Electrical Work Costs: A Comprehensive Guide to Labour, Materials, and Regional Pricing
Electrical work is a critical part of home construction or renovation, balancing safety, aesthetics, and functionality. This guide dives deep into labour and material costs across India, with city-wise comparisons, charts, and expert tips to help you budget effectively.
Electrical Work Labour and Material Charges (2025)
1. Per-Point Electrical Work Costs (Labour + Material)
Includes switches, wires, conduits, and plasterwork.
| Task | Mumbai | Pune | Delhi NCR | Bengaluru | Surat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Light Point | ₹800–950 | ₹750–890 | ₹750–950 | ₹800–950 | ₹700–850 |
| Full Plug Point | ₹900–1,000 | ₹850–940 | ₹900–1,000 | ₹850–950 | ₹750–850 |
| Fan Installation | ₹150 | ₹150 | ₹150 | ₹150 | ₹130 |
| 4 sq.mm Circuit (per ft) | ₹90–120 | ₹80–110 | ₹90–120 | ₹85–110 | ₹70–100 |
Note:
- Excludes DB boxes, circuit breakers, and specialty fittings.
- Rates vary by material brand (e.g., Anchor vs. GM switches).
2. Labour vs. Material Cost Split
Example: Primary Light Point in Mumbai
| Component | Cost (₹) | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Labour | 280 | 31% |
| Material | 620 | 69% |
| Total | 900 | 100% |
Material Breakdown:
- Wires (1.5 sq.mm): ₹300
- Switches (Modular): ₹200
- PVC Conduits: ₹80
- Miscellaneous: ₹40
3. Full-Home Concealed Wiring Estimates
Costs for 1BHK to 4BHK (Includes labour + material)
| Home Size | Mumbai | Pune | Bengaluru |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 BHK (500 sq.ft) | ₹1.2–1.5 lakh | ₹1.1–1.3 lakh | ₹1.3–1.6 lakh |
| 3 BHK (1,200 sq.ft) | ₹3.0–3.6 lakh | ₹2.8–3.3 lakh | ₹3.2–3.8 lakh |
Inclusions:
- Concealed wiring, switches, conduits, plastering.
- Excludes heavy appliances (ACs, geysers).
Factors Influencing Electrical Work Costs
- Type of Wiring: Concealed wiring (hidden in walls/floors) costs 15–20% more than surface wiring due to labor-intensive plasterwork.
- Material Quality: Branded wires (Polycab, Havells) and modular switches add 10–25% to costs but ensure safety.
- Circuit Requirements: Heavy appliances (ACs, geysers) require 4 sq.mm wires, which cost 30–40% more than standard 1.5 sq.mm circuits.
- Regional Variations: Metro cities (Mumbai, Delhi) have higher labour rates than tier-2 cities (Pune, Surat).
- Project Scope: Full-home rewiring for a 3BHK costs ₹3–4 lakh, while replacing switches averages ₹400–700 per point.
City-Wise Labour Cost Comparison
Per-point labour charges (₹)
| Task | Mumbai | Pune | Delhi | Surat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concealed Light Fitting | 120 | 110 | 130 | 100 |
| Half Plug Point | 220 | 210 | 200 | 180 |
| Fan Installation | 150 | 150 | 150 | 130 |
Material Cost Trends
| Material | Avg. Cost (₹) | Key Brands |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 sq.mm Wire (per ft) | 40–60 | Polycab, Havells |
| Modular Switch | 150–300 | Legrand, GM |
| PVC Conduit (per ft) | 20–30 | Finolex, Supreme |
| MCB (Single Pole) | 500–800 | Schneider, Siemens |
Cost-Saving Tips
- Bundle Services: Contractors often discount full-home wiring vs. per-point jobs.
- Avoid Over-Engineering: Use 4 sq.mm wires only for heavy appliances, not lights.
- Compare Quotes: Mumbai contractors charge 10–15% more than Pune for the same work.
- Reuse Conduits: If replacing wires, existing conduits can reduce labour costs by 20%.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
- DB Box Installation: ₹2,000–5,000 (excluded in most per-point estimates).
- Wall Chasing: ₹50–100 per foot if walls need drilling for concealed pipes.
- RCCB/MCB Upgrades: ₹3,000–8,000 for safety compliance.
Why Choose Professional Electricians?
- Compliance: Meet ISI and NEC standards for fire safety.
- Warranty: Reputable firms offer 1–2 years on labour and materials.
- Aesthetics: Clean wire looping and concealed fittings enhance home interiors.
Final Checklist
✅ Get itemized quotes (labour + material split).
✅ Verify wire gauge (1.5 sq.mm for lights, 4 sq.mm for ACs).
✅ Confirm inclusion of plasterwork and grouting.
✅ Opt for modular switches for future-proofing.