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01 · Ask
Spot the warning signs
Buzzing fuse box, hot sockets, lights flickering when you boil the kettle. Describe it in plain English — the AI tells you if it's a 30-min fix or a rewire.
Upgrade your consumer unit.
18th edition RCBO board with surge protection — full new fuse board, certificate and labels.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
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From a single dodgy socket to a full rewire — read the brief, then let Three local electricians quote.
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02 · Read the brief
Walk in informed
Part P, EIC vs EICR, C1/C2/C3 ratings, when Building Control gets involved. Know the lingo before the quote arrives.
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03 · Compare
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Top tips
Hiring a electrician, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Check NICEIC or NAPIT registration.
Part P electrical work must be certified by a registered electrician. NICEIC and NAPIT are the two big ones — verify online before they start.
Demand the EIC certificate.
Any new circuit or consumer unit change needs an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC). Without it, you can't sell the house cleanly.
Get the EICR before buying.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report on a house you're buying flags hidden rewire jobs. A C1 or C2 finding is a £2k–£8k negotiation lever.
Don't accept a quote without a survey.
Honest electricians lift a few floorboards before quoting a rewire. Anyone quoting a flat rate over the phone is guessing.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Hourly call-out rate
£50–£100/hr
Day rate
£250–£450/day
New socket or light fitting
£80–£200
Consumer unit upgradeInc. RCDs + cert
£600–£1.5k
EICR full report3-bed house
£150–£400
Full house rewire3-bed, plaster making-good extra
£3.5k–£8.5k
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
Infographic · VideoThe Electrician briefing.
Infographic
Electrician quick-view
Video guide
Electrician explained
Consumer Unit (fuse box) upgrade to current BS 7671 18th Edition. Amendment 3 (2024) requires Surge Protection Device (SPD) for most installations. RCBO per circuit preferred over RCD pairs. Expect to pay £600–£1,500 for UK CU upgrade.
What Does the Work Involve?
NICEIC or NAPIT electrician surveys existing CU. Old plastic CU replaced with metal-clad. RCBO per circuit (vs old dual-RCD split). Surge Protection Device (SPD). Earth bonding verified. Power off 2-4 hours. Building Notice or Part P certificate.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic 10-way CU upgrade | 500 | 800 | Standard home |
| Premium 18-way CU upgrade | 700 | 1,200 | Per-circuit RCBO |
| SPD add-on (now required) | 80 | 200 | Most properties |
| EV-ready CU (extra capacity) | +£100 | +£300 | Plus install |
| Earth bonding upgrade | 100 | 400 | If required |
| Whole-house rewire (if needed) | 3,000 | 8,000 | Major project |
| Building Notice fee | 150 | 400 | If structural |
UK Regulations
BS 7671:2018 18th Edition Amendment 3 (2024). SPD now required for new and replacement CUs. Part P electrical certification. EICR may flag old plastic CU as C2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plastic CU = automatic fail?
Often C2 on EICR (potential fire risk under fault). Metal CU now standard.
SPD really needed?
Amendment 3 requires unless risk assessment shows otherwise. Storm/lightning protection.
RCBO vs RCD?
RCBO: per-circuit protection. RCD: protects pair of circuits. RCBO better for fault isolation.
How long install?
4-8 hours typical. Power off 2-4 hours.
EV ready?
Add spare capacity for future 7kW charger. £100-£300 extra. Future-proofing.
Best UK brands?
Hager, Wylex, Schneider Electric, Chint, MK. NICEIC-recommended.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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