Electrical Services in Ireland
Electrical work in Ireland covers everything from replacing a single socket to wiring a new extension, and it is one of the few trades where getting it wrong can be genuinely dangerous. A qualified electrician will assess the existing installation, test circuits, and issue certification for certain works. In Ireland, many domestic jobs require a Certificate of Compliance, so the person doing the work needs to be registered with Safe Electric. You can ask to see their Safe Electric registration before work begins. Typical jobs include fuse board upgrades, extra sockets, outdoor lighting, shower installations, and fault-finding when a circuit keeps tripping.
What electrical services costs in Ireland
| Rate | Range | Average | Note | Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate | €40–€150 | €65 | Estimate | |
| Day rate | €220–€500 | €280 | Estimate | |
| Call-out fee | €95–€165 | €135 | Estimate | |
| Full house rewire — standard (3-bed) | €4,500–€6,500 | Labour + basic materials; no plastering or finish | Estimate | |
| Full house rewire — comprehensive (3-bed) | €10,000–€14,000 | Includes consumer unit, smoke alarms, plastering, completion cert | Estimate |
Source: Aggregate Irish market estimate; no third-party source cited. Figures as of 12 June 2026.
Prices exclude VAT and materials. The call-out fee typically covers the first hour of work; additional time is billed at the standard hourly rate.
Rows marked as estimates are aggregate market estimates, not sourced figures.
What moves the price
- The price of electrical work depends on several things.
- Volume matters: one socket is a smaller job than rewiring a whole house.
- Access is a major factor — cables run through a finished wall, a cramped attic, or a concrete floor take longer than surface-mounted conduit.
- The condition of the existing wiring also affects the price; old rubber-insulated cables or a fuse board with no spare ways may need extra work before anything new can be added.
- Materials vary widely: a standard white socket costs less than a decorative brass one, and a simple light fitting is cheaper than a smart dimmer system.
- Other factors include whether the work is indoors or outdoors, whether it needs chasing into plaster, and whether the electrician has to work around other trades.
- Travel time to rural locations can also be a factor.
- Because every installation is different, most electricians prefer to see the job before giving a firm price.
How long electrical services takes
Most small electrical jobs — a few sockets, a light fitting, a fault-find — can be done in a single visit of two to four hours. A fuse board upgrade usually takes a full day, and the electrician may need to return after ESB Networks has done their part. Rewiring a typical three-bedroom house can take one to three weeks, depending on access and how much of the old wiring can be reused. Larger projects like a full extension or a commercial fit-out are measured in weeks or months. In terms of when work can start, many electricians are booked one to three weeks ahead for small jobs, and longer for bigger projects. Weather rarely stops indoor work, but outdoor jobs may be delayed by heavy rain. It is best to book early and confirm the start date in writing.
What to ask before you hire
- 01Before hiring an electrician in Ireland, ask for a written quote that breaks down labour, materials, and VAT.
- 02Ask whether the price includes testing and certification, and whether any follow-up visit is covered.
- 03Confirm they have insurance — both public liability and employer's liability if they bring anyone with them.
- 04Ask who will tidy up afterwards and whether the price includes making good any holes or chases.
- 05For any notifiable work, ask to see their Safe Electric registration.
- 06It is also wise to ask how long the job will take, what time they will start and finish each day, and whether they will need access to power or water.
- 07If the work involves a fuse board change, ask whether they will arrange the ESB Networks isolation or whether you need to do that.
- 08Finally, ask for a receipt and any certification you will need for insurance or when selling your home.
Electrical services guides
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Electrical services questions people ask
Do I need a certificate for electrical work in my home?
Yes, for most notifiable work you need a Certificate of Compliance. This is a legal requirement in Ireland for things like new circuits, fuse board changes, and outdoor wiring. The certificate is issued by a registered electrician after testing. Keep it safe — you may need it when selling your home or making an insurance claim.
How much does it cost to install a new socket in Ireland?
The cost depends on how far the socket is from the existing supply and whether the wall is finished. A simple surface-mounted socket close to an existing point is at the lower end, while chasing into plaster and running cable through a cold attic adds time. Ask for a written quote that includes materials and VAT.
Can I do my own electrical work in Ireland?
You can do some minor work yourself, but any notifiable work must be certified by a registered electrician. If you do your own wiring, you may still need to have it inspected and tested before it is connected to the mains. For safety and insurance reasons, most people hire a registered electrician for anything beyond changing a light bulb.
What is a fuse board and why would I need to upgrade it?
A fuse board, also called a consumer unit, distributes electricity around your home and contains the circuit breakers. Older boards may lack residual current devices (RCDs) and have no spare ways for new circuits. Upgrading improves safety and makes it easier to add sockets or outdoor power later. The work usually takes a day.
How long does it take to rewire a house?
A full rewire of a typical three-bedroom house usually takes one to three weeks, depending on the size, age, and how much furniture is in the way. The electrician will need clear access to walls, floors, and attic spaces. You may be able to stay in the house, but expect some disruption and power cuts during the day.
Will my electrician clean up after the job?
Most electricians will clean up the immediate work area, but deep cleaning after chasing walls or lifting floors is often not included. Ask in advance whether the price covers sweeping, vacuuming, and removing old fittings. If you need plastering or painting afterwards, that is usually a separate trade and a separate cost.
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