Electrical Fault Finding Cost
£45–£60
standard hourly rate
Updated
Electrical fault finding is commonly charged by time. Checkatrade's May 2026 UK guide reports standard electrician rates of £45-£60 per hour, with the final cost determined by diagnosis time, access, parts, and any repair agreed after the fault is found.
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How much does each option cost?
| Type / scope | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard electrician hourly ratePublished UK range in Checkatrade's May 2026 guide | £45–£60 | Published UK range in Checkatrade's May 2026 guide |
| Emergency electrician hourly ratePublished urgent call-out range in Checkatrade's May 2026 guide | £80–£100 | Published urgent call-out range in Checkatrade's May 2026 guide |
| Electrician day ratePublished UK average based on an eight-hour day | £400–£400 | Published UK average based on an eight-hour day |
What would yours cost?
Those are the usual ranges. Tell us what's wrong and we'll tell you the price for your home.
What affects the price?
- How quickly the fault can be reproduced and isolated
- Whether the problem is in an appliance, accessory, protective device, or hidden fixed wiring
- Access to cable routes, junctions, fittings, and the consumer unit
- Whether the visit is during standard hours or an urgent out-of-hours call-out
- Replacement parts and repair work agreed after diagnosis
What's included in the price?
- A description of the symptoms and affected circuits
- Visual inspection and electrical tests appropriate to the fault
- Systematic isolation to identify the faulty appliance, accessory, device, or circuit section
- An explanation of the finding and a separate repair recommendation or quote where needed
How long does it take?
The time cannot be predicted reliably before diagnosis because intermittent and concealed faults take longer to isolate. Ask whether the quote includes a minimum visit, the first hour, and any time limit before further approval is needed.
Do I need one?
Arrange competent fault finding for repeated tripping, unexplained loss of power, burning smells, scorch marks, heat, sparks, or electric shocks. Isolate the affected circuit when there is immediate danger and do not repeatedly reset a protective device that trips again.
How do you avoid overpaying?
- Record when the fault occurs and which appliances or circuits are in use
- Make the consumer unit and affected fittings accessible before the visit
- Ask how the minimum charge, hourly rate, parts, and repair approval will be handled
- Use standard working hours when the fault is safely isolated and not urgent
Frequently asked questions
We’re happy to answer all your questions.
Sources & References
Before you book, read how to check an electrician is qualified.
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