How Much Does Electrical Installation Cost in the UK?
Electrical installation costs in the UK can range from under £100 for a straightforward fitting replacement to several thousand pounds for rewiring, refurbishment work or a complete new-build electrical installation.
The final cost depends on the property, scope of work, accessibility, materials, safety testing and number of electricians required. Location also matters, with labour costs in London and the South East often exceeding averages elsewhere in the UK.
This guide from IELEC explains typical electrical installation prices, the factors affecting your quotation and how homeowners, landlords and businesses can plan their budgets effectively.
What Is the Average Electrical Installation Cost with IELEC?
There is no single average price covering every electrical project. Installing an additional socket is very different from designing and installing the electrical infrastructure for an office, warehouse or new home.
The following figures provide an approximate UK budgeting guide:
Electrical work | Indicative UK cost |
Electrician hourly rate | £25–£50 |
Electrician day rate | Around £320 |
Replacement light fitting | From approximately £65 |
Motion-sensor security light | Around £125 |
Residential EICR | Approximately £150–£375 |
Consumer unit replacement | Approximately £350–£800 |
One-bedroom property rewire | Approximately £3,000–£4,800 |
Three-bedroom house rewire | Approximately £4,450–£8,000 |
Four-bedroom house rewire | Approximately £6,080–£9,380 |
Five-bedroom house rewire | Approximately £7,500–£12,500 |
These figures are indicative rather than fixed. Electrical installation costs in London and the South East may be higher because of increased labour, travel and operating expenses.
For an accurate price, IELEC will assess your property, existing electrical system and project requirements before preparing a detailed quotation.
What Does an IELEC Electrical Installation Quote Include?
A professional electrical installation quotation from IELEC may include:
- Initial consultation and site assessment
- Electrical design and circuit planning
- Labour and project management
- Electrical cables and containment
- Consumer units and protective devices
- Sockets, switches and connection points
- Interior and exterior lighting
- Testing and commissioning
- Electrical installation certification
- Removal of redundant electrical materials
Always check whether VAT, decorative repairs, access equipment and out-of-hours working are included in the quotation.
For a broader overview of available solutions, visit the main IELEC electrical services page.
Which Factors Affect Electrical Installation Cost with IELEC?
Every electrical installation is different. IELEC considers several important factors when preparing a quotation.
IELEC Considers the Size and Type of Property
Larger homes and commercial buildings generally require more circuits, cabling, distribution equipment and labour. A small flat will therefore cost less to install or rewire than a large house, office, school or warehouse.
Commercial and industrial properties may also require three-phase systems, emergency lighting, data cabling or specialist supplies for machinery and equipment.
Assesses the Scope of Electrical Work
A partial installation covering one room will cost considerably less than a complete property installation.
Electrical installation costs can increase when a project includes:
- New sockets and switches
- Additional circuits
- Interior and exterior lighting
- Consumer unit upgrades
- Full or partial rewiring
- Network cabling
- Emergency lighting
- EV charging points
- Smart electrical controls
Read the IELEC guide to electrical installation services to understand the complete installation process.
Checks the Existing Wiring Condition
Older or damaged wiring can make electrical installation work more complicated. Existing faults may need to be repaired before new circuits, equipment or accessories can be connected safely.
An IELEC electrical testing and inspection service can identify damaged wiring, insufficient protection, overloaded circuits and other issues that may affect the project cost.
Reviews Access and Building Construction
Easy access to walls, ceilings and floor voids can reduce installation time. Costs may increase where IELEC electricians need to work around completed interiors, concrete floors, restricted ceiling spaces or occupied commercial areas.
Older, listed or architecturally sensitive buildings may require additional planning to protect existing features during the electrical installation.
IELEC Prices the Required Electrical Materials
Standard white electrical accessories are generally less expensive than decorative finishes, specialist commercial products or smart controls.
Your chosen specification may include:
- Standard or decorative sockets
- USB charging outlets
- Smart switches and controls
- LED lighting
- Emergency lighting
- RCBO circuit protection
- Surge protection
- Data and network points
- External weather-resistant equipment
IELEC can recommend suitable products based on safety, appearance, performance and long-term value.
IELEC Accounts for London and Kent Labour Costs
Electrical installation prices vary across the UK. Labour and business costs in London and the South East are often higher than in other regions.
IELEC provides tailored quotations for domestic, commercial and industrial projects throughout London and Kent.
How Much Does a House Rewire Cost with IELEC?
A full house rewire usually costs several thousand pounds because it involves replacing old cables, circuits, sockets, switches and potentially the consumer unit.
Indicative UK costs include:
- One-bedroom flat: £3,000–£4,800
- Two-bedroom flat: £3,800–£5,800
- Three-bedroom house: £4,450–£8,000
- Four-bedroom house: £6,080–£9,380
- Five-bedroom house: £7,500–£12,500
The price may increase if the property is occupied or contains difficult-to-access wiring. Plastering, decorating, flooring replacement and temporary accommodation may not be included in the electrical quotation.
Visit the IELEC electrical rewiring page to learn more about replacing outdated electrical wiring.
How Much Does an IELEC Consumer Unit Replacement Cost?
Replacing a consumer unit typically costs approximately £350–£800. The final price depends on the number of circuits, type of protective devices and condition of the existing wiring.
A typical ten-way RCBO consumer unit installation may cost around £485. However, existing faults, consumer unit relocation and additional circuit work can increase the total cost.
IELEC will inspect the existing installation and explain whether remedial work is necessary before replacing the consumer unit.
How Does IELEC Price Commercial Electrical Installation?
Commercial electrical installation costs are usually calculated following a site assessment, drawings review or detailed project specification.
The IELEC quotation may consider:
- Building size and intended use
- Number of distribution boards
- Number and type of circuits
- Lighting and emergency lighting
- Machinery or equipment supplies
- Fire and security system connections
- Data and network cabling
- Access equipment
- Project timescale and phasing
- Out-of-hours working
- Testing and certification
- Handover documentation
- Ongoing maintenance requirements
A small office refurbishment may require a relatively straightforward installation. A school, warehouse, industrial facility or multi-floor commercial building will need more detailed design, equipment and project management.
For new developments, visit the IELEC new-build electrical contractors page.
Does IELEC Include Testing and Certification?
Testing and certification should be essential parts of a professional electrical installation rather than optional additions.
Following applicable installation work, IELEC will inspect and test the completed circuits and provide the appropriate electrical documentation. The exact certificate depends on whether the work involves a new installation, new circuit, alteration or minor addition.
Some domestic electrical work is also notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations. Working with an appropriately registered electrical contractor helps ensure the necessary compliance procedures are followed.
Landlords should also be aware of the electrical safety requirements applying to rented properties. Qualifying rental properties generally require electrical installations to be inspected and tested at least every five years.
IELEC offers professional electrical testing and inspection for homes, rental properties and commercial premises.
How Can IELEC Help Control Electrical Installation Costs?
Careful planning can reduce unexpected costs without compromising electrical safety.
Before the work starts:
- Decide how every room or commercial area will be used.
- Identify the preferred positions of sockets and switches.
- Confirm the required lighting layout.
- Consider future needs such as EV charging or smart controls.
- Arrange electrical work before plastering and decorating.
- Request a detailed written quotation.
- Check whether testing and certification are included.
- Confirm whether the price includes VAT.
- Avoid changing the specification after installation begins.
Completing related electrical upgrades together may be more cost-effective than arranging several separate visits.
Why Choose IELEC for Electrical Installation?
IELEC provides professional electrical installation services for residential, commercial and industrial properties across London and Kent.
The IELEC team can support projects from the initial consultation and electrical design through to installation, testing and certification.
Benefits of choosing IELEC include:
- Experienced electrical contractors
- Domestic and commercial expertise
- Tailored electrical designs
- Transparent project quotations
- Safe and compliant installations
- Professional testing and certification
- Coverage across London and Kent
- Support for projects of different sizes
Whether you require additional circuits, lighting, rewiring, a consumer unit upgrade or a complete new-build system, IELEC can recommend a safe, efficient and practical solution.
Request an Electrical Installation Quote from IELEC
Electrical installation costs vary considerably, so an online average cannot replace a property-specific quotation.
Contact IELEC to discuss your electrical installation requirements in London or Kent. The IELEC team will assess the project, explain the available options and provide a transparent quotation based on your property and specification.
IELEC Electrical Installation Cost FAQs
A complete installation can cost several thousand pounds, depending on property size, circuits, accessories and access. IELEC provides a detailed quotation based on the required electrical design, materials, labour, testing and certification.
A three-bedroom house rewire typically costs between £4,450 and £8,000. The IELEC price will depend on access, occupancy, required circuits, chosen accessories, consumer unit condition and whether decorative repairs are included.
IELEC quotations can include labour, cables, accessories, protective equipment, testing and certification according to the agreed specification. Check whether VAT, decorating, access equipment and additional building work are included before approving the quotation.
Costs vary because properties have different layouts, wiring conditions, access restrictions and electrical demands. The circuit quantity, equipment specification, working hours, location and required compliance work can all influence the final IELEC quotation.
IELEC can provide a detailed quotation after reviewing the property and requirements. A survey may be necessary because hidden defects, inaccessible wiring or later changes to the agreed specification can affect the total installation cost.
Yes. IELEC tests completed electrical work and provides the appropriate certification. The documentation supplied depends on whether the project involves a new installation, new circuit, electrical alteration or a qualifying minor electrical addition.
