How To Find A Good Electrician in the UK
Finding a good electrician in the UK isn’t as easy as you’d think. Sure, there are so many electricians out there—your mate might “know a guy,” or you’ve seen countless ads online. But when it comes to trusting someone with your home’s wiring, safety, and hard-earned money, you need more than a name and a phone number.
Bad electricians? They’re everywhere. From cowboys who vanish mid-job to underqualified handymen cutting corners, hiring the wrong person can lead to shoddy work, hidden costs, and potential electrical hazards. That’s why knowing ‘’how to find a good electrician in the UK’’ is so important. This guide will help you spot the right professional for the job—someone reliable, skilled, and properly qualified. Let’s get started:
How to Find a Good Electrician in the UK
Electrical work is a serious business. Hire the wrong person, and you could end up with dodgy wiring, electrical hazards, or an unfinished job that costs you even more to fix. So, When it comes to “how to Find a Good Electrician in the UK,” it isn’t as simple as typing “electrician near me” into Google and picking the first name that pops up.
So, how do you separate the true professionals from the cowboys and unqualified handymen? What should you look for before handing over your hard-earned cash? If you want safe, high-quality electrical work, follow these steps to find the right electrician for the job.
1. Compare Quotes from Multiple Electricians
Never go with the first electrician you find on Google. Get quotes from at least three different electricians in the UK so you can compare prices, services, and what’s included in the estimate. A good electrician will be upfront about their costs, explaining exactly what you’re paying for. If someone gives you a suspiciously low price, be wary—cheap work often means cutting corners. Our team at My Local Electrician believes in fair pricing with no hidden fees. We provide detailed, transparent quotes so you know exactly what to expect before we start any work.
2. Check Their Rates Against Competitors
While you don’t want to go for the cheapest option, it’s still important to know the average cost of an electrician for your specific job. Some electricians overcharge simply because they can, especially if they sense you’re unfamiliar with industry rates. Look up the going rates for the type of electrical work you need. If a quote seems way out of line—either too high or too low—it’s a red flag. A good electrician charges fair market rates, not sky-high prices or suspiciously cheap fees.
3. Review Terms and Conditions Before Hiring
Always read the small print. A reliable electrician will provide a clear breakdown of what’s included in their service, including:
- Scope of work
- Materials needed
- Labour costs
- Estimated completion time
- Payment terms
- Warranty or guarantee on work
If an electrician refuses to give you written terms, walk away. This is a crucial step in knowing “how to find a good electrician” in the UK. You don’t want to be caught in a situation where they suddenly add extra costs or claim you agreed to something you didn’t.
4. Ask If They Send Out Untrained Junior Workers
Some electrical companies send out apprentices or junior electricians to complete jobs without supervision, even though you were expecting a seasoned pro. While apprentices need training, you don’t want your home’s electrical work being used as their practise ground. A good electrician will always be upfront about who’s doing the work. Our company never sends out untrained workers, even with supervision. With us, you will only get skilled, experienced and licenced electricians on every job—no exceptions.
5. Beware of Electricians Demanding Full Payment Upfront
If an electrician asks for 100% of the payment before even starting, that’s a huge warning sign. While it’s normal for electricians to request a deposit (especially for larger jobs), demanding full payment upfront is a common scam tactic. A trustworthy electrician will have a clear payment structure—typically a deposit, progress payments for big projects, and a final payment once the job is completed to your satisfaction.
6. Look for a Website and Past Work Examples
These days, any serious electrician should have some kind of online presence—a website, social media, or, at the very least, customer reviews on platforms like Google or Checkatrade. If you can’t find anything about an electrician online, that’s a bad sign. A good electrician will also have photos (which can be accessible from their website or when asked) or case studies of previous work. This gives you an idea of their skill level and experience.
7. Assess Their Punctuality, Communication, and Professionalism
Your first interaction with an electrician tells you a lot. Did they answer the phone professionally? Did they turn up on time for a quote? Did they communicate clearly and confidently? A good electrician respects your time, communicates well, and behaves professionally from the start. If they’re already showing poor timekeeping, lack of communication, or bad attitude before they even start the job, imagine how unreliable they’ll be once you’ve hired them.
8. Verify Their Licence and Insurance
In the UK, any electrician working on your home should be fully qualified and registered with a governing body. The most trusted one is NICEIC, but there are also NAPIT and ELECSA. These accreditations mean they’ve been assessed for competency and safety. They should also have public liability insurance in case something goes wrong. Never assume an electrician is insured—ask to see proof. If they can’t provide it, don’t risk it. We at My Local Electrician are NICEIC-approved and fully insured, so you can be totally confident your electrical work is in safe hands. This step is essential when figuring out how to find a good electrician in the UK.
9. Consider Their Experience and Business History
An electrician who’s been in business for 10+ years is usually more reliable than someone who just started last year. Longevity in the trade means they’ve built a reputation and have repeat customers. That said, even newer electricians can be great—as long as they have the right qualifications and positive reviews. The key is looking at their track record. We have over a decade of experience and a long list of happy customers across London. Our hundreds of 5-star Google reviews speak for themselves.
10. Ask the Right Questions Before Making a Decision
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. A good electrician will happily answer them. Some key ones to ask:
- Are you NICEIC-approved?
- Can you provide references or customer reviews?
- Do you offer a warranty or guarantee on your work?
- How long have you been in business?
- Will you handle the job yourself, or send an apprentice?
- What’s your payment structure?
Their answers will tell you everything you need to know. If they seem evasive or annoyed by your questions, walk away.
11. Check Their Availability and Responsiveness
If an electrician is impossible to reach, takes days to reply to messages, or keeps rescheduling, it’s a clear red flag. A reliable electrician communicates well and doesn’t leave you hanging. That said, the best electricians are often busy—so if someone is too available, it’s worth asking why. A packed schedule is usually a sign of good reputation and high demand.
12. Thoroughly Review the Contract
Before work starts, make sure everything is in writing. A good electrician will provide a clear contract outlining the job details, cost, and estimated completion time. This protects both you and them. If an electrician refuses to give you a contract, or tries to work on verbal agreements only, that’s a deal-breaker. You need proof of what was agreed.
13. Look for Hidden Fees in the estimate
Some electricians sneak in extra fees—parking charges, call-out fees, or “unforeseen costs” that weren’t mentioned earlier. A clear, transparent estimate prevents this. If anything seems unclear, ask before agreeing.
What Does an Electrician in the UK Do?
A qualified UK electrician does more than just fix flickering lights or install new sockets. Their work covers installation, maintenance, safety checks, and emergency repairs—all while ensuring everything meets UK electrical standards.
One of the most common jobs they handle is rewiring homes, especially in older properties where outdated electrical systems pose a risk. Many homeowners don’t realise their wiring is decades old and not built to handle modern energy demands. An electrician can upgrade it, making sure your home is safe and efficient.
They also install and maintain consumer units (fuse boxes), circuit breakers, sockets, switches, lighting systems, electric showers, extractor fans, and security systems. Businesses and commercial properties often need electricians for fire alarm systems, emergency lighting, data cabling, and large-scale electrical installations.
Fault-finding is another key part of an electrician’s job. Be it tripping circuits, overheating sockets, or power outages, a skilled electrician can diagnose and fix problems before they become serious. Many also specialise in renewable energy installations, like solar panels and EV chargers, as more UK homeowners look for greener energy solutions.
Types of Electricians in the UK
Electricians aren’t all the same. Depending on the job, you might need a specialist. Here’s a breakdown of the main types:
1. Domestic Electricians
These are the ones you call for home electrical work. Whether it’s fitting new lights, rewiring a house, or repairing a central heating system, domestic electricians handle everything in residential properties. If you’re a homeowner or landlord, this is the type of electrician you’ll need most of the time. Our team at My Local Electrician is an expert in domestic electrical services, handling everything from simple socket repairs to full rewires.
2. Commercial Electricians
Commercial electricians focus on shops, offices, and other business spaces. Their work often involves Installing and maintaining office lighting, setting up large-scale power systems and ensuring businesses meet safety regulations. If you run a business, hiring a commercial electrician ensures everything is legally compliant and safe for employees and customers. We also provide commercial electrical services, so if your office needs an upgrade, we can help.
3. Industrial Electricians
Industrial electricians work in factories, warehouses, and manufacturing plants. They deal with heavy-duty electrical systems, industrial machinery, and high-voltage installations. If your workplace relies on complex electrical setups, these are the specialists you need.
4. Emergency Electricians
Need an electrician at 3 AM because your power went out? That’s where an emergency electrician comes in. Available 24/7, they handle urgent repairs like power cuts, electrical fires, exposed live wires, and blown fuses causing blackouts. No matter what type of emergency electrical services you need in London, we’re just a call away—no waiting for “business hours.”
5. Renewable Energy Electricians
With more UK homes switching to solar panels and EV chargers, electricians specialising in renewable energy are in high demand. They handle Solar panel installations, battery storage systems, and EV charger setups. If you’re considering green energy solutions, hiring an experienced renewable energy electrician is crucial.
Essential Qualifications of a Good UK Electrician
Not every electrician is qualified to handle every job. Before hiring one, check their credentials to make sure they’re properly trained and certified. The most important qualification to look for is NICEIC accreditation. Regarding how to find a good electrician in the UK, it is the most important thing to look for. The NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting) assesses electricians to ensure they meet high safety and competency standards. Choosing a NICEIC-approved electrician means you’re getting someone who has been independently tested for quality and safety. (We’re NICEIC-approved, so you can trust us with your electrical needs.)
A good electrician should also have a strong understanding of BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations), which sets the safety standards for all electrical work in the UK. These regulations are updated regularly, so an experienced electrician should always be up to date.
Beyond qualifications, experience matters. An electrician who has been in the trade for years (preferably over 7 years at least) has likely dealt with a broad range of electrical issues and knows how to handle unexpected challenges.
All the essential qualities we have discussed, our team has all of that. We bring years of experience, industry certifications, and a track record of satisfied customers. Our team stays up to date with the latest regulations and technology, so you don’t have to worry about a thing when you work with us.
Final Thoughts on how to find a good electrician
At the end of the day, hiring a good electrician is more than getting the job done—it’s about safety, reliability, and long-term peace of mind. A bad electrical job can cause fires, electric shocks, power outages, and expensive repairs down the line. Choosing the right professional saves you money, stress, and potential dangers.
Here’s a quick recap of what to look for:
- NICEIC accreditation (or another official certification).
- Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden costs.
- Years of experience and a strong reputation.
- Good communication and punctuality.
- Full insurance and guarantees on work.
- A detailed plan for your specific job.
If you’re looking for a good electrician in London, we at My Local Electrician tick all these boxes. We’re NICEIC-approved, fully insured, and have over a decade of experience handling everything from small fixes to full electrical installations. Don’t take chances with your home or business. Contact us today at +44 7707-603 548 for a free quote, and let’s get your electrical work done properly—the first time.
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