PLANNING GUIDES
Planning for your second fix electrics
Updated 07/26
By: Emma Potter
Reviewed: Kim Staples
It's always exciting to see plug sockets, switches, and lighting fixtures finally installed and tested as part of your home's second fix electrics. Here's everything you need to know to make sure this final stage goes smoothly.
The difference between first fix and second fix electrics
What's actually included in a second fix
Room-by-room ideas for sockets and switches
What second fix electrics typically cost
Whether painting or plastering should happen first
How to hire a qualified electrician
Few things are more important in a home than making sure your second fix electrics are correctly installed and comply with safety regulations before a final sign-off. Not only will it help power your appliances and lighting for years to come, but it will also protect you against fire risks.
This guide covers the common questions about second-fix electrics to help with your planning. We also share tips for hiring a qualified electrician near you.
First fix and second fix electrics – what's the difference?
Put simply, the first fix involves the internal electrical wiring (which you won't see).
Once the plastering and painting are complete, the second fix involves the finishing touches (think light fittings, sockets, and switches).
This includes your electrician fitting or connecting the following:
Plug sockets and switches
Light fixtures
Consumer unit
Extractor fans
Electric showers
Other bathroom appliances, such as shaver points
Central heating or air conditioning systems
Minor plastering work to fill small holes
Circuit testing and issuing a final installation certificate to prove all work meets current regulations
What is the difference between first and second fix electrics?
If you're having a property rewired, you'll need to know the difference between first and second fix electrics. Our guide explains what each electrical stage involves.
What's an electrical installation plan?
If you planned carefully during first fix, you'll already know roughly where your electrics are going. What's left are the finishing decisions - like choosing sockets and switches themselves.
Standard white-finish accessories are usually included in an electrician's second fix quote, but there are plenty of alternatives worth considering for a more designer look.
Let's look at a few tips to consider, room by room:
Kitchen
Install plug sockets beneath cabinets or worktops to keep them out of sight
Match your sockets to your kitchen's splashback or cabinets, so they blend in
Install a pop-up socket tower into the kitchen countertop (a great way to hide the power plug points when not in use)
Bedroom
Coordinate your switches to the hardware of door furniture, bedroom cabinets or lighting finishes
Install double plug sockets on either side of your bed – one for lighting and one for charging mobile devices
Alternatively, consider sockets with integrated USB ports for charging mobile devices
Lounge
Add a row of double sockets for media walls
Avoid adding plug points where you know large pieces of furniture, such as a sofa will be
How much does second fix electrics cost?
When hiring an electrician, we recommend asking for a clear description of what is included in the second fix electrics price they quote. That way, there are no costly surprises later.
On average, the hourly rate for an electrician is between£45–£60. However, knowing exactly how long your qualified electrician takes depends on the following factors:
Size and layout of your home
Number of socket outlets
Whether the home is occupied (electricians work a lot faster in empty properties)
Where you live
An electrician will likely quote for the project as a whole.
For more details, see our full guide to electrician hourly rates and costs.
Electrician hourly rates in the UK in 2026
From installing a light fixture to rewiring an entire house – the list of jobs a qualified electrician can help with are endless. Read the latest guidelines and advice in this comprehensive cost guide.
Rewiring electrics – what's involved, and does it change the second fix?
If you've moved into a new home and discovered that the electrical system is faulty and unsafe, you'll need a qualified electrician to help with rewiring.
This is more complicated than a second fix electrics installation in a new build and could cost more.
As a general guide, re-wiring your home involves:
Removing old fittings and wiring
Installing up-to-date, safety-approved wiring throughout the property
Fitting standard white finish electrical accessories such as socket outlets and switches
Installing a new metal consumer unit (if necessary)
Minor plastering work to fill small holes
Circuit testing and final installation certification to prove all work meets current regulations
The estimated cost for rewiring a one-bedroom flat falls between£3,000–£4,800. Meanwhile the average cost to rewire a 3-bedroom house is in the region of£4,450–£8,000.
Find out more about average rewiring costs in our guide.
Remember, the price you’re quoted for the rewiring won’t include any major plastering work or decorating. You’ll need to get separate quotes for those jobs.
Planning for a rewire: Everything you need to know
If you’re planning for a house rewiring, it pays to plan ahead. So, we’ve put together this guide to help you understand what to expect and how to prepare.
How to hire a qualified electrician
Ready to complete your second fix electrics with the help of a qualified electrician? Follow these four simple steps to speed up the process.
Use a professional directory like Checkatrade
Search your postcode in our tool, and you can instantly browse electricians who cover your area.
Only tradespeople who pass up to 12 checks are listed on Checkatrade, including ID verification and up-to-date public liability insurance.
Find qualified electricians working in your area
We're so confident in the tradespeople on Checkatrade that if you book through us, we guarantee their work up to £1,000. (T&Cs apply.)
Read online reviews
Check what other homeowners say about an electrician before hiring them.
We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that tradespeople meet our standards.
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
Compare quotes
It's wise to get a few quotes from multiple different qualified electricians, so you can compare costs for your area.
Check for accreditations
Always hire a certified electrician. You'll want proof of their appropriate accreditations to make sure their work meets current regulations.
For example, they must be registered as competent person with organisations like NICEIC, ELECSA, or NAPIT.
Ready to find an electrician near you? Simply enter your postcode to get started - or download the Checkatrade app.
Find qualified electricians working in your area
Second fix electrics checklist
Tick off everything on our handy checklist, and you'll be in with the best chance of getting second fix electrics that you're happy with.
Your second fix electrics checklist
FAQs
Yes - paint and decorate before the second fix so you don't risk paint marks on your new sockets and switches.
You should plaster after the first fix and before the second fix electrics. This gives you a clean finish without risking damage to your newly fitted switches and features.
It's best to do first fix electrics (e.g. running cables, connecting wiring) before plastering, then the second fix electrics (fitting sockets, switches, lights, features, etc) afterwards.
After plastering. Sockets are one of the final finishing touches, alongside any minor plastering needed to fill small holes.
This depends on the size of the property and number of fittings, but a typical single-room second fix can often be completed in a day, while a whole-house second fix may take several days.
Second fix is the finishing stage of a new build or renovation where the first fix wiring is already in place.
A full rewire replaces the entire electrical system from scratch, including both first and second fix stages, and is typically needed for older or faulty installations.
Yes. Your electrician should carry out circuit testing and provide an Electrical Installation Certificate confirming the work meets current safety regulations.
Check out our electrician hub for all the information you need in one place. There's everything from the cost of adding plug sockets to hanging a chandelier!
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