HOW TO HIRE · ELECTRICAL · CHECKED OCTOBER 2026
An electrical fault finding in Ireland costs €100–€350 per job, typically around €180. Here is how to check that in a minute, what to ask before you book, and what you must be handed when the job is done.
THE 60-SECOND VERSION
BEFORE YOU BOOK
Restricted to Registered Electrical Contractor (REC): a new circuit; a rewire; a new or replacement distribution board; work at the meter; a new supply to a bathroom or an outdoor area. Not restricted: replacing a light fitting like for like; replacing a socket front like for like.
Search the Safe Electric register for the name or the registration number before you agree a price. safeelectric.ie →
Issued by the Registered Electrical Contractor on completion of restricted works, once tested. It matters because it records that the work met the national wiring rules and was tested, and it is asked for on sale, remortgage and insurance.
Agree before the work starts that you will be handed completion certificate, and keep it with the house papers.
Expect public liability; ask who the insurer is and for the policy number. From a company, ask for the insurer, the limit and the VAT number, and ask who actually attends: the team that turns up may be employed, subcontracted or both, and only one of those is supervised by the firm you are paying.
Ask to see the current certificate of insurance — the insurer's name, the limit and the date it runs to.
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2022 a trader must tell you they are a trader, and your consumer rights — work carried out with reasonable skill and care, and a cooling-off period on a contract agreed in your home or online — apply to traders and not to private sellers. On Locufy the trader status is shown on the profile.
Look for the trader badge on the Locufy profile, and ask anyone else for it in writing before you agree a price.
VAT at 13.5%, the reduced rate Revenue publishes for this service. Ask whether the price you were given includes it. A trader under the €42,500 registration threshold does not charge it; one over it must, and must show it separately.
Ask whether the figure you were given includes it, and for the VAT number if they are registered — Revenue publishes the rate for this service. revenue.ie →
A good answer: A number you can look up yourself before you agree a price — repair Recommendations — once faults are identified, the electrician will recommend necessary repairs or replacements.
A good answer: On the day the work is finished and tested, not posted on later — diagnostic Testing — electricians use various diagnostic tools to pinpoint issues, such as multimeters to measure voltage and continuity.
A good answer: Special requirements add steps the standard job does not have. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: A short booking leaves no room for anything unexpected. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: Specialists charge for knowing which shortcuts are safe. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: Initial Assessment — the process begins with a thorough assessment of the electrical system to identify any visible signs of faults — get the exclusions named in the quote, because a fault-finding electrician job is priced on what was agreed and not on what was assumed.
A good answer: Expect public liability; ask who the insurer is and for the policy number — thermal Imaging Inspection — uses infrared cameras to detect hotspots and potential electrical failures in circuits.
The figures are for the job, per job, and a quote for your own is the only number that binds anyone. Circuit testing and Appliance testing each carry their own band. Electrical Fault Finding price guide →
Guide prices compiled by the Locufy team from published Irish and UK provider price lists and 2026/27 cost guides. Updated 2026.
KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR? NOW FIND ONE
ID checked, trader status and one score from every review — on the card, before you message anyone. Nearest first. No account needed to look.
Or post the job free and let them come to you.
AFTER
MONEY BACK
Two public schemes touch electrical work in a home. Neither pays for the job itself; both are claimed for the equipment and its installation, and the amounts and the dates are SEAI's own.
Who: A homeowner, or anyone with off-street parking at the property. You do not have to own an electric vehicle to apply.
Who: The owner of a home built and occupied before 2025.
Schemes change. The amounts above were checked on the dates shown; the official page is the one that counts.
The cost can vary based on the complexity of the issue, the time required for diagnostics, and the electrician's experience level. More intricate faults or extensive wiring issues typically result in higher costs.
The duration can range from one to several hours, depending on the nature of the fault. Simple issues may be resolved quickly, while complex problems could require more extensive investigation.
Yes, it is essential to hire a qualified electrician for fault finding, as they possess the necessary training and knowledge to safely diagnose and repair electrical issues. This is especially important for regulated work.
Many electricians offer emergency services for urgent issues. However, this may come at a premium rate, and availability can vary based on the time of day and location.
Yes, booking multiple related jobs can often lead to cost savings, as electricians may offer a discount for combined services. It's advisable to discuss this when scheduling the appointment.
Out of scope items typically include extensive rewiring or installations that go beyond simple fault diagnostics. If major renovations or new installations are needed, these would require a separate quote and scope of work.
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