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Electrical work is the one job where a cheap shortcut can burn a house down. Take a few extra minutes to choose well.
Check before you hire
- Look for the verified badge and read reviews from people who booked them.
- Ask for photos of distribution boards or wiring they've done. Neat, labelled work is a good sign.
- For big jobs (new wiring, solar, a new board), choose someone who has done the same kind of job before.
Safety shortcuts to refuse
- Wrong cable size. Heavy appliances (AC, heaters, cookers) need thicker cable than lights. Ask what size they'll use.
- No earthing. Your house should have an earth rod and earth cables to sockets.
- Joining cables without a junction box, or with tape alone.
- No breaker for each circuit. Each room or heavy appliance should have its own breaker.
Materials
Fake cables and breakers are common. Buy from a known shop, keep the receipt, and check the cable is marked with its size. If the electrician buys them, ask for the receipt.
Changeovers and generators
A changeover switch keeps generator power and NEPA/DisCo power apart. Never let anyone connect a generator straight into a socket: it can kill someone working on the lines.
What it costs
These are estimates, not fixed prices. Estimates for Lagos and Abuja, October 2026. Prices are often lower in smaller cities and change with materials and fuel costs. Always get 2–3 quotes.
| Job | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Fix a faulty socket or switchper point | ₦5,000 – ₦12,000 |
| Install a ceiling fan or light fitting | ₦7,000 – ₦20,000 |
| Find a fault (tripping, no light in a room) | ₦10,000 – ₦40,000 |
| Install a changeover switch | ₦15,000 – ₦40,000 |
| Install a distribution board and breakersmaterials extra | ₦30,000 – ₦80,000 |
| New wiring, per point | ₦6,000 – ₦15,000 |
| Rewire a 3-bedroom flatworkmanship only | ₦350,000 – ₦900,000 |
Questions to ask before hiring
- What size of cable will you use for the AC and the kitchen?
- Will every circuit have its own breaker, and is the house earthed?
- Can you show me photos of boards you've installed?
- Who buys the materials, and can I see the receipts?
- Will you test everything with me before you leave?
Red flags to watch for
- Says earthing "isn't necessary".
- Plans to join cables with tape and no junction box.
- Wants to connect a generator directly to a socket.
- Suggests a bigger breaker because the current one keeps tripping (it trips for a reason).
Checklist
Tick as you go. Nothing is saved; it's just for you.
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