5 Common Electrician Problems and When to Call a Professional

The problems that come up most

These are the jobs electricians are most commonly booked for. Catching them early almost always costs less:

• a fuse board that keeps tripping
• flickering lights throughout the house
• sockets that feel warm or smell of burning
• no earthing in an older property
• too few sockets leading to overloaded extension leads

What you can safely check yourself

Before calling anyone, gather information: when the problem started, whether it's getting worse, and clear photos. This helps a professional give you a realistic first assessment and helps you describe the job accurately when collecting quotes.

Basic observation is always safe; DIY repair is not always. If the problem involves gas, electrics, working at height or the structure of your home, stop at observation and call a professional.

Signs it's time to book someone

Book a professional when the problem is getting worse, when it involves safety, when your own attempts haven't held, or when you simply don't know the cause. A correct diagnosis is usually cheaper than a wrong repair.

For context on cost: Electricians typically charge £40–£70 per hour or £200–£350 per day. An EICR (electrical installation condition report) for a typical house runs £120–£250.

Choosing who to call

Electricians registered with NICEIC, NAPIT or ELECSA can self-certify notifiable work under Part P and issue the certificate you will need when you sell your home. Check the registration number on the scheme's own register.

Check recent reviews before booking — Hammerscore company pages for electricians combine ratings from several platforms, and the low-star reviews tell you most about how problems were handled.