Have electrical problems in your London home, but not sure of how much does an electrician costs per hour in London to fix them? That’s exactly what this article is about.
To help you effectively plan and budget, we will provide you with the average hourly, daily, and call-out fees for electricians in London. Let’s get started:
Electrician cost per hour in London
If you’re looking to hire an electrician in London, one of the first questions you’ll likely ask is, “How much does an electrician cost per hour?” The answer can vary depending on several factors, including the time of day, day of the week, and the type of job required.
On average, electricians in London charge the following hourly rates:
- Daytime rates (Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm): £40-£70 per hour
- Evening rates (Monday to Friday, 5 pm to 10 pm): £50-£90 per hour
- Weekend rates (Saturday and Sunday): £60-£120 per hour
How much does an electrician cost per day in London
Some electricians may charge daily rates instead of hourly rates. These can be more cost-effective for longer jobs. Here are some average daily rates:
- Half-day rates (up to 4 hours): £150-£300
- Full-day rates (up to 8 hours): £250-£500
How much does an electrician charge for call-out
In addition to hourly or daily rates, electricians may charge a call-out fee, which covers the cost of travelling to your location. The call-out fee can vary depending on the time of day and the level of urgency.
Here are some average call-out fees:
- Standard call-out fee: £50-£100
- Emergency call-out fee (out-of-hours, weekends, or holidays): £100-£200
How much do London electricians charge for emergency call-out
If you need an electrician to attend to an emergency situation outside of normal working hours, you can expect to pay a higher call-out fee.
Here are some average emergency call-out fees:
- Peak hours (Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm): £100-£150
- Off-peak hours (Monday to Friday, 5 pm to 10 pm, Saturday and Sunday): £150-£250
Factors that affect electrician cost per hour or day
While hourly rates and call-out fees are a good starting point, there are several additional factors to consider when determining how much does an electrician in London charges per hour.
Having a better understanding of these factors can help you plan and budget in advance for your electrical services.
1. Hidden issues:
Sometimes, electricians may encounter unexpected problems or issues during the course of a job. This can include things like:
- Unexpected repairs required
- Additional materials needed
- Complexity of the job exceeding initial expectations
These hidden issues can add to the overall cost of the electrical job, so it’s essential to factor them into your budget.
2. Location:
The location of your property in London can also impact the daily or hourly cost of hiring an electrician. For example:
- Central London areas tend to be more expensive than outer London areas
- Accessibility and parking costs can add to the overall cost
Urgent repairs:
If you need an electrician to attend to an urgent repair, you may be charged a priority booking fee or overtime rates. This is especially true for emergency call-outs outside of normal working hours.
3. Project complexity:
The complexity of the required electrical work can also affect an electrician’s hourly or daily cost. For example:
- Simple tasks like a light fitting replacement may be relatively inexpensive.
- Complex tasks like full-house rewiring may require more time, materials, and expertise, driving up the cost.
4. Materials:
The cost of materials and equipment required for the job can also impact the overall cost. This includes things like:
- Quality of materials (budget, mid-range, premium).
- Type and quantity of materials needed.
5. Labour costs:
The experience, qualification, and number of electricians required for the job can also affect the labour costs. For example:
- More experienced electricians may charge higher rates per hour.
- Larger teams of electricians may be required for complex projects, driving up labour costs.
6. Scope of work:
The extent of the electrical work required can also impact the cost. This includes things like:
- Multiple tasks or projects combined
- The extent of the electrical work required (e.g., partial or full rewiring)
Costs for common electrical jobs
While hourly rates and call-out fees are a good starting point, there are several additional factors to consider when determining how much does an electrician in London charges per hour.
Having a better understanding of these factors can help you plan and budget in advance for your electrical projects.
1. Hidden issues:
Sometimes, electricians may encounter unexpected problems or issues during the course of a job. This can include things like:
- Unexpected repairs required
- Additional materials needed
- Complexity of the job exceeding initial expectations
These hidden issues can add to the overall cost of the electrical job, so it’s essential to factor them into your budget.
2. Location:
The location of your property in London can also impact the daily or hourly cost of hiring an electrician. For example:
- Central London areas tend to be more expensive than outer London areas
- Accessibility and parking costs can add to the overall cost
3. Urgent repairs:
If you need an electrician to attend to an urgent repair, you may be charged a priority booking fee or overtime rates. This is especially true for emergency call-outs outside of normal working hours.
4. Project complexity:
The complexity of the required electrical work can also affect an electrician’s hourly or daily cost. For example:
- Simple tasks like a light fitting replacement may be relatively inexpensive.
- Complex tasks like full-house rewiring may require more time, materials, and expertise, driving up the cost.
5. Materials:
The cost of materials and equipment required for the job can also impact the overall cost. This includes things like:
- Quality of materials (budget, mid-range, premium).
- Type and quantity of materials needed.
6. Labour costs:
The experience, qualification, and number of electricians required for the job can also affect the labour costs. For example:
- More experienced electricians may charge higher rates per hour.
- Larger teams of electricians may be required for complex projects, driving up labour costs.
7. Scope of work:
The extent of the electrical work required can also impact the cost. This includes things like:
- Multiple tasks or projects combined
- The extent of the electrical work required (e.g., partial or full rewiring)
Costs for common electrical jobs
Now that we’ve covered the average hourly rates and factors that affect costs let’s take a closer look at the costs of some common electrical jobs in London.
Please note that these estimates are only estimates and that the final price may vary depending on your specific needs and circumstances.
1. Replace a light fitting:
- Cost of the new light fitting: £20-£50
- Labour costs for replacement: £40-£70
- Total cost: £60-£120
2. Install an exterior security light:
- Cost of the security light and installation materials: £50-£100
- Labour costs for installation: £80-£120
- Total cost: £130-£220
3. Install two double sockets:
- Cost of the sockets and installation materials: £20-£50
- Labour costs for installation: £40-£70
- Total cost: £60-£120
4. Replace fuse box:
- Cost of the new fuse box and installation materials: £100-£200
- Labour costs for replacement: £150-£250
- Total cost: £250-£450
5. Earth bonding:
- Cost of the earth bonding kit and installation materials: £50-£100
- Labour costs for installation: £80-£120
- Total cost: £130-£220
6. Fit an electric cooker:
- Cost of the cooker and installation materials: £200-£400
- Labour costs for installation: £150-£250
- Total cost: £350-£650
7. Electric shower fitting:
- Cost of the shower unit and installation materials: £150-£300
- Labour costs for installation: £100-£150
- Total cost: £250-£450
8. Rewire a house:
- Cost of materials and equipment required: £1,000-£2,000
- Labour costs for the entire project: £2,000-£4,000
- Total cost: £3,000-£6,000
9. PAT testing:
- Cost of the testing equipment and labour costs: £50-£100
- Total cost: £50-£100
10. Electrical safety certificate:
- Cost of the electrical inspection and labour costs: £100-£200
- Total cost: £100-£200
11. Extractor fans installation:
- Cost of the extractor fans and installation materials: £50-£100
- Labour costs for installation: £80-£120
- Total cost: £130-£220
Tips for hiring an electrician in London
Having an understanding of how much does an electrician costs per hour in London and other expenses related to the job, you are now equipped to make a budget for your next electrical work.
Here are some tips to help you find the right electrician for your job:
Check qualifications and certifications
Ensure that the electrician you hire is fully qualified and certified to carry out the work. NICEIC-certified electricians are available at companies such as My Local Electrician. ELECSA approval is also acceptable since these organisations certify their members as meeting high safety and workmanship standards.
- Check their experience: Check the electrician’s experience with similar jobs and ask to see examples of their previous work. Since our electricians have been successfully completing all sorts of electrical projects for a decade, you can rely on them to handle any electrical project.
- Check reviews and references: Check online reviews and ask for references from previous customers to get an idea of the electrician’s reputation and quality of work.
- Be clear about the job: Be clear about the scope of the job and what you expect from the electrician. Make sure you understand what is included in the quote and what is not.
- Ask about additional costs: Ask the electrician about any additional costs or fees that may apply, such as call-out fees or travel costs.
- Get a written quote: Get a written quote from the electrician that includes all the job details, including the cost, scope of work, and any additional fees.
- Check their availability: Check the electrician’s availability to ensure they can complete the job within your timeframe.
In conclusion
Hiring an electrician in London can be a daunting task, especially if you aren’t aware of how much does an electrician costs per hour in London.
However, by understanding the average hourly rates, daily rates, call-out fees, and factors that affect costs, you can better plan and budget for your electrical projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I know if an electrician is qualified and reliable?
Ask for references from previous customers and verify qualifications, such as NICEIC or ELECSA approval. Get an idea of the electrician’s reputation by looking at online reviews and ratings.
2. What is the average cost of hiring an electrician in London?
The average cost of hiring an electrician in London can vary depending on the type of job, location, and electrician’s rates. However, on average, electricians in London charge between £40-£70 per hour.
3. Do I need to get an electrician to do small electrical jobs, such as changing a light fitting?
While it’s possible to do minor electrical jobs yourself, hiring a qualified electrician is always recommended to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.
4. Can I hire an electrician for emergency repairs?
Yes, many electricians in London, like experts in our company, offer emergency repair services. Be prepared to pay a higher call-out fee for emergency repairs, especially if they occur outside of normal working hours.
5. How long does it take to complete an electrical job?
The time it takes to complete an electrical job can vary depending on its complexity and the electrician’s workload. When you get a quote, be sure to ask the electrician for an estimated completion time.