Electrician Call-Out Cost in Farnham 2026 | Emergency & Small Job Prices
2026 price guide for emergency electrician call-outs and small electrical jobs in Farnham, East Sussex. Covering fault diagnosis, socket and switch replacements, light fitting installations, and safety inspections. Includes local electrician rates, response times, and how to find NICEIC or NAPIT registered professionals in Farnham.
Price Summary
Emergency Call-Out (Daytime)
£85–£160
First hour, safety diagnosis
Standard Call-Out (1st hour)
£65–£120
Scheduled, non-urgent work
Light Fitting Installation
£40–£85
Supply existing, basic fit
Socket/Switch Replacement
£45–£95
Like-for-like swap, testing
2026 Electrical Job Price Breakdown
| Service in Farnham | Cost | Local Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Call-Out (Day 8am-6pm) | £85–£160 | For power loss, sparks, burning smells. 45-90 min response typical in Farnham area. |
| Emergency Call-Out (Evening 6-10pm) | £110–£200 | Out-of-hours premium. For safety-critical issues only at this rate. |
| Emergency Call-Out (Night 10pm-6am) | £140–£280+ | Highest premium. Reserved for dangerous situations like electrical fires. |
| Standard Call-Out Fee (Scheduled) | £65–£120 | First hour's labour for non-urgent jobs. Parts and materials extra. |
| Ongoing Labour Rate (Hourly) | £50–£90 | After first hour. Higher for complex diagnostics or specialist work. |
| Light Fitting Installation (Basic, customer supplies) | £40–£85 | |
| Socket Outlet Replacement (Single, like-for-like) | £45–£95 | Includes testing of the circuit. Common upgrade in older Farnham homes. |
| Light Switch Replacement (Single gang) | £40–£85 | Standard swap. Dimmer switches or multi-gang plates may cost more. |
| Circuit Breaker/MCB Diagnosis (Tripping fault) | £80–£160 | Finding cause of repeated tripping. Common in properties with older wiring. |
| Smoke Alarm Installation (Mains, interlinked) | £65–£130 per alarm | Now a legal requirement in rentals. Important for Farnham landlords. |
| Doorbell Installation/Repair (Wired) | £65–£125 | Fix or install a traditional wired doorbell. Wireless alternatives are simpler. |
| Shower Isolator Switch Replacement | £60–£110 | For a faulty pull-cord switch. Requires testing of high-load circuit. |
| Fuse Box/Consumer Unit Circuit Label Update | £40–£80 | Basic but valuable safety job to correctly identify circuits. |
Popular Small Job Packages
Home Safety Check & Minor Fix
£140–£280
Visual inspection of consumer unit, test RCDs, replace 3-4 worn sockets/switches, provide basic report.
Lighting Upgrade Package
£180–£350
Replace 5-6 old fittings with LED, install 2-3 dimmer switches, check all circuits.
Landlord Compliance Starter
£200–£400
Install 3x interlinked smoke alarms (mains), test all sockets in property, replace damaged fittings.
What Affects Electrician Costs in Farnham?
- Time & Urgency: Daytime vs. evening/night/weekend rates; emergency vs. scheduled.
- Job Complexity: Simple visible swap vs. fault-finding in old wiring.
- Parts & Materials: Standard vs. designer fittings; quality of switches/sockets.
- Electrician Qualifications: NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA registration often commands a premium for assured standards.
- Access & Property Age: Working in confined lofts, under floorboards; challenges in older properties.
- Certification Needed: Minor works certificate or notification to building control for certain jobs.
Electrical Considerations for Farnham Properties
Period Cottages & Older Homes
- Older wiring (rubber, VIR, early PVC) assessments
- Limited earthing, potential for rewiring needs
- Careful work around lathe & plaster walls
Suburban Family Homes (1930s-1980s)
- Consumer unit (fuse box) upgrades
- Additional socket installations for modern living
- Outdoor lighting & power for gardens
Rural & Outlying Properties
- Supply type (overhead vs. underground)
- Power stability issues, surge protection
- Outbuilding and farm electrical safety
Choosing an Electrician in Farnham
Check for NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA Registration
This is the gold standard. Registration with a competent person scheme means they can self-certify work as compliant with Building Regulations (Part P). Verify their status online using their registration number.
Ask About Their Diagnostic Process & Testing
A professional will use proper test equipment (multimeter, socket tester, insulation tester) to diagnose issues, not guesswork. They should explain the fault clearly and provide options for repair.
Ensure Proper Certification is Provided
For most work beyond a simple like-for-like swap, you should receive a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate. For new circuits or consumer unit work, an Electrical Installation Certificate is legally required. This is vital for insurance and when selling your home.
Local Farnham, East Sussex Insight
Farnham has many historic and rural properties where wiring may be outdated or not up to modern standards. Electricians here need experience with old wiring systems, solid wall chasing, and potentially less robust earthing. The prevalence of thatched roofs and timber-framed buildings requires extra care with fire safety. For rural properties, knowledge of TT earthing systems (with an earth rod) is essential. The town's commuter population often needs flexible scheduling. Always ask a local electrician about their experience with your specific property type. Keep all electrical certificates in a safe place – they are crucial for insurance claims and property sales.
FAQs
What is classed as an electrical emergency?
Situations requiring immediate attention: Power loss affecting safety (lights, medical equipment), visible sparks or arcing, burning smells from sockets/fittings, smoke, electric shocks, water contacting electrical systems. A single dead socket can usually wait.
Can I change a light fitting or socket myself?
Homeowners can legally do like-for-like replacements of accessories (sockets, switches, light fittings) if they are competent. However, any new circuits, work in special locations (bathrooms, outdoors), or consumer unit changes must be done by a qualified electrician and certified.
How often should I have an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)?
It's recommended every 10 years for owner-occupied homes, and every 5 years for rental properties (a legal requirement). For older properties in Farnham, more frequent checks (every 5 years) are advisable.
Why is my RCD (safety switch) tripping?
An RCD trips when it detects a small current leak to earth, preventing electric shock. Causes include faulty appliances, damp in outside lights/sockets, or damaged wiring. An electrician can use insulation testing to pinpoint the fault.
Conclusion
Electrician services in Farnham cost £85–£160 for a daytime emergency call-out and £40–£85 for a basic light fitting installation. Always use a registered electrician (NICEIC/NAPIT) for safety and compliance. Obtain proper certification for all work and address electrical faults promptly to protect your property and family. For older Farnham homes, a proactive safety inspection is a wise investment.
Tip:
Test your RCDs quarterly using the test button. Check smoke alarms monthly. Clearly label your consumer unit. Use socket protectors in homes with young children. Keep all electrical certificates in a dedicated folder – they are essential documents for your home.