South West regional pricing

How Much Does an Electrician Cost in Plymouth?

Updated prices for . Plymouth prices are typically 9% below the national average.

14 services priced
South West region
Updated

Adjust prices for your property size

Adjusts prices for: Full House Rewire (3-Bed), EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report), Smoke and CO Alarm Installation

Price summary

Plymouth Price Summary

Service Low Average High
Full House Rewire (3-Bed) £3,625 £4,985 £7,250
Consumer Unit Replacement £410 £590 £1,085
Add a Double Socket £70 £135 £225

Prices include labour and materials. VAT may apply. Based on South West regional pricing.

Full pricing

All Electrician Prices in Plymouth

With a population of 264,200, Plymouth is in Devon and electrician costs here are 9% below the national average. Prices are based on real regional wage data from the Office for National Statistics.

All prices include materials and labour unless stated otherwise. Prices verified 2026

Full House Rewire (3-Bed)

Low

£3,625

Average

£4,985

High

£7,250

5-10 days

More details

A complete rewire of a 3-bedroom house — all the old wiring is replaced with new cables, a modern fuse box, new sockets, and switches. Includes full safety testing and a certificate to prove the work meets regulations. Usually needed in older homes where the wiring is outdated or unsafe.

~66% labour, ~34% materials

What affects the price

  • Property size and number of storeys
  • Age of existing wiring and ease of access
  • Number of sockets, lights and circuits required
  • Whether plastering and making good is included

Consumer Unit Replacement

Low

£410

Average

£590

High

£1,085

4-6 hours

More details

Replacing an old fuse box with a modern one that has safety trips to protect you from electric shocks and power surges. Includes full testing and notifying your local council (required by building regulations). Often needed because old fuse boxes do not meet current safety standards.

~58% labour, ~42% materials

What affects the price

  • Number of circuits in the property
  • Whether dual RCD or all-RCBO board is fitted
  • Condition of existing earthing and bonding
  • Whether surge protection (SPD) or AFDD is added

Add a Double Socket

Low

£70

Average

£135

High

£225

1-2 hours

More details

Adding a new double plug socket by running a cable from a nearby existing socket. Includes cutting a channel in the wall for the cable, fitting the socket, and plastering over the channel. Usually takes 1-2 hours.

~87% labour, ~13% materials

What affects the price

  • Distance from existing circuit
  • Whether the wall is brick, stud or concrete
  • Surface-mounted vs flush fitting
  • Whether making good and plastering is included

Install a New Light Fitting

Low

£45

Average

£90

High

£180

30-60 minutes

More details

Replacing or installing a new ceiling or wall light fitting on an existing lighting circuit. Price is per fitting and excludes the light itself.

~82% labour, ~18% materials

What affects the price

  • Type of fitting (pendant, flush, wall light)
  • Whether new cabling is needed
  • Ceiling height and accessibility
  • Whether a dimmer switch is required

Install LED Downlights (Per Room)

Low

£180

Average

£360

High

£635

3-5 hours

More details

Installing 4-6 LED spotlights recessed into the ceiling of a single room, replacing a single hanging light. Includes cutting the holes, all wiring, fire-safe fittings, and a new light switch. A popular upgrade that gives more even, modern lighting.

~59% labour, ~41% materials

What affects the price

  • Number of downlights required
  • Whether fire-rated or IP-rated fittings are needed
  • Ceiling type (plasterboard, concrete, lath and plaster)
  • Whether a dimmer switch is included

EV Charger Installation

Low

£725

Average

£995

High

£1,360

3-5 hours

More details

Installing a home electric vehicle charger with its own dedicated circuit from the fuse box. A 7kW charger can fully charge most cars overnight. Price includes the charger unit, wiring, and setup. Much faster and cheaper per charge than using a standard plug socket.

~50% labour, ~50% materials

What affects the price

  • Charger brand (Ohme, Zappi, Pod Point etc.)
  • Distance from consumer unit to charger location
  • Whether the consumer unit needs upgrading
  • Whether civils or groundwork is needed for cable routing

EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)

Low

£110

Average

£180

High

£270

2-4 hours

More details

A full safety inspection and test of all the electrics in your home. The electrician checks the wiring, fuse box, sockets, and lights for any faults or safety risks, and gives you a report. Legally required for rented properties. Does not include fixing any problems found — that is quoted separately.

What affects the price

  • Property size and number of circuits
  • Age and condition of the installation
  • Number of distribution boards
  • Your location (London is typically 20-30% more)

Electric Shower Installation

Low

£225

Average

£410

High

£635

2-4 hours

More details

Installing a new electric shower with its own dedicated circuit from the fuse box (electric showers need a lot of power, so they cannot share a circuit). Price includes labour and a basic shower unit. Higher-powered showers give better water flow but need thicker cables.

~58% labour, ~42% materials

What affects the price

  • Whether it is a replacement or first-time installation
  • Shower wattage (affects cable size and MCB rating)
  • Distance from consumer unit
  • Whether tiling or plumbing work is also needed

Outdoor and Garden Lighting

Low

£180

Average

£455

High

£905

Half day

More details

Installing outdoor lights such as security lights, path lights, or patio spotlights. Includes running weatherproof cabling and fitting lights designed to withstand rain and moisture. Takes around half a day for a typical setup.

~50% labour, ~50% materials

What affects the price

  • Number of lights and type (wall, spike, bollard, flood)
  • Length of cable run and need for groundwork
  • Whether mains or low-voltage transformer system
  • PIR sensor or smart control requirements

Smoke and CO Alarm Installation

Low

£55

Average

£135

High

£270

1-2 hours

More details

Installing smoke alarms and a carbon monoxide detector that are all linked together — if one goes off, they all go off so you can hear the alarm anywhere in the house. Price covers a typical 3-bed house with 3-4 units. Required by building regulations in all homes.

~50% labour, ~50% materials

What affects the price

  • Number of alarms needed
  • Mains-wired vs sealed battery (wireless interlinked)
  • Whether new cabling is required for hardwired units
  • Property type (HMO regulations require more coverage)

Move a Light Switch or Socket

Low

£70

Average

£120

High

£180

1-2 hours

More details

Moving an existing light switch or plug socket to a new spot on the wall. The electrician extends the cable, cuts a channel in the wall for it, and fits the switch or socket in the new position. The old hole is filled and plastered over.

~86% labour, ~14% materials

What affects the price

  • Distance from existing position
  • Wall type (stud, brick, dot-and-dab)
  • Whether making good and plastering is included
  • Surface-mounted vs flush fitting

Install an Extractor Fan

Low

£90

Average

£180

High

£315

2-3 hours

More details

Installing a bathroom or kitchen extractor fan that vents damp air outside through a pipe in the wall or ceiling. Includes all wiring — it can be set to come on with the light or run on its own timer. Helps prevent mould and condensation.

~68% labour, ~32% materials

What affects the price

  • Fan type (basic, timer, humidistat, heat recovery)
  • Length of ducting run
  • Whether an external wall or soffit core needs drilling
  • Whether it is connected to the light switch or runs independently

PAT Testing (Up to 50 Appliances)

Low

£55

Average

£90

High

£135

1-3 hours

More details

Safety testing of electrical appliances (kettles, computers, lamps, etc.) for a small business or rental property. Each item is checked and given a pass/fail sticker. Covers up to 50 items. Often required by insurers and landlords.

~97% labour, ~3% materials

What affects the price

  • Number of appliances (volume discounts apply)
  • Type of appliances (Class I vs Class II)
  • Call-out fee and minimum charge
  • Whether replacement leads or plugs are needed

Install an Electric Cooker Circuit

Low

£135

Average

£225

High

£360

2-3 hours

More details

Running a new dedicated high-power circuit from the fuse box to your kitchen for an electric cooker. Electric cookers need their own circuit because they draw too much power to share with other appliances. Includes all cabling, a cooker switch on the wall, and safety testing.

~76% labour, ~24% materials

What affects the price

  • Distance from consumer unit to kitchen
  • Whether the consumer unit has a spare way
  • Cable route and concealment method
  • Cooker wattage (affects cable size)

Step by step

What's Involved in Hiring an Electrician

Hiring an electrician for domestic work involves getting quotes, checking their registration, and ensuring all work is tested and certified to meet UK building regulations.

1

Identify the work you need

Before contacting electricians, make a list of what you need done — whether it is a single socket, a consumer unit upgrade, or a full rewire. Knowing the scope helps you get accurate quotes and makes it easier to compare prices.

2

Get quotes from registered electricians

Get at least three quotes from electricians registered with a competent person scheme such as NICEIC, NAPIT or ELECSA. Registration means they can self-certify notifiable work, saving you the cost and hassle of a separate building control application. Always ask to see their registration card.

3

Agree the specification and timeline

The electrician should explain exactly what work is involved, what materials will be used, and how long it will take. For larger jobs like rewires, discuss the order of work, which rooms will be without power and whether they will handle the plastering and making good or if you need a separate plasterer.

4

Work is carried out

The electrician installs new cables, fittings and circuits as agreed. For rewires, this involves lifting floorboards and chasing channels into walls. They should keep the work area tidy and communicate any unexpected issues as they arise. The power may be off for periods during the work.

5

Testing and certification

After the work is finished, the electrician carries out full electrical testing and provides an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) or Minor Works Certificate. For notifiable work, a registered electrician will notify your local building control within 30 days and send you the compliance certificate.

6

Final checks and handover

Check that all sockets, switches and lights work correctly. Keep your electrical certificates safe — you will need them when selling the property. For rented properties, the certificates form part of your legal compliance paperwork.

Regional comparison

How Plymouth Compares

Average cost of full house rewire (3-bed) across regions.

Plymouth
-9% £4,985
National Average
baseline £5,500
London
+24% £6,835

Local insights

What Affects Electrician Costs in Plymouth?

The South West has a varied housing stock, from Georgian and Regency townhouses in cities like Bath to stone-built farmhouses, coastal cottages and modern estates across Somerset and Devon. Plymouth has a broad range of housing from Victorian and Edwardian semis to modern estates and apartment developments, and many properties in the region feature older stonework, lime render and period details that require specialist attention. With a population of 264,200, Plymouth is a large town where electrician costs are one of the most affordable areas. Older and rural properties tend to push prices higher due to access difficulties and the need for sympathetic materials — consumer unit replacement here averages around £590.

The South West generally sits close to or slightly below the national average for trade costs, though popular areas like Bath and Exeter can be pricier. Labour rates in Plymouth are around 9% below the UK average. As a large town with a population of 264,200, there is steady demand for electrician work. Longer travel distances between jobs in rural parts of Cornwall and Dorset mean some tradespeople factor travel time into their quotes. The larger population means more tradespeople operate in the area, which generally keeps pricing competitive. Prices can still vary 30-50% between different tradespeople, so always compare.

What you pay for electrician work in Plymouth depends on the job scope, property type and materials. Period properties with lime plaster, stone walls or listed building restrictions often need specialist approaches that cost more. Coastal properties in Dorset and Cornwall can face salt exposure and damp issues that add complexity. A typical full house rewire (3-bed) in Plymouth costs around £4,985, while full house rewire (3-bed) ranges from £3,625 to £7,250. As a large town that is one of the most affordable areas, Plymouth offers fair value for electrician work compared to London and the South East.

When getting quotes in Plymouth, aim for at least three from different qualified professionals. In more rural parts of the South West, fewer tradespeople may be available locally, so book ahead for larger jobs. Ask each one to visit and assess the work rather than quoting over the phone. A good electrician will check the existing conditions, flag any complications from older or period features, and give you a detailed cost breakdown. The larger population means more tradespeople operate in the area, which generally keeps pricing competitive. Be wary of quotes that seem significantly cheaper — they may be cutting corners on materials or quality. Always check qualifications, insurance and recent reviews before hiring.

Depending on the work involved, you may also need plumber (£45–£180), boiler & gas engineering (£1,810–£4,075), or alarm installation (£270–£725) in Plymouth.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about electrician costs in Plymouth.

Does electrical work need Part P building regulations approval?
Notifiable electrical work in England and Wales must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations. This includes new circuits, consumer unit replacements, and work in bathrooms and kitchens. A registered electrician (with NICEIC, NAPIT or similar) can self-certify the work. If your electrician is not registered, you need to apply for building control approval separately, which adds cost and delay.
What is an EICR and when do I need one?
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a safety inspection of your property wiring. Landlords in England are legally required to have one every 5 years. Homeowners should consider one if the property is over 25 years old, you are buying a house, or you notice warning signs like flickering lights or tripping circuits.
What is the difference between a consumer unit and a fuse box?
They are the same thing — a consumer unit is the modern term for what was traditionally called a fuse box. Modern consumer units contain circuit breakers and RCDs that trip automatically to protect against electric shocks and fire. Older fuse boxes with rewirable fuses should be upgraded to current standards.
How do I know if my house needs rewiring?
Warning signs include old round-pin sockets, fabric-covered cables, a lack of earthing, an old fuse box with rewirable fuses, and frequent blown fuses or tripping. If your wiring has not been updated in 30+ years, get an EICR to assess its condition. A full rewire is a big job but essential for safety.
How long does a full house rewire take?
A typical 3-bedroom house takes 5-10 working days to rewire, depending on the property's size, age and complexity. The electrician will need access to all rooms, and some areas will be without power during the work. Plastering and decorating after the rewire adds further time.
Can I do any electrical work myself?
You can replace like-for-like accessories such as light switches, sockets and ceiling roses in most rooms without notification. However, any new circuits, work in bathrooms or kitchens, and consumer unit changes are notifiable under Part P and must be done by a registered electrician or inspected by building control.
What is an RCBO and do I need one?
An RCBO combines a circuit breaker and residual current device in one unit, giving each circuit its own independent protection. If one circuit trips, the others stay on. Modern best practice is an all-RCBO consumer unit, though a dual RCD board is still acceptable. Expect to pay £100-£200 more for an all-RCBO upgrade.
How much does it cost to add a charging point for an electric car?
A home EV charger installation typically costs £800-£1,500 including the charger unit, dedicated circuit and all wiring. The price depends on the charger brand, the distance from your consumer unit to the charging location, and whether any groundwork is needed to route the cable. Some energy suppliers offer discounted installation deals.
Do electricians charge a call-out fee?
Many electricians charge a call-out or minimum charge fee of £50-£100 to cover their travel time, especially for small jobs. Some waive the call-out fee if you go ahead with the work. Always ask about call-out fees upfront when requesting a quote to avoid surprises.
How much does an electrician cost in Plymouth in 2026?
Full House Rewire (3-Bed) in Plymouth typically costs between £3,625 and £7,250, with the average being around £4,985. Prices vary depending on the scope of work, materials used, and the specific requirements of your property.
Are electrician prices cheaper in Plymouth than London?
Yes. Plymouth electrician costs are typically 9% below the national average, while London prices run around 24% above it. For full house rewire (3-bed), you could save over £1,850 compared to the same job in London.
How do I find a good electrician in Plymouth?
Get at least three quotes from different tradespeople, check recent reviews, and ask whether the quote includes VAT and everything you need. A detailed written quote that breaks down all costs is a good sign. Always check qualifications, insurance and recent reviews before hiring.
What affects electrician prices in Plymouth?
The main factors are the scope and complexity of what you need, the options and products chosen, and local market rates. Plymouth rates are 9% below the national average. Getting multiple quotes is the best way to ensure a fair price.
Do electrician prices include materials in Plymouth?
The prices shown on this page include all typical costs. However, when getting real quotes, always confirm what is and isn't included. Some tradespeople break out costs separately, while others give an all-in price. Ask for a detailed breakdown before agreeing to any work.