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Electricians in Orpington

​​ From the cost to repair a light switch to infomation about installing a new consumer unit, we’ve answered the common questions asked by people.

If you’re ready to book an electrician, scroll/swipe up and reach out to one of our approved tradespeople near you.

  • How much does an electrician cost in Orpington?

    The average electrician cost will depend on a number of factors including the type of work, the complexity of the electrical system involved, and the experience of the individual electrician. Here are some average costs:

    • Electrician call out charge - £45
    • Electrician emergency call out charge - £90 per hour
    • Electrician hourly rate in Orpington - £45 - £60 per hour
    • Electrician day rate £400 per day

    For more information about electrician prices, check out our guide to electrician hourly rates

    Electrician cost to rewire a house in Orpington

    One of the most common jobs that electricians hired for is to rewire a property, to make sure that all wiring is in good working order. Here are some of the average costs to rewire a house in Orpington:

    • 1-bed flat – £3,900
    • 2-bed flat – £4,800
    • 3-bed flat – £5,650
    • 1-bed house – £4,200
    • 2-bed house – £4,800
    • 3-bed house – £6,225
    • 4-bed house – £7,730
    • 5-bed house – £10,000
  • How to check an electrician is qualified

    One of the easiest ways to check if an electrician is qualified in the UK is to ask for their National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) ID card. The NICEIC is a national organisation that regulates electricians in the UK to ensure a competent level of training and qualifications.

    You can also check if an electrician is registered by using the NICEIC find a contractor tool online. Being qualified through NICEIC means the electrician will have completed a series of assessments that will have covered a sample of their work, their premises, documentation, and equipment.

    Check the Competent Person Register

    The Registered Competent Person Electrical is another online search tool that lets you check if an electrician is registered on their scheme. Anyone on this register will have been authorised by the Government to self-certify that their work is compliant with Building Regulations.

    As part of this scheme, electricians have to meet strict entry requirements and will have their work regularly assessed to ensure that they maintain a high level of professional competence and meet the correct standards.

    Reasons to hire a qualified electrician

    When dealing with electrical work, you want to make sure you aren’t putting yourself or your family at risk. Here are some of the reasons why you should always hire a qualified electrician in Orpington:

    • A qualified electrician is highly skilled in dealing with electrical systems and appliances to ensure any work is carried out to a high standard

    • It’s a legal obligation for some electrical work to comply with BS7671 wiring regulations and Part P of the Building Regulations, which a qualified electrician will be able to do

    • Formally qualified electricians know the best way to deal with electrical issues, which can save you time, money and hassle

    • It gives you peace of mind knowing that a qualified professional is carrying out the electrical work

    • Qualifications and accreditations are a sign that an electrician is dedicated to their trade and will have the appropriate level of knowledge to correctly carry out the work

    Unsure about an electrician's credibility?

    If you have doubts about the credibility of any electrician that you’re dealing with, don’t be afraid to take extra steps to ensure that they are indeed qualified and fit to do the job. You should never take chances when it comes to dealing with electrical work for your home. If they still can’t provide you with reassurance of their experience and abilities, move on and find an electrician who can.

    For more tips and advice, check out our guide to finding a good local electrician.

  • How do I know if there is a fault in my house wiring?

    Faulty wiring can put you and your loved ones at risk, so it’s important to look out for any signs that you might have a fault in your house wiring. Here are some of the common signs that you might need to hire an electrician to repair or rewire your home:

    1. Your circuit breaker keeps tripping

    In modern electrical systems, the circuit breaker is there to prevent electric shocks in the event of a power surge. When a surge happens, the circuit breaker will trip in order to stop the flow of electricity – and it’s totally normal for it to happen every once in a while.

    However, if your circuit breaker is regularly tripping then it’s a sign that there’s an issue with frequent power surges. There are a number of reasons this could be the case, but the key is to get a local electrician in Orpington to come and inspect your home’s electrical system as soon as possible.

    2. Electrical shocks from plugs

    Any kind of electric shock from a plug outlet, switch or wire is a bad sign. No matter how small the shock might be, it shouldn’t happen and requires immediate attention. Not to be dramatic, but failing to deal with faulty electrics that are causing electric shocks can lead to serious injury or even death – so it’s no joke.

    At the very least, it will most likely damage electrical appliances that are plugged into the outlet. If you notice that an outlet is sparking when you plug in or unplug an appliance then it’s time to call an emergency electrician.

    3. Buzzing sockets or light switches

    When you can hear a plug socket, light switch or any other electrical outlet making a buzzing noise (or any other sound), it’s a clear sign of a wiring or connection issue that needs fixing. You should immediately stop using any noisy outlets and call upon the help of a qualified local electrician near you.

    4. A smell of burning

    This is an obvious one, but if you notice the smell of burning or smoke coming from an electrical outlet, chances are there’s an issue. A new appliance might have a slight smell the first time you use it, but it shouldn’t be strong or last long. If you do notice a persistent smell of burning, call in an experienced local electrician to take a look.

    5. Flickering lights

    Lights that are constantly or frequently flickering are a sign that you may have a faulty wire or an overloaded electrical circuit in your home. A qualified electrician will be able to identify the problem and repair it, or alternatively rewire your home if needed.

  • Why does my fuse box keep tripping?

    The fact that your fuse box or circuit breaker keeps tripping is a sign that there’s any issue with your electrical system, such as:

    • A short circuit
    • A ground fault
    • A circuit overload

    An electrician will be able to diagnose and fix the problem.

  • Do I need an electrician to add a socket?

    Making changes to your home’s electrical system requires expert knowledge and experience in order to safely and efficiently carry out any work. We would always recommend hiring a reliable local electrician in Orpington to do any electrical jobs in your home.

    Your safety comes first

    Electrical products should always be installed in line with local Building Regulations, to ensure that you and your home are not exposed to unnecessary safety risks. By hiring a qualified electrician you can be confident that they will carry out their work to a high standard and in line with all current legislation and regulations.

    Part P of Building Regulations 2010 dictates that all work that involves adding a new circuit or carrying out any electrical work in kitchens and bathrooms must either notify Building Control with a building regulation application, or be carried out by a registered Competent Person. So when hiring an electrician, check that they’re registered as part of the Part P self-certification scheme.

    How much does adding a plug socket cost?

    The average cost of adding a single plug socket to a room is around £125, depending on the condition of your electrical system, the complexity of the installation, and the individual electrician.

    For a double socket the cost is about £200, and if you want to add an outdoor socket then the average price is in the region of £110.

    If you want to move a plug socket, rather than installing a new one, the average electrician cost in Orpington for the job is about £150.

  • Can I change a light fitting myself?

    The short answer is, yes. You don’t need an electrician to change a light fitting but, if you plan to do it yourself, you do need to be confident at dealing with an electrical outlet. Changing a light fitting requires you to handle wiring and so you need to be extremely careful, and always take safety precautions:

    • Turn off the power to the system before changing the light fitting

    • Handle all electrical elements with care

    • Wear protective gloves, if possible

    • Don’t turn on the power until the new light fitting is fully fitted