Quick Answer
Electricians in the UK charge £45–£80 per hour in 2026, rising to £60–£120/hr in London. Callout fees run £50–£100 and day rates range from £300–£600 depending on region and job type.
Electrical work is one area where you simply cannot cut corners — and where knowing what to pay before you pick up the phone puts you in a far stronger position. In 2026, qualified electricians across the UK remain in high demand, driven particularly by EV charger installations, EICR testing for landlords, and consumer unit upgrades required for older properties. Rates have risen consistently over the past three years and show no sign of falling.
Unlike some trades, most significant domestic electrical work in England and Wales falls under Part P of the Building Regulations — meaning only registered electricians can carry out and certify it. This makes comparing like-for-like quotes essential, so you understand exactly what certification and guarantee you're receiving. This guide gives you 2026 regional rates, common job costs, and the key quality checks to make before hiring.
In this guide
Electrician Rates by UK Region (2026)
Location is the largest single variable in electrician pricing. London rates run 40–60% above those in the North East or Wales. The table below shows typical 2026 rates across the UK for standard (daytime, non-emergency) work:
| Region | Hourly Rate | Callout Fee | Day Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | £60 – £120/hr | £70 – £120 | £400 – £700 |
| South East | £55 – £90/hr | £60 – £100 | £350 – £550 |
| South West | £48 – £75/hr | £55 – £90 | £300 – £450 |
| Midlands | £45 – £70/hr | £50 – £90 | £280 – £420 |
| North West | £45 – £70/hr | £50 – £85 | £280 – £400 |
| Yorkshire & Humber | £42 – £65/hr | £50 – £85 | £260 – £380 |
| North East | £38 – £60/hr | £50 – £80 | £250 – £360 |
| Scotland | £45 – £70/hr | £50 – £90 | £270 – £400 |
| Wales | £40 – £65/hr | £50 – £85 | £260 – £380 |
Most electricians charge a callout fee covering travel and the first 30–60 minutes on site. If a job takes less than an hour, you typically still pay the callout minimum. For any job where the scope can be defined in advance, always request a fixed-price quote rather than an hourly rate — it is much easier to budget against and protects you if the job takes longer than expected.
Common Electrical Jobs and Typical Total Costs
Hourly rates tell only part of the story. The total cost depends on the nature of the job, the materials required, whether certification is needed, and how long the work takes. Here are realistic 2026 estimates for the most frequently requested domestic electrical jobs:
| Job | Typical Total Cost | Time Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Add or replace a single socket | £80 – £200 | 1–2 hours | Surface-mounted is faster than chased |
| Install a new lighting circuit | £150 – £350 | 2–4 hours | Includes ceiling roses and switches |
| Install ceiling light (existing circuit) | £60 – £150 | 30–90 mins | More complex for pendant or track lighting |
| EICR (3-bed house) | £150 – £400 | 2–4 hours | Legally required for rental properties |
| Consumer unit replacement | £500 – £1,200 | 4–8 hours | Full day job, includes certification |
| EV charger installation | £600 – £1,200 | 3–5 hours | Includes OZEV-approved charger unit |
| Full rewire (3-bed semi) | £3,500 – £7,000 | 5–10 days | Most disruptive domestic electrical job |
| Install outdoor sockets or lighting | £200 – £500 | 2–4 hours | Weatherproof fittings + RCD protection |
| Install bathroom extractor fan | £100 – £280 | 1–3 hours | Includes wiring to fused spur |
Consumer unit replacement — upgrading the fuse board to a modern unit with RCBO protection on every circuit — is one of the most impactful electrical safety improvements a homeowner can make. For full details on costs and what's involved, see our dedicated guide to consumer unit replacement cost in the UK.
EV charger installation has become one of the fastest-growing domestic electrical jobs. In 2026, the government's OZEV Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme offers a £350 grant for eligible installs. For a full breakdown, see our guide to EV charger installation costs at home.
What Affects Electrician Rates?
Beyond location and job type, several factors can push your electrician quote up or down significantly:
- Certification requirements: Jobs notifiable under Part P (new circuits, consumer unit replacements, work in kitchens and bathrooms) require an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC). NICEIC or NAPIT-registered electricians can self-certify, avoiding a building control application — but this registration is reflected in slightly higher rates. Always verify registration before hiring.
- Cable routing and access: Running cables through solid masonry walls or behind plasterwork takes significantly longer than surface-mounted conduit. If chasing is required, expect to add 30–50% to the installation time, plus replastering costs afterwards.
- Age of existing wiring: Pre-1970s properties may have rubber-insulated or aluminium wiring, which can create complications and additional remedial work before new circuits can be safely added.
- Materials and fittings: Budget sockets and switches start at around £2 per unit; designer products can exceed £50 per unit. Electricians typically mark up materials by 20–40%. For larger jobs, supplying your own branded fittings can reduce costs noticeably.
- VAT status: Electricians above the VAT threshold (£90,000 turnover in 2026) must add 20% VAT. Many sole-trader electricians operating in the domestic market are below this threshold. Always clarify whether a quote is VAT-inclusive.
- Emergency or out-of-hours work: Emergency electrical call-outs (evenings, weekends, bank holidays) typically command a 50–100% premium on standard rates. Avoid creating emergencies through planned maintenance.
Qualifications and Certification: What to Look For
Not all electricians are equally qualified, and the certifications an electrician holds determines what work they can legally carry out and self-certify. Here is what to look for in 2026:
| Qualification / Registration | What It Covers | Where to Verify |
|---|---|---|
| 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations | Current standard for all electrical installations | Ask for the certificate directly |
| NICEIC registered | Part P self-certification of domestic work | niceic.com |
| NAPIT registered | Part P self-certification — equivalent to NICEIC | napit.org.uk |
| City & Guilds 2391 (Inspection & Testing) | Required to issue EICRs | Ask for the qualification certificate |
| NVQ Level 3 Electrotechnical Services | Core professional qualification | Ask for the certificate |
For guidance on finding and checking electricians before hiring, read our guide on how to find a trustworthy electrician. For a full explanation of what Part P requires, see our article on what Part P electrical regulations mean for homeowners.
Important
Always verify an electrician's Part P registration before they start work. Unregistered electricians cannot provide the required Electrical Installation Certificate — which is essential for compliance, home insurance, and when selling your property. Check at electricalsafetyregister.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to add a new socket in the UK?+
Adding a single socket to an existing ring main circuit costs £80–£200 in 2026. Surface-mounted sockets are at the lower end; sockets that need chasing into the wall cost more and may require replastering. Kitchen and bathroom sockets are notifiable under Part P, adding certification costs.
What is an EICR and do I need one?+
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a safety inspection of your home's wiring, costing £150–£400 for a typical 3-bedroom house. Landlords are legally required to commission one every 5 years or at the start of a new tenancy. Homeowners are not legally required to have one, but it is strongly recommended when buying a property or if your wiring is over 25 years old.
Can I do my own electrical work in the UK?+
Homeowners can carry out minor non-notifiable work themselves — such as replacing a socket faceplate or changing a light fitting like-for-like. However, any notifiable work (new circuits, consumer unit replacement, kitchen and bathroom electrics) must be carried out and certified by a registered electrician. Doing notifiable work yourself without certification creates legal and insurance problems.
Do electricians charge VAT?+
Electricians with annual turnover above £90,000 must charge 20% VAT. Many smaller sole-trader electricians who work mainly on domestic jobs are below this threshold and do not charge VAT. Always check whether a quote is VAT-inclusive or exclusive — it can make a significant difference to the total.
How long does a full house rewire take?+
A full rewire of a typical 3-bedroom semi-detached house takes 5–10 working days. The work is disruptive — electricians need access to every room and some decoration damage is inevitable as cables are chased into walls. Most households remain in the property during the rewire but accept restricted use of certain rooms each day.
What is the difference between NICEIC and NAPIT?+
Both are government-approved Competent Person Schemes for Part P compliance. Electricians registered with either body can self-certify notifiable domestic electrical work and issue Electrical Installation Certificates. Both are equally valid — the key check is that your electrician is actively registered with one of them, which you can confirm on their websites.
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