How to hire an electrician: complete guide 2026
How to find, check, and hire a Safe Electric registered electrician safely.
Why hiring the right electrician matters
Faulty electrical work is a recognised cause of house fires, and electrical installations carried out without proper certification can invalidate your home insurance and create problems if you sell the property.
Domestic electrical work in Ireland is covered by the Safe Electric scheme, the statutory register for the trade. This means most fixed electrical work in a home should be carried out by a Safe Electric registered electrician, who can then issue a completion certificate.
This guide walks you through the process from first contact to signed completion certificate.
How to find a reliable electrician
Personal recommendation: still the most reliable source. Ask neighbours, your letting agent, or local community groups. A recommended electrician already has a verified track record.
Safe Electric register: the Safe Electric website has a searchable database of registered electricians by county. This is the most direct way to find someone legally recognised to self-certify domestic work.
Review platforms: Google reviews and general trade directories let you see feedback from previous customers. Read a spread of reviews for a realistic picture, not just the most recent ones.
Local search: searching "electrician near me" or "Safe Electric registered electrician [your county]" returns local results. Check that the business has a real address and verifiable reviews before calling.
Checklist before accepting a quote
Before committing to any electrician, confirm the following:
1. Valid registration: check the electrician's name or company on the Safe Electric register. Registration should be current, not lapsed.
2. Written, itemised quote: the document must include: full name and business address, a description of every item of work, materials with specification and price, start and estimated completion dates, whether VAT is included, and payment schedule.
3. Completion certificate: ask whether you'll receive a Safe Electric completion certificate once the work is done. This is required if you sell the property later.
4. Workmanship guarantee: 12 months is standard. Some electricians offer longer. Get this in writing.
5. Public liability insurance: ask for evidence of current insurance before any work starts. This protects you if damage occurs during the job.
Your consumer rights when hiring an electrician
Irish consumer protection rules give you important safeguards when hiring any tradesperson:
Right to a written quote: once a quote is accepted, the electrician should not charge more than the agreed price without your explicit consent.
Reasonable care and skill: the work should be carried out with reasonable care and skill. If it isn't, you're entitled to ask for it to be put right.
Completion certificate: for domestic electrical work, you are entitled to a Safe Electric completion certificate. This is required when you sell the property. If an electrician refuses to provide one, treat it as a red flag.
Dispute resolution: if you cannot resolve a dispute directly, the Safe Electric scheme and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission can advise on next steps.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check an electrician is Safe Electric registered?
Go to safeelectric.ie and use the register search. Enter the electrician's name, company name, or county. The result will show whether their registration is current.
Can an electrician charge for the initial assessment?
Yes. Many electricians charge a callout fee of €45 to €90 for an initial assessment, which is often deducted from the final invoice if you proceed with the work. Confirm this before booking.
What should I do if electrical work develops a fault after completion?
Contact the electrician in writing (email or WhatsApp message) describing the fault and when it appeared. If the fault is due to poor workmanship, the electrician should put it right at no extra cost within the guarantee period. Keep your quote and completion certificate as proof.
Do I need to hire a registered electrician for small jobs?
Most fixed electrical work in a home, new circuits, work in a bathroom, or anything near water, should be carried out or certified by a Safe Electric registered electrician. Simple like-for-like fitting changes are lower risk, but when in doubt, ask a registered electrician to confirm.
What should I ask the electrician for in writing before work starts?
Always ask for a written quote with a detailed description of the work, timeframes, and payment terms. Make sure it includes materials, labour, and any extra fees. Ask about the workmanship guarantee too (usually 12 months). A simple written agreement prevents misunderstandings and protects both sides.
How does Prummo make it easier to communicate with electricians?
You can send personalised quotes through Prummo via a shareable link. The electrician sees exactly what was proposed, can log the job's status in real time, and you get notified when the client accepts. Everything in one place, no confusing email threads.