A Guide
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Electrical Pricing

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How much does an electrician cost per hour?

As most simplistic electrical jobs can be completed in less than a day it is very common for electricians to charge an hourly rate.

My hourly rate is: £45 
Electrician and Mate: £60 (Jobs that require 2 men)

How much does an electrician cost per day?

When jobs take longer than a day, electricians will often stop charging an hourly rate and will switch to a daily rate. 

My day rate is: £360
Electrician and Mate: £480 (Jobs that require 2 men)

How much does an emergency electrician cost?

Emergency electricians work outside of usual working hours. They are available overnight, during holidays and on weekends. Unfortunately, if you do need to hire an emergency electrician during these times the usual hourly rate for electricians will increase from £45 to £80

Factors affecting electrician costs

Estimating an electrician’s hourly rate for your job is difficult due to the number of factors that have an influence on the overall total. The following list covers some of the most common factors affecting electrician costs:

Type of job: Every job requires different materials, levels of difficulty and labour times which will affect the cost. E.g. adding a new plug socket will be cheaper than wiring an entire extension. More specialist work will also require electricians with higher hourly rates.

Age and condition: Often older electronics require parts that are difficult to source and will be more expensive than newer items. Also, if your home electrics are in poor condition this can make the job more complex, increasing the cost.

Time: More difficult or intensive jobs mean greater labour times, leading to higher costs. Accessibility: If your electrician is required to access hard to reach areas this will also increase the cost of the job.

Location: You should also consider your location when budgeting for an electrician. 

How much does it cost for aditional sockets?

To calculate the cost of installing additional plug sockets, you’ll need to decide which type is right for you. Some of the most common types include:

Single: A standard socket with a single plug. These are useful for single appliances, or tight spaces.
Average cost: £125

Double: Double sockets are better value than fitting two single sockets and help future proof your home in case you need to use more devices in the future. They are also more desirable to potential buyers when selling a home.
Average cost: £200

USB socket: These cost a little more than single sockets but give you the added convenience of being able to charge by USB whilst keeping the plug free for other appliances. They are very useful for heavy tablet and phone users.
USB sockets cost between £65 – £90

Outdoor socket: If you need to use your plug outside – such as for a lawnmower, hot tub or other external appliance – then you’ll need an outdoor plug.
Average cost: £240

When choosing an outdoor socket and considering what devices you will use with it, you must consider the following:

• The plug socket and any cables must be waterproof and rated for use outdoors.
• Any electrical devices left plugged in outside must also be waterproof and rated for outdoor use.
• Cables must be frost proof and waterproof.
• Ideally, they should be exposed to the elements as little as possible.
• Periodically check cables and devices left outside to ensure they have not been damaged by pests.
• Cover any cables to ensure they are not tripping hazards.
• You need to comply with building regulations and electrical regulations.
• It is wise to choose a socket with an RCD and that prevents accidental tugging.

Factors affecting the cost of additional sockets

Type of socket: Depending on whether you want an RCD socket, single plug or double plug, the cost to install an outdoor socket will vary. 

Electrical inspection: For older homes your electrician may recommend you have an electrical safety check. This will ensure your consumer unit can cope with the extra plug and power drawn.

Position of socket: The further your external power point is placed from other sockets then the more cabling will be needed to connect it. This will increase the labour time.

Usage: If you want your electrical devices to turn off and on at certain pre-set times, then choosing an plug socket with a timer will let you do so. This is ideal for lighting, heating and Christmas lights.

Number of sockets: If you need two plugs it’s far cheaper to install a double socket than it is to install two singles. Likewise, it’s cheaper to install two sockets today than a second socket later on. So, be sure to think about your long-term plans if you want to save money.

Accessibility: In addition to the distance from other plugs, the price you pay will also rise if the socket is in a hard to reach area. If you require the socket as a fixed feature away from the wall, such as a box at the end of the garden, this will further increase costs as well.