How Much Does an Electrician Cost in the UK? [2026]
Written by Tom Ellis · Senior Trades Editor
Last updated: July 2026
Last updated: July 2026 · United Kingdom
Quick Answer
Last updated: July 2026 · United Kingdom
Most UK electricians charge £45–90 per hour, with a national average of around £55–65/hr in 2026. For common jobs: a consumer unit replacement costs £500–1,500, an EICR for a three-bed house costs £125–300, and a full house rewire on a three-bed semi costs £3,500–5,500. Emergency and out-of-hours call-outs attract a 50–100% premium on top of standard rates.
Electrician Cost Summary — UK 2026
| Job / Rate Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate (national average) | £45–90/hr (avg £55–65) |
| Day rate | £200–450/day |
| Call-out fee (first hour) | £75–150 |
| Emergency / out-of-hours premium | 50–100% above standard rate |
| Consumer unit (fuse box) replacement | £500–1,500 |
| EICR — 3-bed house | £125–300 |
| New socket installation (per socket) | £75–150 |
| EV charger installation | £700–1,200 |
| Full house rewire — 3-bed semi | £3,500–5,500 |
| Full house rewire — 4–5 bed detached | £5,000–8,000 |
| Outdoor / garden lighting circuit | £300–700 |
| Additional circuit (e.g. cooker) | £200–400 |
Prices are indicative for 2026 and exclude VAT (20%) unless otherwise stated. London rates are typically 25–40% higher. Always obtain at least three written quotes before proceeding.
What Is Typically Included in an Electrician's Quote?
- Labour: The electrician's time on site, which is usually the largest cost element.
- Materials and components: Cable, consumer units, sockets, switches, light fittings, and any fixings required. These may be charged at a small mark-up on trade prices.
- Call-out / mobilisation: Travel to your property and initial assessment. On smaller jobs this is typically a fixed fee; on larger contracts it may be rolled into the day rate.
- Certification: On notifiable work (consumer unit replacement, new circuits, rewires), the cost of issuing a BS 7671 Electrical Installation Certificate and notifying building control is usually included in the quote — confirm this explicitly.
- Testing and inspection: All completed electrical work must be tested before energisation. This is factored into the labour cost for most jobs but can be a separate line item on large installations.
- Waste disposal: Removal of old cable, consumer units, and fittings — confirm whether this is included or whether a skip or separate disposal charge applies.
Factors That Affect Electrician Costs in the UK
- Location: Where you live is the single biggest variable. London and the South East consistently command the highest rates due to higher overheads, whilst Wales, the North East, and Scotland are typically 10–15% below the national average.
- Complexity of the job: Straightforward socket additions in a modern property with accessible wiring cost far less than rewiring an older property with solid walls, lath-and-plaster ceilings, or non-standard wiring systems (such as aluminium wiring found in some 1960s–70s homes).
- Time of day and urgency: Evening, weekend, and bank holiday call-outs attract a 50–100% premium on standard rates. Emergency fault-finding in the middle of the night will cost considerably more than booking a morning appointment in advance.
- Access and building type: Working in a flat with a communal consumer unit, a listed building, or a property with limited access to floor voids and ceiling spaces will increase time on site and therefore cost.
- Materials specification: There can be a significant price difference between standard and premium components. A basic metal consumer unit and a high-specification RCD/RCBO board with surge protection can differ by several hundred pounds in parts alone.
- Whether VAT is applicable: Self-employed electricians with turnover below the VAT registration threshold (£90,000 in 2026) will not charge VAT. Established companies almost always will. A quote that looks cheaper may simply exclude 20% VAT — always compare like for like.
- Number of circuits and property size: A larger property with more circuits, rooms, and square footage will take longer to rewire or inspect, directly increasing both material and labour costs.
Regional Cost Variation UK 2026
Electrician rates vary considerably across the UK. The table below shows how typical costs compare to the national average, based on prevailing 2026 labour rates across England, Scotland, and Wales.
| Region | Typical Hourly Rate | vs National Average |
|---|---|---|
| London | £75–120/hr | +30–40% |
| South East | £65–95/hr | +15–20% |
| East of England | £60–85/hr | +5–10% |
| Midlands | £55–75/hr | 0% (national average) |
| Yorkshire & the Humber | £50–70/hr | -5–10% |
| North West | £50–70/hr | -5–10% |
| North East | £45–65/hr | -10–15% |
| Scotland | £45–65/hr | -10–15% |
| Wales | £45–65/hr | -10–15% |
Rates reflect 2026 averages and may vary between urban and rural areas within each region. Urban centres within each region (e.g. Manchester in the North West, Edinburgh in Scotland) tend to command rates at the upper end of the range.
How to Find a Good Electrician in the UK
Electrical work in UK homes is subject to Part P of the Building Regulations, which means certain types of work — including consumer unit replacements, new circuits, and work in kitchens and bathrooms — must either be carried out by a registered competent person or notified to your local building control authority. Here is how to ensure you hire someone qualified and trustworthy.
- Check for NICEIC or NAPIT registration:Both the NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting) and NAPIT are government-approved Part P self-certification schemes. Electricians on these schemes are regularly assessed for technical competence and must hold adequate insurance. Use the official NICEIC or NAPIT "find a contractor" tools to verify membership before any work begins.
- Verify public liability insurance:Ask for a copy of the electrician's public liability insurance certificate. A minimum cover of £1 million is standard; reputable contractors typically carry £2–5 million. Do not hire anyone who is unable or unwilling to provide this.
- Get at least three written quotes: For any job costing more than a few hundred pounds, obtain written quotes from at least three electricians. Quotes should break down labour and materials separately so you can make a fair comparison. Be wary of quotes that are significantly lower than the others without a clear explanation.
- Read independent reviews: Check Checkatrade, Which? Trusted Traders, or Google Reviews for recent feedback. Look for comments specifically about punctuality, quality of finish, tidiness on site, and whether the work was certificated correctly.
- Red flags to avoid:
- Any electrician who cannot provide a NICEIC or NAPIT membership number — especially for notifiable work.
- Requests for large cash deposits upfront (more than 25–30% of the total job value) before work has started.
- Reluctance to provide a written quote, or pressure to make a same-day decision without time to compare alternatives.
Understanding UK Electrical Regulations
All electrical installations in UK homes must comply with BS 7671 — Requirements for Electrical Installations (the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, including Amendment 2 which came into force in 2022). This is the national standard that sets out technical requirements for how electrical work must be designed, installed, inspected, and tested.
Under Part P of the Building Regulations, certain electrical work in dwellings is "notifiable," meaning it must be either carried out by a registered competent person (who self-certifies the work) or overseen by your local building control. Notifiable work includes: new circuits; consumer unit replacements; new electrical installations; and work in kitchens, bathrooms, and gardens where there is increased risk from water.
When a job is notified correctly, you receive an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) or a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate. Keep these documents safely — you will need them when selling your property, making a home insurance claim, or applying for a mortgage. If an electrician does not offer certification on notifiable work, walk away.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an electrician cost per hour in the UK in 2026?
Most UK electricians charge between £45 and £90 per hour, with the national average sitting at around £55–65 per hour in 2026. Rates vary significantly by region — London electricians typically charge 25–40% more than the national average, often £80–120 per hour. You should also expect a separate call-out fee of £75–150 for the first hour, particularly for smaller or emergency jobs. Always ask whether a quoted rate is inclusive of VAT, materials, and the call-out charge before work begins.
What is the average electrician day rate in the UK?
The typical electrician day rate in the UK ranges from £200 to £450 per day, depending on location and the complexity of the work. A day rate usually covers eight hours of labour and is more cost-effective than hourly billing for larger jobs such as rewires or consumer unit replacements. In London and the South East, day rates can reach £500 or more. It is worth negotiating a day rate for any job you expect to take longer than two to three hours, as this often works out cheaper than paying by the hour.
How much does a consumer unit replacement cost in the UK?
Replacing a consumer unit (fuse box) typically costs between £500 and £1,500 in the UK, including labour and parts. The wide range reflects differences in the size of the property, the number of circuits, and whether any additional work is required such as upgrading earthing arrangements. The job usually takes a qualified electrician four to eight hours and must comply with BS 7671 18th Edition wiring regulations. Following completion, your electrician must issue a Minor Works or Electrical Installation Certificate, and the work must be notified to your local building control authority under Part P.
How do I find a registered electrician in the UK?
The safest way to find a registered electrician is to use the NICEIC or NAPIT online search tools, both of which list electricians who are registered to self-certify electrical work under Part P of the Building Regulations. Registration means the electrician has been assessed for competence and carries adequate insurance. You should also check reviews on platforms such as Checkatrade, Which? Trusted Traders, or Google, and always ask for at least three written quotes. Avoid any tradesperson who cannot provide proof of registration and public liability insurance of at least £1 million.
Why do electricians charge a call-out fee?
A call-out fee covers the electrician's time and travel costs to reach your property, even before any work begins. This is particularly common for emergency call-outs, out-of-hours work, and small jobs where the task itself may only take 30 minutes. Call-out fees in the UK typically range from £75 to £150 and are usually absorbed into the overall job cost if additional work is carried out. Some electricians include the first hour of labour in the call-out fee, while others charge it separately — always clarify this upfront.
Is it worth getting an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)?
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is strongly recommended for any property that has not had its wiring inspected in the last ten years, and it is a legal requirement for landlords in England, Scotland, and Wales. An EICR for a three-bedroom house typically costs between £125 and £300 and identifies any faults, deterioration, or safety hazards in your electrical installation. The report assigns a code to each issue — C1 means danger present, C2 means potentially dangerous, and C3 means improvement recommended. Addressing C1 and C2 issues promptly can prevent electrical fires and ensure your home insurance remains valid.
Related Guides
Get an Instant Cost Estimate
Describe your project to our AI and get an itemised cost estimate instantly.
Get a Free Estimate