Electrician – costs, typical jobs and when hiring a professional is worth it
- 1. What does an electrician cost?
- 2. Hourly rates by qualification
- 3. Typical electrical work
- 4. Installing lights & lighting
- 5. Sockets, switches & dimmers
- 6. Fuse box & renewing circuits
- 7. Network, smart home & multimedia
- 8. Installing a wallbox / EV charging station
- 9. Outdoor lighting & garden power
- 10. New electrical installation
- 11. Repairs & emergency faults
- 12. Cost examples from real projects
Electricians do far more than just hang a lamp. They ensure that your electrical installation is safe, compliant with regulations, and future-proof — whether you need a new socket, are planning a smart-home upgrade, or are carrying out a complete renovation. In this guide, you’ll learn what electricians cost in Switzerland, which jobs cost how much, and what to look for when choosing the right specialist company.
What does an electrician cost?
Electrical work is among the most important trades in a home — from small repairs to complete electrical installations. Costs depend heavily on hourly rates, qualifications, and the use of measuring and testing equipment. Here you’ll find a quick overview of typical prices and what’s behind them.
Hourly rates by qualification
Electrician / installation electrician / electrical installer
Depending on region and qualification, electricians typically charge CHF 100–120 per hour. Installation electricians are usually slightly cheaper, while electrical installers handling more complex work tend to be more expensive. Higher hourly rates reflect experience, additional safety training, and demanding measuring and testing tasks.
Use of machinery & measuring equipment
For testing devices, measuring instruments, or special tools, additional costs may apply. Typical flat rates range from CHF 10–30, for example for insulation measurements, residual current testing, or cable inspections. More complex diagnostic work may incur further surcharges.
Typical price ranges & when they apply
● Small jobs (lamp, switch, socket): CHF 200–300 total
● Medium-sized jobs (multiple outlets): CHF 500–800
● Fault finding / troubleshooting: CHF 100–120 per hour plus surcharges
As soon as safety-relevant work is involved (high voltage, RCDs, sub-distribution boards), a qualified electrical installer should always be used.
What affects the hourly rate?
The hourly rate depends heavily on qualification, region, workshop infrastructure, and project complexity. In cities and central Switzerland, prices are usually higher than in rural areas. Emergency call-outs, special requests, or work under time pressure can also increase costs, as additional personnel or specialised measuring equipment may be required.
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Typical electrical work and what it costs
Electricians cover a wide range of services — from small installations to complete new electrical systems. The key question is always: What does a particular job really cost — and when is a professional necessary? The following categories give you a clear overview.
Installing lamps & lighting
Hanging a lamp may seem simple — until old wiring, brittle sockets, or missing connections come into play. An electrician ensures safe installation and checks whether the circuit is intact.
Costs:
● Simple lamps: approx. CHF 200–250
● Complex models such as chandeliers: approx. CHF 300–400
When is an electrician advisable? Always when old installations are present or when heavy / complex light fixtures need to be installed.
Sockets, switches & dimmers
New sockets or switches are quick to install — provided the junction box is suitable and the wiring is undamaged. Dimmers also require compatible light sources and properly protected circuits.
Costs:
● Per socket: CHF 40–60
● Per switch / dimmer (excluding materials): CHF 70–90
When advisable? Whenever you need additional connections or old switches should be replaced.
Fuse box & renewing circuits
Outdated fuses, missing RCD protection, or overloaded circuits pose safety risks. An electrician checks the wiring, plans new circuits, and modernises the fuse box.
Costs:
Highly variable — typically CHF 1,000–3,000 depending on scope, number of circuits, and protection devices.
When advisable? During renovations, power upgrades (e.g. a new kitchen), or when fuses trip frequently.
Network, smart home & multimedia
From Wi-Fi repeaters to complete smart-home systems: electricians handle cabling as well as installation of access points, control centres, and multimedia distribution panels.
Costs:
● Small setups: CHF 300–1,000
● Complex smart-home systems: CHF 1,500–5,000
Installing a wallbox / EV charging station
For private charging points, hiring an electrician is mandatory due to high currents and notification requirements with the grid operator. The professional also checks the house connection and installs the required safety devices.
Costs: CHF 1,500–2,500 depending on cable routing, protection devices, and manufacturer.
Outdoor lighting & garden power
Garden sockets, bollard lights, motion detectors, or terrace lighting require weather-resistant cabling and RCD protection.
Costs: Usually CHF 500–1,500 depending on cable length and number of lights.
New electrical installation (renovation / new build)
During renovations or new builds, cables are completely rewired, circuits planned, switch systems installed, and lighting concepts implemented.
Costs:
New build: CHF 150–250 per m²
Typical single-family home renovation: CHF 20,000–50,000
When advisable? In older houses, for energy optimisation, or major modernisation projects.>
Repairs & faults (emergency)
Short circuits, defective wiring, or overheating sockets require immediate action. Emergency call-out fees may apply.
Costs: CHF 200–300 per call-out depending on time of day and effort required.
Cost examples from real projects
Installing new lighting in a 3-room apartment
If you want to renew the entire basic lighting (e.g. 6–8 new lamps, partly ceiling-mounted, partly wall-mounted), costs usually range from CHF 1,000–1,500. The electrician checks existing connections, replaces terminal blocks, installs all fixtures, and ensures everything works properly and complies with regulations. Complex installations (pendant lights, large ceiling panels, designer lamps) increase the effort — as does drilling into concrete or difficult access.
Steckdosen & Schalter ersetzen (inkl. Dimmer)
Für eine typische Renovation mit 5–8 Steckdosen, 3–4 Schaltern und 1–2 Dimmern solltest du mit CHF 1’000 – 1’500 rechnen. Der Preis ergibt sich aus Montagezeit, Materialkosten und einer Kleinmaterial-Pauschale.
Die Arbeiten sind schnell erledigt, aber der Elektriker muss jeden Anschluss öffnen, kontrollieren und normgerecht neu verdrahten. Wenn du ohnehin Lampen installieren lässt, lohnt es sich, diese Arbeiten zu bündeln — so verteilen sich die Fixkosten optimal.
Installing a wallbox for an electric car (11 kW)
A professional wallbox installation in Switzerland usually costs CHF 1,500–2,500, depending on cable routing, protection devices, and cable length. If a new line must be run from the fuse box to the parking space or an additional RCD installed, costs increase accordingly.
Benefit of hiring a professional: correct power sizing, compliant grounding, and certified safety.
Electrical renovation in an older single-family home
A typical renovation (e.g. new kitchen, additional rooms, more sockets, new lighting, network cabling) usually costs between CHF 15,000 and 30,000. Prices depend heavily on the building’s condition, accessibility of old wiring, and the desired standard. Smart-home systems, LED recessed spots, or additional circuits drive costs higher. Expenses are particularly high if all wiring must be replaced or if the old installation no longer meets current safety standards.
Hire an electrician or do it yourself?
Many homeowners would like to handle simple electrical tasks themselves to save time and money. However, unlike painting or carpentry work, electrical work is subject to strict legal regulations — and for good reason: electricity is always a safety risk. Here you’ll find a clear, practical overview of where DIY is allowed, where it is prohibited, and when a professional is indispensable.
What you are allowed to do yourself
A few tasks are considered low-risk and may be carried out without specialist training. These include replacing lampshades, installing a light fixture without intervening in the fixed wiring (provided a functioning connection already exists), or replacing light bulbs.
What is legally forbidden for non-electricians
All work on fixed electrical installations is strictly regulated in Switzerland. This includes:
● Installing or replacing sockets
● Connecting light switches and dimmers
● Opening the fuse box
● Laying or extending electrical cables
● Installing RCD / FI circuit breakers
● Connecting a wallbox or outdoor power supply
These tasks may only be carried out by licensed electricians. The reason: faulty wiring poses a fire hazard and, in the worst case, can even invalidate insurance coverage.
Risk & cost comparison: DIY vs professional
Do-it-yourself may seem cheaper at first glance, but it carries significant risks. Short circuits, scorched connections, or incorrectly protected wiring often only become apparent when it’s too late. An electrician works in compliance with regulations, tests the installation, and assumes liability.
When hiring an electrician really pays off
Electrical work often appears small and straightforward, but even a single incorrectly installed connection can lead to costly damage or dangerous situations. A professional is indispensable whenever 230-V connections, new wiring, fuse boxes, or complex systems such as smart homes or EV charging stations are involved.
For very small, simple tasks you may be able to do it yourself — but as soon as there is any uncertainty, an electrician is the safest option. Comparing several quotes can also save money and ensure you receive an offer that fits your project.
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With just a few clicks, receive up to three electrician quotes from vetted specialist companies in your area.