Cost of Electrician Services
across the UK

How much does an electrician cost in the UK?

Electrician costs typically range from £40–£65 per hour, with call-outs between £60–£150. Emergency or weekend rates cost considerably more. Fixed jobs like rewiring or consumer unit upgrades range from £500–£3,000+. Prices vary by region, experience level, and job complexity.

What factors affect electrician pricing?

Call-out fees, hourly labour rates, job complexity, and emergency availability drive pricing. Parts and materials, travel distance, and whether work requires scaffolding or additional permits also influence costs. Time of day—weekend or late-night calls—significantly increases charges. Specialist work like EV charging installation costs extra.

What does an electrician service include?

Electrician services cover fault diagnosis, appliance repairs, lighting installation, socket and switch fitting, and consumer unit upgrades. Rewiring, safety inspections, PAT testing, and emergency callouts are standard. Many offer energy audits, smart home wiring, EV charging points, and boiler electrical servicing.

What's the difference between a domestic and commercial electrician?

Domestic electricians handle residential wiring, circuits, and appliances using single-phase systems. Commercial electricians manage larger-scale industrial installations, three-phase systems, fire safety systems, and complex networks. Commercial work requires additional certifications and knowledge of building regulations for business premises.

What should I check before hiring an electrician?

Verify NICEIC, ELECSA, or Building Control registration—essential for UK electrical work. Request proof of public liability insurance, qualifications, and references. Check online reviews on NearbyPrices and other platforms. Obtain written quotes and timescales. Avoid traders without formal credentials or insurance.

How long does an electrical installation take?

Single repairs or socket installations take 1–2 hours. Consumer unit replacements typically require 4–8 hours. Full rewiring takes 3–7 days depending on property size. Emergency diagnosis and fixes range from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Complex installations like EV chargers take 1–3 days.

Do I need a certified electrician by law in the UK?

Yes, all electrical installation work in UK homes must be carried out by registered, competent electricians. Only certified professionals hold NICEIC, ELECSA, or Building Control approval. Unqualified work violates Building Regulations, risks safety hazards, invalidates insurance, and incurs fines. Always hire certified traders.