What is an electrical contractor?

An electrical contractor is a tradesperson or business that designs, installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems. Unlike electricians who usually focus on residential jobs, contractors can take on bigger projects, including commercial and industrial work.

What's the difference between an electrical contractor and an electrician?

__An electrician__ usually focuses on installing and maintaining electrical systems in homes, like wiring, sockets, and lighting. __An electrical contractor__ can do that too, but often takes on larger and more complex projects. This might include full rewires, high-voltage systems, commercial buildings, or coordinating teams of electricians on big jobs. In short: __Electricians__ = Skilled tradespeople who handle residential electrical work. __Electrical contractors__ = Individuals or businesses who can manage both residential and commercial projects, often with extra training and wider responsibilities.

What is the going rate for an electrical contractor?

In the UK, electrical contractors typically charge __£45 - £60 per hour__, or about __£400 per day__. Costs vary by location and the complexity of the job.

What do most electrical contractors charge per hour?

Most electrical contractors charge between __£45 and £60 per hour__ in [Location]. Expect higher rates for emergency work, usually between __£80 - £100__.

How much do electricians charge per hour in the UK?

Across the UK, hourly rates are similar: __£45 - £60 per hour__, with regional differences. London and the South East are often more expensive.

How to find a safe electrician?

1. Use a vetted directory like Checkatrade 2. Look for NICEIC or ECA registration 3. Check qualifications and insurance 4. Read verified customer reviews 5. Always ask for a written quote

Do electrical contractors in [Location] offer guarantees?

Yes, many electrical contractors in [Location] provide their own guarantees on parts and labour. If you hire through Checkatrade, you also get extra protection with our 12-month guarantee of up to £1,000 (eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply).

Can electrical contractors in [Location] install EV chargers?

Absolutely. Many contractors in [Location] are qualified to install EV home charging points. They’ll ensure the system is fitted safely, meets UK regulations, and is compatible with your vehicle.

How do I know if my electrical contractor is qualified?

Look for proof of: - ECS card (Electrotechnical Certification Scheme) - NICEIC or ECA registration - Public Liability Insurance - Verified reviews on Checkatrade All of these can give you peace of mind that your contractor has the right qualifications for the job.

Do I need planning permission for electrical work in [Location]?

Most small jobs, like adding a socket or replacing a light, don’t need permission. Larger projects, such as full rewires or work on listed buildings, may need to be signed off under Part P of the Building Regulations. Your contractor can guide you through this.

Want to know more about electrical contractors in [Location]?

Chatting with a professional can be a great idea if you’re in the planning stage. Use our quick and easy [online search](http://www.checkatrade.com) to find the best tradespeople in your area. Request [a quote,](https://www.checkatrade.com/post-a-job) and our electrical contractors in [Location] will contact you directly.

Electrical Contractors in Durham (26)

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A & J Power Services
9.63
(264 reviews)
Operates in Durham
Services & skills
Electrician
Electrical Contractors
Extractor Fans
Emergency Electrician Service
Smoke Alarms
Call
Jackdale Electricals Ltd
9.97
(104 reviews)
Operates in Durham
Services & skills
Electrician
Electrical Contractors
Energy Efficient Lighting
Electrical Installation Condition Report - Safety Checks - EICR
Smoke Alarms
Call
Electrosec Solutions Ltd
9.82
(118 reviews)
Operates in Durham
Services & skills
Electrician
Electrical Contractors
Electric Sockets
Immersion Heater Repair
House Rewiring
Call
Sponsored
Office Electrix ltd
10.00
(1 review)
Operates in Durham
Services & skills
Electrician
Electrical Contractors
Electric Radiators
Electric Sockets
Emergency Lighting
Latest verified customer review
10.0
“Contacted Office Electrix for a quote after finding them on Facebook. We had two hard wired fire alarms and one carbon monoxide alarm, which were over a decade old. Contacted them via email, as we work during the 9-5 business hours that most companies operate. Lee was quick to respond to my emails, most of which were well into the late evening. Recommendations were made without any pressure to accept. We decided to have a heat detector also installed in the kitchen. Quote was received the next day. Job was done that week: no mess, in and out within a couple of hours. Highly recommend them.”
Call
Area Maintenance Ltd
9.79
(476 reviews)
Operates in Durham
Services & skills
Electrician
Electrical Contractors
Electric Boiler Installation
Electrical Under Floor Heating Repair
Fuseboard / Consumer Unit Installation
Call
Sage Electrical Services
10.00
(11 reviews)
Operates in Durham
Services & skills
Electrician
Electrical Contractors
Electric Sockets
Electric Smart Thermostats
Energy Efficient Lighting
Call
Coxons Electrical Services
9.87
(147 reviews)
Operates in Durham
Services & skills
Electrician
Electrical Contractors
Lighting Design
Emergency Lighting
Electric Cookers
Call
55º North Fire & Electrical Services
9.98
(18 reviews)
Operates in Durham
Services & skills
Electrician
Electrical Contractors
Hot Tub Wiring
Electric Showers
Extractor Fans
Call
MSB Electrics
10.00
(182 reviews)
Operates in Durham
Services & skills
Electrician
Electrical Contractors
Emergency Electrician Service
Electric Cookers
Electric Showers
Call
ALW ELECTRICAL N.E
10.00
(114 reviews)
Operates in Durham
Services & skills
Electrician
Electrical Contractors
Electric Radiators
Smoke Alarms
Hot Tub Wiring
Call
AT Electrical Services
10.00
(20 reviews)
Operates in Durham
Services & skills
Electrician
Electrical Contractors
Electric Sockets
Electrical Under Floor Heating Repair
Emergency Electrician Service
Call
M.a.c.'s Electrical Services Limited
10.00
(119 reviews)
Operates in Durham
Services & skills
Electrician
Electrical Contractors
Electrical Under Floor Heating Installation
Immersion Heater Installation
Fault Finding
Call

Top rated Electrical Contractors in Durham

/10

226 ratings

Our Electrical Contractors in Durham are rated an average of 10 out of 10 based on a sample of 226 reviews from customers like you*

*This review aggregate is based on real customer reviews from a randomly selected postcode in this area

Find Electrical Contractors in Durham

Need electrical work done in Durham?

Whether it’s a full rewire, adding an EV charger, or sorting out a blown fuse, finding the right electrical contractor makes all the difference. At Checkatrade, you’ll find electrical contractors covering your local area who have been checked, reviewed, and rated by real homeowners.

Electrical contractors in Durham

From day-to-day fixes to large-scale projects, electrical contractors in Durham can handle it. Every job comes with peace of mind: clear pricing, qualifications you can check upfront, and if you book through Checkatrade, you’re covered by our 12-month guarantee (eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply).

What to expect from hiring an electrical contractor in Durham

Electrical contractors in Durham cover a wide range of jobs:

Rewiring homes and businesses
Installing EV chargers
Adding indoor and outdoor lighting
Fitting fire alarms, smoke and CO detectors
Smart home systems and security upgrades
Electrical panels, outlets, and switches

Average costs in Durham

Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR): £150 - £375 (home), £30 - £50 per circuit (commercial)

Fire alarm installation: £1,750 - £3,000

Hourly rates: £45 - £60

Daily rates: Around £400

Emergency call-outs: £80 - £100

What's included in a typical quote?

Labour
Materials
VAT
Any call-out fees

Qualifications to check for

ECS card (proves training and competence)
NICEIC registration (regularly assessed to meet UK safety standards)
Public Liability Insurance

How long does electrical work typically take?

Small fixes (switches, sockets, lighting): A couple of hours

EICR: 2 - 4 hours depending on property size

Full rewire: 5 - 10 days depending on complexity

Electrical contractors in Durham: Homeowners vs renters

For homeowners:

You’re responsible for ensuring work complies with building regulations.
Small jobs (like replacing a switch) usually don’t need permission, but listed buildings may.
Always get a written quote before work begins.

For renters:

Electrical safety is usually the landlord’s responsibility.
Report faults (like faulty wiring or broken sockets) to your landlord or managing agent.
Only attempt small tasks (like changing bulbs) yourself.

Emergency electrical contractors in Durham

Some electrical problems can’t wait. Contractors in Durham often provide 24/7 emergency call-outs for:

Power cuts
Tripped circuits and faulty wiring
Burning smells from sockets or appliances
Electrical faults that could be a fire risk

Simply post a job to get started.

Find electrical contractors for the job you need in Durham

Common jobs people in Durham search for:

Full or partial rewires
Fuse box upgrades
Indoor and outdoor lighting
Security systems and CCTV
EV charger installation
Fire alarms and smoke detectors
Smart home installations

Enter your postcode to start your search.

Looking for more tradespeople in Durham?

Find Checkatrade reviewed Tradespeople, get a quote today, discover related services in Durham and check out our latest home improvement guides.

Electrical Contractors in Durham (26)

Which Durham are you looking for?

Search results

Describe your job

Describe your job

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Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

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A & J Power Services

Services & skills

Jackdale Electricals Ltd

Services & skills

Electrosec Solutions Ltd

Services & skills

Office Electrix ltd

Services & skills

Area Maintenance Ltd

Services & skills

Sage Electrical Services

Services & skills

Coxons Electrical Services

Services & skills

55º North Fire & Electrical Services

Services & skills

MSB Electrics

Services & skills

ALW ELECTRICAL N.E

Services & skills

AT Electrical Services

Services & skills

M.a.c.'s Electrical Services Limited

Services & skills

Find Electrical Contractors in Durham

Electrical contractors in Durham

What to expect from hiring an electrical contractor in Durham

Average costs in Durham

What's included in a typical quote?

Qualifications to check for

How long does electrical work typically take?

Electrical contractors in Durham: Homeowners vs renters

Emergency electrical contractors in Durham

Find electrical contractors for the job you need in Durham

Looking for more tradespeople in Durham?