back into your lighting circuit and complies with Part P of the Building Regulations.

Once the wiring is in place, the electrician fits the new light and tests the circuit to confirm everything works correctly and safely.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

1. Initial enquiry
   Contact a registered electrician to discuss your needs and check availability. Provide info on your current lighting setup and desired new location.

2. Survey and quote
   The electrician visits your home to inspect the existing wiring and assess the work needed. They provide a written quote covering labour, materials, and any additional costs.

3. Booking a date
   You agree on a date for the work. The electrician advises on any preparations you should make beforehand (e.g., clearing furniture, switching off electricity).

4. Day of works
   The electrician arrives and starts by isolating the circuit to ensure safety. They remove the existing fitting, move the wiring, fit the new light, and test the new position for safe operation.

5. Wrap-up and certification
   The electrician cleans up the work area and provides certification as required under Part P. They explain any maintenance or servicing advice.

6. Payment and paperwork
   Settle the invoice, keeping all paperwork and certificates safe for your records and potential future property sales.

💷 Main costs to expect

• Labour: Time to disconnect, move wiring, refit new light — typically charged hourly or as a fixed job rate.
• Materials/parts: New cables, connectors, mounting bracket, possibly new light fitting if changing style.
• Extras: Any replacement consumer unit fuse if needed, or protective fittings (if ceiling joists are involved).
• Disposal: Removal of old fittings and waste cables.
• Certification: Most electricians include Part P certification in the price, confirming compliance with Building Regulations.

Example itemisation:

• Labour: £80 – £120
• Wiring materials: £10 – £30
• Light fitting bracket: £5 – £15
• Disposal: £10
• Certification: £20 – £30

📊 What affects the price

• Access difficulties: High ceilings, loft access, deep ceiling voids.
• Complexity: Long wiring runs, additional junction boxes, or concealed cabling (inside walls/ceilings vs. surface-mounted).
• Regulations: Work must comply with Part P; certification costs vary.
• Remedial works: Repairing plaster or ceiling damage caused during installation.
• Location: London and the South East often incur higher labour rates; rural areas may have travel costs.
• Timeline: Urgency or weekend work may increase costs.

⏱ How long does it take?

• Simple move within same ceiling: About 1 to 2 hours.
• Longer cable runs or tricky access: 3 to 4 hours or more.
• Additional work (e.g., plaster repair): May extend job to a day or require return visit.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

Moving an existing light fitting involves working with live electricity and requires skills in wiring, circuit isolation, and compliance with Part P of British Building Regulations. It is not recommended to attempt this job yourself unless you are a qualified electrician registered with a competent persons scheme.

Incorrect wiring can cause electric shocks, fire risks, and invalidate home insurance.

Always hire a Gas Safe or Part P registered electrician for electrical work in homes to ensure safety and legality.

💰 Typical UK price range

Moving a light fitting usually costs between £120 and £300 including labour, materials, certification, and VAT at 20%. This estimate varies with job complexity and location but gives a practical budget guide.

✅ Handy tips before you start

• Clear furniture and personal items from the room beforehand to give the electrician easy access.
• Ensure you have a working torch or alternative light source for during the isolation of the lighting circuit.
• Check your home insurance policy covers electrical improvements or notify them as needed.
• Keep all paperwork, invoices, and certification for future reference or home sale.
• If walls or ceilings are damaged, consider scheduling plaster repairs after the electrical work is complete.
• Ask your electrician about the expected lifespan and servicing of your new light fitting.
• Confirm that the electrician is Part P registered and will provide the necessary compliance certificate.