Electrical completion certificates in Ireland: what they are and when you need one

Full rewire

Replacing all fixed wiring in a property. Typical in older homes where existing wiring does not meet current regulations. Usually involves 5 to 14 days of work depending on property size.

New build electrical fit-out

All electrical installation in a new residential or commercial property. The cert is required before the building can be occupied and is part of the building compliance documentation.

Extension or conversion

Any new electrical circuits added as part of an extension, attic conversion, or garage conversion. The new circuits must be tested and certified even if the main installation already has a cert.

Consumer unit replacement

Replacing a fuse board or consumer unit. This is notifiable because it involves working on the main incoming supply and affects the protection of all circuits in the property.

New circuit installation

Adding a dedicated circuit for a shower, EV charger, electric cooker, or similar high-load appliance. Each new circuit added to the consumer unit is a notifiable work.

Significant alteration to existing installation

Material changes to the fixed wiring layout, such as moving a distribution board, re-routing main cables, or upgrading earthing arrangements. Minor repairs and like-for-like replacements are generally not notifiable.

A consumer unit swap takes 4 to 6 hours. A full rewire takes 5 to 14 days depending on property size and layout. The type of notifiable work is the biggest single driver of cost.

Larger properties require more circuits, more cable, more testing points, and more documentation. A 5-bedroom detached house will cost significantly more to rewire than a 2-bedroom apartment.

Older wiring often requires upgrading before new notifiable work can be certified. Pre-1980s aluminium wiring or rubber-insulated cable is frequently encountered in older Irish properties and must be replaced.

Each additional circuit adds material cost (cable, consumer unit way, breaker) and testing time. A project adding 6 circuits costs noticeably more than one adding 2.

Dublin day rates are higher than the national average. Rural areas often have more competitive rates but may incur travel costs for the contractor, particularly in less densely populated counties.

If defects are found in the existing installation during notifiable work, they must be corrected before the cert can be issued. This can add unplanned cost to a project, particularly in older properties.

New or modified works

Issued when notifiable electrical work is completed. Confirms the new or altered installation meets current regulations.

Issued by: the contractor who carried out the work. Registered with RECI on completion.

Inspection of existing installation

Issued after a periodic inspection of an existing installation. Assesses condition, identifies defects, and assigns a code rating to each item.

Issued by: a registered contractor carrying out an inspection. Required for rental properties every 5 years.

If you are a landlord, see our landlord electrical guide for the full obligations under SI 132 of 2019.

What is a completion certificate for electrical work in Ireland?

It is a signed document from a RECI-registered electrical contractor confirming that notifiable electrical work has been completed in compliance with the Irish Wiring Regulations (ET 101:2018). It is registered with RECI via the Safe Electric scheme and can be independently verified at safeelectric.ie.

Do I need a cert to sell my house?

Yes, if any notifiable works have been carried out since the property was built or last sold. Your solicitor will request the certs as part of the conveyancing process. Missing certs can delay a sale or require you to commission a new inspection and remedial works at your own cost.

What if I had electrical work done without getting a cert?

You will need to engage a RECI-registered contractor to inspect the work. If it meets current standards, they can issue a cert. If it does not, remedial works will be needed first. The cost of this inspection and any remediation falls to you, not the original contractor.

Can any electrician issue a completion certificate?

No. Only RECI-registered electrical contractors can issue a valid completion certificate under the Safe Electric scheme. An unregistered person carrying out notifiable works cannot legally certify the installation, regardless of their experience or qualifications.

How long does it take to get a completion certificate?

You should receive the cert within a few days of the work being completed and signed off. If the contractor is slow to issue it, contact them in writing. A registered contractor is legally required to issue one and cannot unreasonably withhold it.

Is an ECIR the same as a completion certificate?

No. An ECIR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is an inspection report on an existing installation, assessing its current condition against regulations. A completion certificate is issued for new or altered works at the time they are completed. They serve different purposes and one does not substitute for the other.