A domestic electrician installs, tests, certifies and maintains electrical systems in residential buildings. In England, most electrical work in homes is regulated under Part P of the Building Regulations - which means it must be carried out by a registered competent person or notified to Building Control. NICEIC and NAPIT are the two main Part P registration schemes. A registered electrician self-certifies their work and issues an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) on completion, without the homeowner needing separate Building Control approval. For rental properties, an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is legally required every five years.
What they do
- Full rewires of residential properties
- Consumer unit (fuse board) replacement
- Installation of additional sockets, lighting and circuits
- EV chargepoint installation (OZEV registered)
- Garden lighting and power to outbuildings
- Issue Electrical Installation Certificates (EIC) for new work
- Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) for inspections
- Solar PV system and battery storage electrical connection
When you need one
Almost all electrical work in a home in England is notifiable under Part P - always use a NICEIC or NAPIT registered electrician to avoid the need for separate Building Control notification.
Typical costs (UK, 2025)
| Job type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate | £45 - £85/hr |
| Day rate | £200 - £380/day |
| Full rewire - 3-bed house | £3,000 - £6,000 |
| Consumer unit replacement | £500 - £900 |
| EV charger installation | £500 - £900 |
| Additional circuit | £200 - £400 |
| EICR - periodic inspection | £150 - £300 |
Costs vary by property size and existing wiring condition. A rewire in a property with no existing wiring run or with older materials can cost significantly more. Always obtain at least two quotes.
Qualifications to look for
Government-approved competent person schemes for domestic electrical work under Part P. A registered electrician can self-certify their work without Building Control involvement. ELECSA and STROMA are also approved schemes. Verify registration at niceic.com or napit.org.uk.
The qualification for electrical inspection and testing, required for carrying out EICRs. Also known as the 2391 or 2394/2395 qualification. Essential for any electrician carrying out periodic inspection reports.
All electrical installations must comply with BS 7671. A current 18th Edition qualification (City and Guilds 2382-22) demonstrates knowledge of the latest wiring regulations. Always confirm your electrician holds the current edition qualification.
How to find a registered electrician
Frequently asked questions
What is Part P?
Part P is the section of the Building Regulations covering electrical safety in homes in England. Most electrical work in dwellings - new circuits, consumer unit replacement and work in kitchens and bathrooms - must be done by a registered competent person (NICEIC, NAPIT or similar) or notified to Building Control before work begins.
What is an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a periodic inspection that checks the safety of an existing electrical installation. It is required every 5 years for rental properties and is recommended every 10 years for owner-occupied homes. An EICR typically costs £150-300 for a standard house.
Do I need an electrician to install an EV charger?
Yes - EV chargers must be installed by an OZEV-registered electrician (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles). Certain government grants also require an OZEV-approved installer. The installation will need to be notified under Part P of the Building Regulations.