How much does an electrician cost? Prices 2026
Average electrician prices for 2026: sockets, consumer units, and rewires.
How much does an electrician charge per hour?
Electrician hourly rates in 2026 vary by location and experience:
London and South East: £60 to £80/hour Midlands and North of England: £40 to £60/hour Callout fee (no work done): £50 to £100 fixed
In practice, most electricians quote per job rather than per hour. Before accepting a quote, confirm exactly what is included: does the price cover labour only, or does it include materials too?
A quote that lumps labour and materials together without a breakdown is a warning sign. Always ask for the split in writing.
Electrician price list by job type
Average prices across the UK for 2026. Your region and the specific electrician will affect the final cost:
Socket or switch installation: £100 to £250 per point Light fitting installation: £80 to £200 Fuse/circuit breaker replacement: £80 to £200 Consumer unit upgrade (8 to 12-way): £500 to £1,000 Full consumer unit replacement: £500 to £1,500 Electric shower installation: £200 to £500 New cable run (per metre): £15 to £40 Air conditioning circuit installation: £200 to £500 Electrical inspection certificate (EICR): £120 to £250 Rewire (3-bed house): £3,000 to £5,000
These prices include labour. Materials are typically charged separately.
What affects electrician pricing?
Location: London electricians charge 30 to 60% more than those in the North. Rural areas may have limited availability that also pushes prices up.
Job complexity: surface-mounted cable runs cost less than chasing into masonry walls. High-ceiling or outdoor work carries additional risk and time.
Materials: branded components (Hager, MK, Wylex) cost more than unbranded alternatives. Be wary of very low quotes that may reflect cheap materials that fail earlier.
Emergency callouts: out-of-hours work typically adds £50 to £150 on top of standard rates.
Certification: NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA-registered electricians charge a premium but are legally qualified to self-certify Part P work, which is required for most fixed electrical installations.
How to hire an electrician safely
Before booking any electrical work:
1. Check certification: all electrical work covered by Part P of the Building Regulations must be done by a certified electrician or notified to your local authority. Check the NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA registers online.
2. Request a written quote: a proper quote should include the electrician's name and address, their registration number, a full description of the work, materials with specifications and prices, start date and estimated duration, and payment terms.
3. Get at least 3 quotes: the cheapest quote rarely represents the best value. Compare the full scope of what each electrician includes.
4. Check reviews: use Checkatrade, Trustpilot, or Google reviews. Look for consistent ratings over time, not just recent reviews.
5. Know your guarantee: reputable electricians offer a minimum 12-month workmanship guarantee. Get this confirmed in writing before work starts.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of an electrician per hour in the UK in 2026?
Electrician hourly rates in the UK range from £40 to £80 per hour depending on location. London and the South East sit at the top of the range (£60 to £80/h). The Midlands, North of England, and Wales typically run £40 to £60/h. Most electricians quote by job rather than by hour.
How much does a consumer unit replacement cost?
A consumer unit replacement in the UK costs between £500 and £1,500 depending on the size of the board, the brand of components, and the amount of circuit work required. Most standard 3-bed houses fall in the £600 to £900 range.
Does an electrician need to be certified?
Yes. All fixed electrical installation work in England and Wales that falls under Part P of the Building Regulations must be carried out by a registered electrician or notified to the local building control authority. Check the NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA registers before hiring.
How do I compare electrician quotes fairly?
Always request quotes with labour and materials broken out separately. Compare the full scope of what each electrician includes, not just the bottom line. A quote significantly below the others usually means something is excluded or materials are being downgraded.