By TradesmenIreland Editorial Team · Published 9 March 2026 · Last updated 22 May 2026
Electrician Prices and Hourly Rates in Ireland 2026
Electrical work isn't something you can DIY—it's dangerous and illegal for most jobs. The good news is that knowing typical prices helps you budget properly and recognise fair quotes from the cowboys.
Quick Answer: Electrician Costs
| Full house rewire (3-bed) | €5,000 - €10,000 |
| Consumer unit replacement | €400 - €800 |
| EV charger installation | €800 - €1,500 |
Always use a registered electrician (RGI or Safe Electric). Unregistered electrical work is illegal in Ireland and voids your insurance.
Electrician Hourly Rates
| Standard hours (8am-6pm weekdays) | €50 - €80 |
| Evening (6pm-10pm) | €70 - €100 |
| Emergency/night | €100 - €150+ |
Call-Out Fees
Most electricians charge a call-out fee on top of hourly rates:
What's included?
Call-out fees usually cover the first 30-60 minutes. After that, hourly rates apply.
Out-of-Hours Rates
Emergency and out-of-hours work is where electrician pricing jumps fastest:
| Time | Typical Additional Charge |
| Emergency call-out | +50-100% |
For non-urgent work, book during normal weekday hours. An emergency call-out can cost €150-250+ before any parts are fitted.
Day Rates
For larger jobs, many electricians quote day rates:
| Electrician + apprentice | €500 - €700 |
When are day rates better?
- Larger projects (rewires, new builds)
- Multiple small jobs together
Common Electrical Jobs and Prices
Sockets and Switches
| Install new single socket | €80 - €150 |
| Install new double socket | €100 - €180 |
| Replace existing socket | €40 - €80 |
| Install USB socket | €80 - €130 |
| New light switch | €60 - €120 |
| Outdoor socket | €150 - €250 |
Prices are higher if chasing into walls is needed (concealed wiring).
Lighting
| Replace ceiling light | €50 - €100 |
| Install new ceiling light | €80 - €150 |
| Pendant light fitting | €60 - €120 |
| Chandelier installation | €100 - €250 |
| Recessed downlights (per light) | €60 - €100 |
| LED downlight conversion (per light) | €40 - €70 |
| Under-cabinet lighting | €150 - €350 |
| Outdoor security light | €120 - €200 |
| Garden lighting scheme | €500 - €2,000 |
Bathroom Electrical Work
| Extractor fan installation | €150 - €300 |
| Electric shower installation | €300 - €500 |
| Electric shower replacement | €200 - €350 |
| Heated towel rail | €150 - €300 |
| Bathroom pull cord switch | €60 - €120 |
Bathroom electrics have strict regulations. Your electrician must certify the work.
Kitchen Electrical Work
| Cooker connection | €150 - €250 |
| Hob connection | €120 - €200 |
| Oven connection | €120 - €200 |
| Dishwasher/washing machine point | €100 - €180 |
| Kitchen full rewire | €1,000 - €2,500 |
| Under-unit lighting | €200 - €500 |
Fuse Board / Consumer Unit
| Consumer unit upgrade | €400 - €800 |
| Full replacement with RCDs | €500 - €900 |
| Add circuit to existing board | €150 - €300 |
| RCBO protection (per circuit) | €80 - €150 |
Modern consumer units with RCDs are a legal requirement for new installations and provide life-saving protection.
Rewiring
| 1-bed apartment | €3,000 - €5,000 |
| 2-bed house | €4,000 - €7,000 |
| 3-bed semi-detached | €5,000 - €10,000 |
| 4-bed detached | €8,000 - €15,000 |
| 5-bed detached | €12,000 - €20,000 |
What's included in a rewire?
- New sockets (typically more than before)
- New light fittings and switches
What's NOT included?
- Making good (replastering, decorating)
- Moving radiators (plumber needed)
What adds to rewire costs?
| Solid walls or heavy chasing | +20-30% |
| Plastering and making good | +€2,000-5,000 |
| Extra sockets beyond standard | +€50-100 each |
| Smart home cabling | +€1,000-3,000 |
| Period or protected building constraints | +30-50% |
| Occupied house, working around furniture | +10-20% |
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Installation
| Home charger (7kW) | €800 - €1,400 |
| Premium charger (7kW) | €1,200 - €1,800 |
| 22kW charger (commercial) | €2,000 - €4,000 |
What affects EV charger costs?
- Distance from consumer unit
- Whether board upgrade is needed
- Underground cabling to detached garage
SEAI grants of up to €300 are available for home EV charger installation.
Solar Panel Electrical Work
Most solar installers include the electrical work in their full package, but electrical-only work on an existing or part-installed system is priced separately.
| DC/AC wiring and connection | €500 - €1,000 |
| Consumer unit connection | €200 - €400 |
| Battery storage integration | €300 - €600 |
| Export meter installation | €100 - €200 |
| G98/G99 application support | €100 - €300 |
As a reference point, full solar PV installation typically costs around €5,000 - €12,000 depending on system size and battery storage. SEAI solar PV grants are separate from the EV charger grant and should be checked before accepting a quote.
Smart Home Installation
| Smart thermostat | €100 - €200 |
| Smart lighting (per room) | €200 - €500 |
| Smart doorbell installation | €100 - €200 |
| Full home automation setup | €1,000 - €5,000+ |
| Hardwired network (per point) | €100 - €180 |
Commercial Electrical Rates
Commercial work usually costs more than domestic work because of insurance, certification, access arrangements, out-of-hours scheduling, and health and safety requirements.
| Emergency call-out | €150 - €300+ |
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
| Mains smoke alarm (each) | €80 - €130 |
| Interlinked system (3-bed house) | €300 - €500 |
| CO alarm installation | €80 - €150 |
| Combined smoke/CO alarm | €100 - €180 |
Mains-powered, interlinked alarms are required in rental properties and new builds.
Outdoor Electrical Work
| Outdoor socket | €150 - €250 |
| Garden lighting | €500 - €2,000 |
| Hot tub connection | €400 - €800 |
| Shed/garage power supply | €400 - €1,000 |
| Electric gate wiring | €300 - €600 |
| Outdoor CCTV wiring | €200 - €500 |
Safety Inspections and Certification
| ECIR (Electrical Condition Report) | €150 - €300 |
| Landlord safety certificate | €120 - €250 |
| New installation certification | Usually included |
| Pre-purchase inspection | €150 - €300 |
What Affects Electrician Prices?
1. Location
Dublin electricians typically charge 15-25% more than rural areas.
| Cork, Galway, Limerick | +10-15% |
| Other urban areas | Standard |
| Rural areas | Standard to -5% |
2. Access and Complexity
- Easy access (exposed joists, accessible loft): Standard pricing
- Chasing into walls: +30-50%
- Lifting floorboards: +20-30%
- Solid floors (require surface mounting or major disruption): +40-60%
3. Property Age
Older properties often have unexpected issues:
- Modern house (post-2000): Standard pricing
- 1970s-1990s house: Slight premium
- Pre-1970s house: +20-40% (more surprises likely)
4. First vs Second Fix
In new builds or renovations:
- First fix (wiring before plastering): Cheaper, faster
- Second fix (fitting sockets/lights after plastering): Standard
- Adding after completion: Most expensive
5. Certification Requirements
All electrical work must be certified. This is included in quotes but adds to the cost vs. illegal unregistered work (which you should never use).
Materials Cost Guide
Electricians supply materials and typically add 15-25% markup, which is standard practice.
| Socket (white plastic) | €5 - €10 |
| Socket (brushed chrome) | €15 - €30 |
| Cable (per 100m roll) | €80 - €200 |
| Downlight fitting | €10 - €40 |
Opting for premium finishes (brushed chrome, brass) significantly increases material costs.
How to Save Money on Electrical Work
1. Bundle Jobs Together
One call-out for multiple jobs costs less than separate visits. Make a list.
2. Do Your Own Prep
- Clear furniture from work areas
- Identify circuit breakers if you can
3. Choose Standard Finishes
White plastic sockets cost a quarter of brushed chrome. For most rooms, they're fine.
4. First Fix During Renovations
If you're plastering anyway, get electrical work done first. Chasing in afterwards costs more.
5. Get Multiple Quotes
Through TradesmenIreland.ie, we've seen quotes vary by 40% for identical work. Always compare 3 quotes.
6. Time It Right
Avoid pre-Christmas rush. January-February electricians are quieter.
7. Daytime Appointments
Evening and weekend rates are 30-50% higher. Take a morning off work instead.
Questions to Ask an Electrician
1. Are you registered with Safe Electric or RGI?
2. What's included in the quote (materials, certification)?
3. Will you need to chase into walls?
4. Do you have public liability insurance?
5. How long will the job take?
6. Will the power be off? For how long?
7. Will there be much making good needed?
8. What warranty do you provide?
Red Flags
🚩 Not registered — Illegal and voids your home insurance
🚩 No written quote — Price will change
🚩 Cash only — No accountability, probably not registered
🚩 Very low price — May be cutting corners or unregistered
🚩 Won't provide cert — Certification is legally required
🚩 Wants large deposit — Not standard practice for smaller jobs
Signs of Good vs Bad Electrical Work
Good Work
- Neat, organised consumer unit
- Cable runs are straight and clipped
- Sockets and switches are level
- No visible junction boxes in living spaces
- Proper certification provided
Bad Work
- Loose wires or taped connections
- Overloaded sockets or circuits
- Burning smells from outlets
- Flickering lights after work is complete
- Vague explanations such as "it's always been like that"
Emergency Electrical Issues
Call an electrician immediately if you notice burning smells from sockets or switches, sparks from any outlet, frequent tripping that will not reset, exposed wires, scorching, or loss of power to essential circuits.
For complete power loss, first check whether neighbours are affected. If they are, it may be an ESB Networks fault. If only your property is affected, check the consumer unit once, but repeated tripping needs investigation by a registered electrician.
Understanding Electrical Certification
In Ireland, all electrical work must be done by a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) and certified.
Safe Electric
Safe Electric is the regulatory body. Your electrician should be registered and will issue a completion certificate.
Why Certification Matters
- Insurance: Uncertified work may void your home insurance
- Selling: You'll need certs when selling your home
- Safety: Ensures work meets standards
What Gets Certified?
Virtually everything except like-for-like replacements:
Minor Works (Not Always Certified)
- Replacing existing socket with identical
- Changing light fitting (like for like)
When in doubt, ask your electrician what will be certified.
DIY vs Professional
What You CAN Do Yourself
What You CANNOT Do (legally)
- Add sockets or light points
Why the strict rules?
Electrical faults cause fires and electrocutions. Ireland has strict regulations because amateur wiring kills people.
Choosing the Right Electrician
Must-Haves
- Safe Electric / RGI registration (check online)
- Public liability insurance
- Willing to provide certification
Nice-to-Haves
- Reviews from previous customers
Specialists vs General
Most domestic electricians do everything. However, you might want specialists for:
- EV chargers: Some specialise and know grant processes
- Smart home: Requires tech knowledge beyond wiring
- Commercial: Different regulations
- Industrial: High-power, three-phase work
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rewire a house in Ireland?
A 3-bed semi-detached house costs €5,000-10,000 to rewire. This includes a new consumer unit, all new wiring, sockets, and light fittings. It doesn't include making good (plastering, decorating) afterwards.
Do I need a registered electrician for small jobs?
Yes. In Ireland, all electrical work (except changing bulbs and fuses) must be done by a registered electrician. It's a legal requirement introduced for safety reasons.
Why are electricians so expensive?
Electricians need years of training and must be registered. They carry insurance and must certify all work. The regulations exist because faulty electrical work kills people. You're paying for safety and expertise.
How long does a rewire take?
A 3-bed house takes 5-7 days for first fix, then 2-3 days for second fix after plastering. Total: 1-2 weeks of electrical work, but allow 3-4 weeks overall with plastering and making good.
Can I install my own EV charger?
No. EV charger installation must be done by a registered electrician and certified. You can buy the unit yourself, but installation is not DIY. You'll also need a registered electrician to claim the SEAI grant.
What's the difference between an electrician and a spark?
Nothing—"spark" is just slang for electrician in Ireland and the UK. Both refer to a qualified, registered electrical contractor.
Should I get a full rewire or just upgrade the consumer unit?
If your wiring is pre-1980 (or you're not sure), get an Electrical Condition Report. Old wiring is a fire risk. If wiring is sound but the consumer unit is old, a board upgrade alone may suffice. An honest electrician will advise.
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Related Electrical Guides
Need electrical work done safely and legally? Compare registered electricians in Dublin, or learn how to verify a contractor on our RECI electricians guide.