How much does electrical work cost?
Starting at £40 per hour on average
Updated on 5 August 2026
Table of contents
- Get the cost for electrical services near you
- Electrical work cost estimates supplemented with real Taskrabbit data
- Factors that impact the cost of electrical work
- Unexpected and additional costs to watch for
- Common electrical jobs and their typical costs
- Frequently asked questions about electrical work services
Get the cost for electrical services near you
Browse different electrical work rates in your area and select the one that fits your budget and needs.
Schedule help todayElectrical work cost estimates supplemented with real Taskrabbit data
From installing new light fittings to upgrading a consumer unit or rewiring an entire property, electrical work covers a wide range of jobs and budgets. Whether you're tackling a planned renovation or dealing with an unexpected electrical issue, having a clear idea of typical costs can help you budget with confidence. This guide explains average electrician prices across the UK, the factors that influence what you'll pay, and practical tips for finding the right help at a fair price.
Based on market research and Taskrabbit platform insights, you can generally expect to pay £40 per hour on average for electrical work.
Average cost for electrical services in major UK cities
The table below shows average hourly rates and total costs for common electrical work across major UK cities. Use these figures as a general guide when budgeting for electrical work, keeping in mind that your final quote may vary.
| City | Avg hourly rate | Avg invoice total |
|---|---|---|
| London | £59 | £114 |
| Manchester | £35 | £63 |
| Birmingham | £55 | £206 |
| Bristol | £46 | £97 |
| Reading | £45 | £92 |
| Liverpool | £39 | £105 |
| Milton Keynes | £42 | £122 |
| Edinburgh | £54 | £76 |
| Glasgow | £47 | £114 |
Factors that impact the cost of electrical work
Several things influence how much you'll pay for electrical services. Understanding them helps you make sense of quotes and ask the right questions.
Job type and complexity
The type of electrical work you're having done is one of the biggest factors affecting the final cost. Simple jobs, such as replacing a light fitting or changing a socket, are usually completed quickly. More complex projects, such as rewiring a property or upgrading a consumer unit, require additional labour, materials, testing, and often certification, making them more expensive.
The size of the project also influences the overall price. Installing one or two new sockets will cost less than wiring an entire extension or replacing every light fitting in your home, as larger projects require more labour, materials, and time on site.
Common types of electrical work include;
replacing sockets, switches, and light fittings
installing ceiling fans, extractor fans, or hardwired appliances
adding new sockets or circuits
fault-finding and electrical diagnostics
upgrading RCD or RCBO protection to meet current wiring regulations
consumer unit (fuse box) upgrades or replacements
installing EV charging points
full or partial property rewiring
As the scope and complexity of the work increases, so does the time, expertise, and testing required to complete the job safely and in line with current regulations.
Property type and condition
The type, age, and layout of your property can all affect how long electrical work takes to complete. Older homes often contain outdated wiring, solid brick walls, or limited access to cable routes, making installations more labour-intensive than in modern properties.
Properties built before the 1970s may require additional upgrades before new electrical work can be completed safely. Older wiring, missing RCD protection, or ageing consumer units can all increase the scope and cost of a project.
Access also plays an important role. Flats, converted properties, and homes with high ceilings, limited loft access, or restricted crawl spaces often require more time and planning, which can increase labour costs.
Materials and fittings
The materials and fittings you choose will influence the overall cost of your project. Standard white plastic sockets, switches, and fittings are generally the most affordable, while decorative finishes, smart home products, designer lighting, and specialist equipment typically cost more.
If you plan to supply your own fittings, check with your electrician beforehand to ensure they're suitable for the installation and compatible with the rest of the electrical system.
Experience, qualifications, and certification
An electrician's qualifications, experience, and professional registration can all influence their rates. While a more experienced electrician may charge more, they're often able to complete complex work more efficiently and provide the certification required for regulated installations.
In the UK, you may come across:
Apprentice electricians: Apprentices work under the supervision of a qualified electrician and typically assist with basic installation and maintenance tasks. If an apprentice is part of the team, it may help reduce overall labour costs, but they cannot carry out or certify regulated electrical work independently.
Qualified electricians: Registered electricians who can complete and certify most domestic electrical work independently.
Specialist electricians: Professionals with additional expertise in areas such as EV charger installation, solar PV systems, or commercial electrical work, who may charge higher rates.
Competent person scheme registration: Electricians who belong to a government-approved competent person scheme, such as NICEIC or SELECT (in Scotland), allowing them to self-certify certain types of work under Part P of the Building Regulations.
For work that requires certification, hiring a registered electrician can help avoid additional paperwork, delays, and building control fees while ensuring you receive the appropriate certification for your records.
Note: When booking electrical help through Taskrabbit, be sure to discuss project details, licensing, and permit requirements to ensure the Tasker is able to complete your job. Taskers are independent contractors with varying levels of experience and certification.
Hourly vs. fixed-price quotes
Electricians may charge by the hour or provide a fixed-price quote, depending on the type of work.
Hourly rates are common for fault-finding, repairs, or other work where the scope isn't known in advance.
Fixed-price quotes are more common for clearly defined jobs, such as installing a consumer unit or fitting a set number of sockets.
Neither approach is inherently better. Fixed-price quotations provide greater certainty for larger projects, while hourly rates are often more practical for smaller or exploratory work. Before booking, confirm which pricing model applies to your job.
Time of day and urgency
Most electricians charge their standard rates during normal weekday working hours. Evening appointments, weekend work, and emergency call-outs typically cost more, particularly if immediate attendance is required.
If you're dealing with an urgent electrical issue, such as sparking sockets, burning smells, or a complete loss of power, expect to pay a premium for out-of-hours services.
Unexpected and additional costs to watch for
Even well-scoped jobs can come with additional costs. Common ones include;
call-out or minimum visit fees charged regardless of time on site
VAT, if not clearly stated in the initial quote
plastering or redecoration after cables are chased into walls
additional work required to bring existing wiring up to current standards before a job can be certified
inspection and testing fees for older properties
local authority notification fees if the electrician is not registered with a competent person scheme
Asking for a fully itemised written quote upfront, including VAT and any likely additional costs, is the best way to avoid surprises.
Common electrical jobs and their typical costs
The table below gives estimated cost ranges for common domestic electrical jobs. These are rough guides, actual quotes will depend on the factors discussed above.
| Task | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Full rewire (per room) | £800–£2,500 |
| Installing a new socket | £100–£200 |
| Installing a ceiling fan | £100–£250 |
| Replacing a light fitting | £80–£150 |
| Installing an extractor fan | £100–£200 |
| Replacing a socket or switch | £50–£120 |
| EV charging point installation | £500–£1,200 |
| Consumer unit (fuse box) replacement | £400–£900 |
DIY vs. hiring help for electrical work
While some basic electrical tasks can be carried out safely by homeowners, many types of electrical work should only be completed by a qualified electrician. Knowing where to draw the line can help you stay safe, comply with Building Regulations, and avoid costly mistakes.
When to DIY
DIY electrical work is generally limited to simple, low-risk tasks that don't involve altering fixed wiring or require certification. It may be reasonable to carry out the work yourself if any of the following apply:
You are replacing a like-for-like light fitting where the existing wiring and fittings are compatible.
You are changing a plug or replacing a fuse in a standard plug.
You are installing low-voltage garden lighting connected to a transformer.
You are installing battery-operated or wireless smart home devices that don't require changes to your home's electrical wiring.
Even for these tasks, always isolate the circuit at the consumer unit and confirm the power is off using a voltage tester before touching any wiring.
When to hire help
Many types of electrical work require specialist knowledge, testing, or certification to be completed safely and in compliance with UK regulations. It's generally best to hire someone with electrical experience if any of the following apply:
You are carrying out notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations, such as installing new circuits, replacing a consumer unit, or carrying out electrical work in kitchens, bathrooms, or outdoors.
You need electrical fault-finding because the cause of the problem isn't immediately obvious.
You are carrying out work in a flat or leasehold property where additional building management requirements may apply.
You are installing an EV charging point, which typically requires specialist knowledge and certification.
You are rewiring or upgrading an older property's electrical system.
You are working on the consumer unit or incoming electrical supply.
Attempting notifiable electrical work without the appropriate qualifications or certification can create problems when selling your home and may affect your home insurance. In most cases, the potential risks and additional costs outweigh any savings from doing the work yourself.
How to save on electrical services
Although electrical work isn't an area where it's worth cutting corners, there are plenty of ways to keep costs down without compromising on safety or workmanship. The tips below can help you budget more effectively and get the best value when hiring a qualified electrician.
Get at least three quotes for larger jobs: Rates can vary significantly between electricians, so comparing quotes helps you understand what's reasonable and avoid overpaying.
Bundle smaller jobs into one visit: If you need several sockets replaced or multiple light fittings installed, having them completed during the same visit helps reduce the impact of call-out fees.
Book during standard working hours: Evening, weekend, and emergency appointments typically cost more, so schedule non-urgent work during weekdays where possible.
Be clear about the scope of work: Providing as much detail as possible, including photos where appropriate, helps electricians prepare more accurate quotes and reduces the likelihood of unexpected costs.
Ask about fixed-price quotes for defined jobs: For straightforward work, such as replacing a consumer unit or installing a set number of sockets, a fixed-price quote provides greater certainty and avoids hourly charges adding up.
Supply your own fittings where appropriate: If you've already chosen items such as light fittings or switches, ask whether your electrician is happy to install them. Some professionals prefer to supply materials themselves to ensure compatibility or maintain product warranties.
Coordinate electrical work with other home improvements: If you're already renovating a kitchen, bathroom, or extension, having electrical work completed at the same time can reduce labour costs by avoiding repeat visits and making access easier.
Keep on top of maintenance: Addressing small electrical issues early, such as a flickering light or warm socket, is often far less expensive than waiting until they develop into larger faults.
Check for government grants or incentives: Financial support may be available for certain types of electrical work, depending on your project and where you live. For example, some EV charging point installations may qualify for funding through the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), so it's worth checking what support is available before you book.
Frequently asked questions about electrical work services
Not for every job. Straightforward like-for-like replacements (such as swapping a light fitting for one of the same type) don't require notification. However, any work classed as notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations does require either a registered electrician who can self-certify, or notification to your local authority building control. When in doubt, ask the electrician before work begins.
The time required depends on the type and complexity of the work, as well as the age and layout of your property. Simple jobs, such as replacing a socket or light fitting, can often be completed in under an hour, while larger projects like consumer unit replacements may take most of a day. More extensive work, such as a full property rewire, can take several days or even longer depending on the size of the home.
Keep in mind that testing, certification, and any remedial work discovered during the job can also affect the overall timeframe. Your electrician should be able to provide a more accurate estimate once they've assessed the work involved.
There's no single inspection schedule that applies to every home, but many experts recommend having your electrical system checked every 10 years for owner-occupied properties and more frequently for rental properties, where inspections are typically required at least every five years. You should also consider arranging an inspection if you've recently purchased an older home, are planning a major renovation, or notice warning signs such as flickering lights, frequently tripping circuit breakers, burning smells, or discoloured sockets.
