Typical costs
Most electricians have a minimum call-out charge, so it's often worth combining several small jobs in one visit.
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Replace a ceiling pendant like for like | £50 – £100 |
| Fit a heavy fitting or chandelier | £100 – £250 |
| Install three pendants over a kitchen island | £200 – £450 |
| Move a light position (new cable run) | £120 – £300 |
| Add a dimmer switch | £50 – £120 |
| High ceiling or stairwell needing a tower | +£80 – £200 |
Indicative pendant light installation prices (2026, labour)
Fixings for heavy fittings
A standard ceiling rose isn't designed for heavy fittings. Glass chandeliers, large shades and multi-pendant clusters need a secure fixing into a joist or a timber noggin fitted between joists, or a heavy-duty ceiling anchor in concrete. Check the fitting's weight before booking the electrician, so they can bring the right fixings.
Light fittings with metal parts need an earth connection. Older lighting circuits without an earth may need upgrading before a Class I metal fitting can be safely installed. See earthing and bonding explained.
How high should pendants hang?
Measure before your electrician arrives, and have the cable or chain length ready to adjust on the day.
- Over a dining table: around 75–85cm above the table top
- Over a kitchen island: around 75–90cm above the worktop
- In walkways: at least 2.1m above the floor
- In hallways and stairwells: high enough to clear the tallest person on the stairs
- Multiple pendants: space them evenly, roughly 60–80cm apart
Need an electrician?
Describe the job and compare free quotes from local electricians near you.
- Free to use
- No obligation
- Compare local electricians
- Quick online form
You'll continue to our quotes partner, MyJobQuote, to describe your electrical job.
Kitchen islands and new positions
Pendants over a kitchen island are rarely in the same place as the original light. The electrician will run new cable from the existing lighting circuit to the new positions, usually through the ceiling void from above if there's a floor overhead, or by cutting small access holes. A separate switch or a dimmer for the island lights is common. See planning kitchen electrics and cost to install a new lighting circuit.
Dimmers and smart bulbs
If you want to dim pendants, check the bulbs are dimmable and the dimmer suits LED loads. Mismatched dimmers and LEDs cause buzzing and flicker. Smart bulbs are another option and need no new wiring, but the wall switch must stay on. See LED dimmer buzzing and flicker and smart switches and the neutral wire.
Get quotes from local electricians and mention the type, weight and number of fittings.
