How Much Does an Electrician Cost in the UK? (2026 Price Guide)

A UK electrician in 2026 typically charges £40–£60 per hour for domestic work across most of the country, with central London rates running £60–£100 and above. Most small jobs have a minimum call-out fee of £60–£120 reflecting travel and set-up time.

This guide lists current rates by region, gives per-job prices for the most common domestic jobs, and explains the legal requirements (Part P, EICR) that affect price.

What's the hourly rate?

• Central London (Zones 1-2): £60–£100+ per hour
• Greater London: £50–£75 per hour
• South East, Home Counties: £45–£65 per hour
• Midlands, North West: £40–£55 per hour
• North East, Wales, Scotland outside Edinburgh: £35–£50 per hour
• Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham: £45–£60 per hour

Emergency or out-of-hours call-outs typically carry a 1.5–2× multiplier.

What does a day rate look like?

For day-long jobs (rewiring a room, fitting a new consumer unit with circuit testing, major installation), electricians price a day of 8 hours:

• London day rate: £450–£700
• Rest of UK day rate: £300–£500

What do common jobs cost?

• Replace a light switch or socket: £60–£100 minimum call-out
• Install a new socket (existing ring): £70–£140
• Install an outdoor socket: £120–£220
• Replace ceiling light fitting: £80–£160
• Install downlights (5 lights, one room): £250–£500
• Full rewire (3-bed house): £3,500–£6,500 depending on size and location
• Consumer unit (fuse box) replacement: £500–£900
• EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report): £150–£350
• PAT testing: £1–£3 per item; minimum £60
• Install home EV charger: £900–£1,400 (before OZEV grant where applicable)
• Smoke alarm install (mains powered, hardwired): £80–£150 per alarm

What is Part P and why does it affect the price?

Building Regulations Part P requires that notifiable electrical work (consumer unit changes, new circuits, bathroom or kitchen electrics) is certified. A registered electrician (NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA) can self-certify and issue a Part P certificate — essential if you ever sell the property. Using an unregistered electrician means paying an inspector to re-certify the work afterwards, which typically costs £200–£400 on top.

When do I need an EICR?

Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations 2020, every rental property in England must have a valid EICR dated within the last five years. Home sellers increasingly commission one to reassure buyers. The inspection takes 2–4 hours depending on property size.

How do I keep the price down?

• Bundle multiple small jobs into one visit — avoids multiple call-out minimums
• Book weekdays, not weekends or evenings
• Get three quotes before committing to jobs over £500
• Make sure the work area is clear and accessible
• Avoid rushing to cheapest — unsafe electrical work costs more to fix than to get right first time