What does an RCD do?
A residual current device cuts power within milliseconds if it detects current leaking to earth — the main protection against electric shock from a faulty appliance or damaged cable. Modern consumer units have RCD protection built in across multiple circuits (RCBOs); older ones may only protect part of the property.
Three steps to hiring the right electrician
First, confirm they're registered with NICEIC or NAPIT and ask to see their registration number. Second, get a written quote that itemises labour and materials separately, not just a total. Third, ask what certificate you'll receive when the work's done — for notifiable work, you're entitled to a Building Regulations compliance certificate.
Red flags in a cheap electrical quote
A quote significantly below the others is worth asking about before accepting — check it includes a proper consumer unit (not a budget one that doesn't meet current standards), covers making good afterwards, and includes the certificate you're entitled to for notifiable work. Cash-only, no fixed address, and no registration number are all worth asking about directly.
What a good electrical quote should include
A proper quote should state the scope of work, whether it's notifiable under Part P, an itemised breakdown of labour vs materials, the certificate you'll receive on completion, and how long the job is expected to take. If a quote is missing any of these, ask before agreeing to the work.
What affects the cost
Cost depends on the scope of the job, how much of the property needs to be accessed, the age and condition of the existing wiring, and whether the consumer unit needs upgrading. A single socket replacement is quick and low-cost; a full rewire in an older property takes longer, partly because of the making-good work afterwards.
Electrical adaptations for accessibility
Lowering socket heights, adding lighting controls that don't need fine dexterity, and wiring in advance for a stairlift or hoist are common accessibility adaptations. Planning the electrical work alongside any wider accessibility renovation avoids re-opening walls or floors that were only just closed up.
Solar panels and battery storage wiring
Solar PV and battery storage installation is specialist work, usually done by an MCS-certified installer rather than a general electrician, and needs its own isolation switches and a compliant connection to your consumer unit. Your energy supplier and network operator also need to be notified before or after installation, depending on system size.
How long does electrical work take?
A socket or switch swap is usually under an hour. A consumer unit replacement is typically a full day, often with the power off for several hours. A full rewire in an occupied property commonly takes 5 to 10 days depending on size and access, plus time afterwards for plastering and redecorating that isn't part of the electrical work itself.