Electrical Contract (UK)
This Electrical Contract (the “Contract”) is entered into on [Contract Date] between:
[Client Name], of [Client Address], [Client City], [Client Postcode] (hereinafter referred to as the “Client”); and
[Electrician Name], of [Electrician Address], [Electrician City], [Electrician Postcode] (hereinafter referred to as the “Electrician”).
The Client and the Electrician are referred to collectively as the “Parties”.
1. SCOPE OF ELECTRICAL WORKS
1.1 The Electrician agrees to carry out the following electrical works (the “Works”) at [Site Address], which is [Property Type]:
[Work Description]
1.2 The Electrician shall carry out all Works in a good and workmanlike manner, using materials and components of satisfactory quality, in accordance with section 49 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and section 13 of the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982.
1.3 All Works shall be designed, installed, and tested in accordance with [Wiring Regs Edition] (the current edition of BS 7671, Requirements for Electrical Installations, published by the Institution of Engineering and Technology), the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
2. PART P BUILDING REGULATIONS AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
2.1 [Part P Method].
2.2 The Electrician is registered with [Registration Body] (registration/membership number: [Registration Number]). The Client may verify the Electrician’s registration and competence via the relevant scheme’s public register.
2.3 The Electrician shall comply with all notification and approval requirements under the Building Regulations 2010 (SI 2010/2214), including Part P (Electrical Safety — Dwellings), and shall obtain all necessary approvals before commencing notifiable work.
2.4 The Electrician shall comply with all applicable requirements of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, which impose duties on persons who design, construct, install, maintain, or operate electrical systems at work premises.
2.5 Where the Works involve installation of an electric vehicle (EV) charging point, the Electrician shall comply with the Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021 and all applicable Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) requirements.
3. TESTING, INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION
3.1 On completion of the Works, the Electrician shall carry out all necessary testing and inspection in accordance with BS 7671 and shall provide the Client with the following documents: [Testing Certification].
3.2 The final payment under clause 4 shall be conditional upon the Client receiving all required test certificates and certification documents.
3.3 Where a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate is required for self-certified work, the Electrician shall submit the certificate to the relevant local authority and provide a copy to the Client within 30 days of practical completion.
3.4 Where the Works are notified to local authority building control, the Electrician shall assist the Client in obtaining a completion certificate.
4. CONTRACT PRICE AND PAYMENT
4.1 The Client shall pay the Electrician the sum of £[Contract Price] (the “Contract Price”) for the Works. [Vat Status].
4.2 Payment shall be made in accordance with the following terms: [Payment Terms].
4.3 If the Client fails to make payment on the due date, the Electrician may charge interest on the overdue amount at the rate of 8% per annum above the Bank of England base rate pursuant to the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, and may (after giving 7 days’ written notice) suspend the Works.
4.4 Additional works instructed by the Client that fall outside the scope of the Works described in clause 1 shall be priced and agreed in writing by both Parties before such additional works are carried out.
5. PROGRAMME AND COMPLETION
5.1 The Electrician shall commence the Works on or about [Start Date] and shall use reasonable endeavours to complete all Works, including testing and certification, by [Completion Date].
5.2 The Client shall provide the Electrician with safe and unobstructed access to all areas of the property that are necessary for the Works, and shall ensure that all necessary preparatory works have been completed before the agreed start date.
5.3 The Electrician shall notify the Client promptly of any delay and the anticipated cause and duration. Delays caused by the Client, by unavailability of materials, or by unforeseen site conditions shall entitle the Electrician to a reasonable extension of the programme.
6. DEFECTS LIABILITY
6.1 The Electrician warrants that the Works will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 12 months following practical completion.
6.2 During this period, the Electrician shall, at its own cost, remedy any defect arising from faulty workmanship or non-compliant materials, within a reasonable time of receiving written notification from the Client.
6.3 This warranty does not cover defects caused by the Client’s own actions or omissions, fair wear and tear, wilful damage, interference with the Electrician’s work by third parties, or use of the electrical installation otherwise than in accordance with the Electrician’s operating instructions.
7. LIABILITY AND EXCLUSIONS
7.1 The Electrician shall be liable to the Client for any loss or damage caused directly by the Electrician’s negligence or breach of this Contract.
7.2 The Electrician shall not be liable for indirect or consequential losses, including loss of use, business interruption, or loss of data.
7.3 Nothing in this Contract shall exclude or limit liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any other matter that cannot be excluded under the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 or the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
7.4 Subject to clause 8.3, the Electrician’s total liability to the Client under this Contract shall not exceed the Contract Price.
8. HEALTH AND SAFETY
8.1 The Electrician shall comply with all applicable health and safety legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
8.2 The Client shall inform the Electrician of any known hazards at the property (including the location of existing circuits, asbestos, or structural defects) before work commences.
8.3 The Electrician shall isolate relevant circuits before commencing work and shall not leave any electrical installation in a dangerous condition at any time.
9. GENERAL PROVISIONS
9.1 A person who is not a party to this Contract shall have no right to enforce any of its terms under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.
9.2 This Contract constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties in relation to the Works and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings.
9.3 No amendment or variation of this Contract shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by both Parties.
9.4 This Contract and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with it shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. The Parties irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Electrical Contract as of the date first written above.
THE CLIENT
Full name: [Client Name]
Address: [Client Address], [Client City], [Client Postcode]
THE ELECTRICIAN
Full name / Company name: [Electrician Name]
Address: [Electrician Address], [Electrician City], [Electrician Postcode]
Client
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
Electrician
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
What Is a Electrical Contract (UK)?
An Electrical Contract in the United Kingdom sets the scope of works, price, programme, and payment terms for the building or installation project, and is governed by the Companies Act 2006.
Electrical work in England and Wales is subject to extensive regulatory oversight. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, made under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, require that all electrical systems are constructed so as to prevent danger and that all electrical work is carried out safely. All electrical installations must be designed, installed, and tested in accordance with BS 7671 (Requirements for Electrical Installations, IET Wiring Regulations), which is the national standard for electrical installations in the United Kingdom and is currently in its 18th edition.
For residential properties in England and Wales, Part P of the Building Regulations 2010 requires that notifiable electrical work meets safety standards and is either carried out by a registered competent person or notified to the local authority building control. Notifiable work includes the installation of a new circuit from the consumer unit, replacement of a consumer unit, and work in special locations such as bathrooms. An electrician registered with an approved competent person scheme (such as NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA) can self-certify their work and issue a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate, also known as a Part P certificate, directly to the homeowner.
A written electrical contract provides both the client and the electrician with certainty about the scope of works, the price, the programme, and the documentation to be provided on completion. For the client, the contract should establish the electrician’s obligations to comply with Part P, to carry out the works in accordance with BS 7671, to provide all required test certificates and inspection documents, and to remedy any defects in the work within a defects liability period. For the electrician, the contract sets out the payment terms and provides protection against scope creep and delayed payment.
Electrical work is a regulated trade in England and Wales, and the consequences of poor or non-compliant work can be severe, including risk of fire, electric shock, and death. A well-drafted electrical contract provides an important framework for confirming that all works are carried out to the required standard, by qualified and registered operatives, and that the client receives all necessary documentation to demonstrate compliance and to protect the value of their property.
When Do You Need a Electrical Contract (UK)?
A written Electrical Contract should be put in place before any significant electrical work commences. There are many situations in which a formal electrical contract is particularly important.
For major electrical installations, such as a full or partial rewire of a residential property, replacement of a consumer unit (fuse box), installation of a new circuit for a kitchen, bathroom, or garage, or installation of an EV charging point or solar panel system, a written contract is essential. These works are typically notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations 2010, meaning the electrician must self-certify the work (if registered with a competent person scheme) or notify the local authority building control. A contract should make clear which party is responsible for compliance notifications and should require the electrician to provide all required certificates on completion.
For landlords in England and Wales, a written electrical contract is necessary for compliance with the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, which require a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every five years and before the start of each new tenancy. The EICR must be carried out by a qualified and competent electrician, and a copy must be provided to the tenant and, on request, to the local housing authority. A contract with a qualified electrician confirms that the EICR is carried out by a competent person and provides a record of the landlord’s compliance.
For commercial clients, a written electrical contract is essential when engaging an electrical contractor to carry out works on commercial premises. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 impose duties on employers to confirm that electrical systems on their premises are maintained in a safe condition. A contract with a qualified electrical contractor helps to discharge these duties and provides a framework for regular inspection and maintenance.
An electrical contract is also important when the work involves emerging technologies such as EV charging points, solar photovoltaic systems, battery storage systems, or smart home installations. These technologies are subject to additional regulatory requirements beyond the core BS 7671 and Part P regime, and a well-drafted contract should address the specific standards and certifications applicable to the technology being installed.
What to Include in Your Electrical Contract (UK)
A well-drafted Electrical Contract for use in England and Wales should include the following key provisions to protect both the client and the electrician.
The scope of works clause should provide a detailed description of all the electrical works to be carried out, including all circuits to be installed or modified, the specification of the consumer unit or distribution board, the cable types and sizes to be used, and any testing to be carried out. The clause should also identify works that are excluded from the contract price (such as making good plaster or decoration after the works, or works to be carried out by other trades).
The regulatory compliance clause is one of the most important elements of an electrical contract. It should confirm that the works will be carried out in accordance with the current edition of BS 7671, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, and Part P of the Building Regulations 2010 (where applicable). The clause should specify the competent person scheme with which the electrician is registered and the electrician’s registration number, so that the client can verify registration before the works commence.
The testing and certification clause should set out all the test certificates, inspection reports, and compliance documents that will be provided on completion of the works. At a minimum, the electrician should provide an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) with Schedules of Inspections and Test Results, and a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate (Part P certificate) for notifiable work in dwellings. The contract should make clear that final payment is conditional on receipt of all required documentation.
The price and payment clause should state the total contract price (inclusive or exclusive of VAT), the payment milestones, and the consequences of late payment. The defects liability clause should specify the period during which the electrician will remedy defects at no charge. The liability clause should address the electrician’s liability for damage and confirm insurance arrangements. Finally, the governing law clause should confirm England and Wales as the applicable jurisdiction.
Additional compliance elements for a Electrical Contract (UK) used in United Kingdom include: Under the Companies Act 2006, Companies House maintains the register of UK companies. Section 386 of the Companies Act 2006 sets accounting record obligations. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) enforces the Consumer Rights Act 2015. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates financial services under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. The High Court of Justice has jurisdiction under the Senior Courts Act 1981. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for United Kingdom-compliant documentation.
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Forms Legal. (2026). Electrical Contract (UK) (United Kingdom) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/uk/business/contracts/electrical-contract-uk
"Electrical Contract (UK) (United Kingdom)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/uk/business/contracts/electrical-contract-uk.
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title = {Electrical Contract (UK) (United Kingdom)},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/uk/business/contracts/electrical-contract-uk}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Companies Act 2006}
}Also available for these jurisdictions:
Frequently Asked Questions
Part P of the Building Regulations 2010 (Electrical Safety — Dwellings) requires that all electrical installation work in dwellings in England and Wales meets certain safety standards, and that notifiable work is either carried out by a registered competent person (who self-certifies their work) or is notified to the local authority building control before commencing. Notifiable electrical work includes work on a new circuit from the consumer unit, changes to a consumer unit, and work in special locations such as bathrooms or outside. An electrician who is registered with an approved competent person scheme (such as NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA) can self-certify their work and issue a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate directly to the homeowner, without the need for local authority inspection. An unregistered electrician must notify the local authority building control before starting notifiable work, and the local authority will inspect and charge a fee for the completion certificate. Failure to comply with Part P is a criminal offence, and non-compliant electrical work can make it difficult to sell a property.
BS 7671, formally titled Requirements for Electrical Installations (IET Wiring Regulations), is the national standard in the United Kingdom for the design, selection, erection, inspection, and testing of electrical installations. It is published by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and is currently in its 18th edition (BS 7671:2018), as amended by Amendment 1 (2020) and Amendment 2 (2022). Although BS 7671 is not itself a statutory document, compliance with it is widely accepted as demonstrating compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and Part P of the Building Regulations 2010. An electrical contract should specify the edition of BS 7671 to which the works will be designed and installed, as the standard is periodically updated to reflect new technologies and improved safety requirements. Electrical contractors registered with NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA are required to carry out work in accordance with the current edition of BS 7671.
On completion of electrical work in England and Wales, the electrician should provide the client with appropriate documentation. For new electrical installation work or significant alterations, the electrician should issue an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC), accompanied by a Schedule of Inspections and a Schedule of Test Results, in the format prescribed by BS 7671. Where the electrician is registered with a competent person scheme and the work is notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations 2010, the electrician should also provide a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate (also known as a Part P certificate). Where an existing installation is inspected and tested (rather than new work being installed), the electrician should provide an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). EICRs are required by law for rented residential properties in England under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, which require an EICR every five years and before each new tenancy. These documents are important evidence that the electrical installation is safe and compliant, and they are required by mortgage lenders and conveyancers when a property is sold.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 are made under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and impose duties on persons who design, construct, maintain, and operate electrical systems. The Regulations apply to ‘at work’ situations and are primarily targeted at employers and self-employed persons. They require that electrical systems are constructed so as to prevent danger, that all work activities are carried out in a way that does not give rise to danger, and that any equipment provided under the Regulations is suitable for its intended use. For self-employed electricians, the Regulations apply to their own work activities, meaning they must take precautions to protect themselves and others from electrical hazards whilst carrying out electrical work. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 are enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (for workplaces) and by local authorities (for certain premises). In the domestic context, Part P of the Building Regulations is the primary regulatory regime for ensuring safety of electrical work in dwellings.
Before hiring an electrician to carry out notifiable electrical work in England and Wales, clients should check several things. First, verify that the electrician is registered with an approved competent person scheme such as NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA. Registration can be verified on the scheme’s public register. An electrician registered with one of these schemes can self-certify their work under Part P of the Building Regulations 2010 and issue the required compliance certificate. Second, check that the electrician holds adequate public liability insurance and, if they employ staff, employers’ liability insurance. Third, obtain a written quotation that clearly sets out the scope of works, the materials to be used, the total price (and VAT treatment), the payment terms, and the programme. Fourth, confirm that the quotation includes the cost of all testing and certification, as these are essential documents for insurance purposes and property sales. Finally, check reviews and ask for references from previous clients, and confirm that the electrician carries appropriate qualifications such as City & Guilds 2382 (BS 7671 Wiring Regulations) and 2391 (Inspection and Testing).
If electrical work carried out in England and Wales is defective or does not meet the required standard, the client has several potential remedies. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, a consumer client has the right to require the electrician to repeat the work at no extra charge if it was not carried out with reasonable care and skill. If repetition is not possible or is not done within a reasonable time, the consumer may seek a price reduction. The Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 similarly implies a term of reasonable care and skill into contracts for services. If the work is so defective as to be dangerous (for example, if a circuit is installed without adequate earthing or with incorrect cable sizes), the client should report the matter to the local authority building control (if the work should have been notified under Part P) or to the competent person scheme with which the electrician is registered. These schemes have complaint and disciplinary procedures and can require members to remedy defective work. In serious cases involving danger to life or risk of fire, the client should contact the local fire and rescue service or the Health and Safety Executive.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
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