Essential Electrician Technical Requirements
• Cable Standard: Require full-gauge pure copper cables from certified Nigerian manufacturers (such as Coleman, Cutix, or Nigerchin). Reject sub-gauge or aluminium cables disguised as copper, as they overheat under load and create fire hazards.
• Cable Sizing Protocol: Demand exact cable ratings for specific loads:
o 1.5mm²: Lighting circuits only.
o 2.5mm²: Standard 13A socket ring/radial mains.
o 4.0mm²–6.0mm²: Dedicated radial circuits for Air Conditioners (ACs), water heaters, and heavy kitchen appliances.
o 10mm²–16mm²: Main supply lines from the meter to the distribution board.
• Protection & Distribution: A safe Consumer Unit (Distribution Board) must feature a main isolator switch, separate Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) for each circuit, and a Residual Current Device (RCD/ELCB) to protect against electrocution and earth faults.
• Earthing System: Ensure a dedicated earth pit with a copper rod and earth bonding is installed and tested (< 5 ohms resistance). Never allow neutral-to-earth bridging at sockets.
Labour & Repair Cost Estimates (NGN)
• Minor Socket/Switch Repairs: ₦3,000 – ₦8,000 per point (troubleshooting short circuits, changing burnt wall sockets, or replacing single breakers).
• Labour for Full Flat Wiring (Pipings, Surface Pulling & Terminations):
o 3-Bedroom Flat: ₦180,000 – ₦350,000 (Labour only).
o 4-Bedroom Flat/Duplex: ₦300,000 – ₦550,000 (Labour only).
o Alternatively, electricians often charge a flat fee per point: ₦3,500 – ₦6,500 per point for piping, wiring, and fitting termination combined.
Electrical Material Cost Breakdown (NGN)
Material Category Item Description Estimated Cost Range
Cables (Per 100m Roll) 1.5mm² Single Core (Lighting) ₦34,000 – ₦59,000
2.5mm² Single Core (Sockets) ₦64,000 – ₦89,000
4.0mm² Single Core (AC / Water Heater) ₦90,000 – ₦135,000
6.0mm² Single Core (Heavy Appliances) ₦130,000 – ₦185,000
Distribution & Control 8–12 Way Consumer Unit (DB Box) ₦35,000 – ₦80,000
MCBs (Single Pole Breakers) ₦2,500 – ₦6,000 each
Main Changeover Switch / ATS ₦45,000 – ₦120,000
Fittings & Accessories Single/Double Wall Socket Outlets ₦1,500 – ₦5,000 each
Wall Switches (1-Gang to 3-Gang) ₦1,200 – ₦4,000 each
AC Switches (20A/45A with Neons) ₦3,500 – ₦9,000 each
Conduits & Earthing PVC Conduit Pipes & Junction Boxes ₦50,000 – ₦120,000 (for full flat)
Copper Earth Rod, Cable & Accessories ₦35,000 – ₦70,000
All-In Budget Estimate for Full Flat Wiring (Materials + Labour)
• 3-Bedroom Flat: ₦750,000 – ₦1,500,000 (depends on the total number of points and quality of wall fittings chosen).
• 4-Bedroom Flat / Duplex: ₦1,200,000 – ₦2,500,000+.