Electrician
An electrician installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems in homes and commercial properties. From rewiring and consumer unit upgrades to lighting design and fault finding, electricians play a critical role in keeping your property safe and functional.
What does an electrician do?
Electricians handle a wide range of work, including:
- Full and partial house rewires
- Consumer unit (fuse board) upgrades
- New lighting circuits and smart lighting installations
- Socket additions and relocations
- Fault finding and electrical repairs
- Electrical safety inspections and testing (EICR)
- EV charger installations
- Outdoor and garden lighting
- Electrical work for solar PV installations
Is electrical work regulated in the UK?
Yes. Electrical work in England and Wales is regulated under Part P of the Building Regulations. Notifiable work — including new circuits, consumer unit replacements, full rewires, and work in special locations such as bathrooms — must either be carried out by a competent person registered with a government-approved scheme (who can self-certify the work), or be inspected and approved by your local Building Control authority.
Approved schemes include NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, and others. Always ask your electrician which scheme they are registered with. Rules differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland; when in doubt, check with Building Control or use a registered installer.
What to look for when hiring an electrician
When choosing an electrician, consider the following:
- Registered with an approved scheme — Look for NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA registration, which confirms competence for notifiable work.
- Public liability insurance — Ensures you are covered if something goes wrong during the work.
- Clear, itemised quotes — A good electrician will break down costs so you know exactly what you are paying for.
- Certificates on completion — For notifiable work, you should receive an Electrical Installation Certificate and a Building Regulations compliance certificate.
- References and reviews — Ask for examples of previous work or check reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an electrician cost?
Electrician costs vary by job. Day rates typically range from £250 to £400. A full house rewire for a 3-bed home might cost £3,000 to £5,000, while a consumer unit upgrade usually costs £300 to £600.
Do I need Building Regulations approval for electrical work?
For notifiable electrical work (new circuits, consumer unit changes, work in special locations such as bathrooms), yes. If your electrician is registered with an approved scheme like NICEIC, they can self-certify the work.
What is an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is an inspection of your property's electrical systems. It identifies any defects, deterioration, or non-compliance. In England, most privately rented properties require an EICR at least every 5 years (or at change of tenancy). Rules vary slightly across the UK.