An electrician handles everything from replacing sockets and the consumer unit to running new wiring, installing EV chargers and fault-finding. In Sweden, fixed electrical installation may only be carried out by a company registered with Elsäkerhetsverket, and checking that takes a minute before you hire.
What an electrician does
Common household jobs
- Replacing faulty sockets and switches
- Running new wiring and adding sockets
- Replacing or upgrading the consumer unit (elcentral)
- Installing lighting, spotlights and outdoor lighting
- Installing an EV charger
- Connecting hobs, ovens and other fixed appliances
- Fault-finding: tripping RCDs, flickering lights
During renovation
All electrical work in kitchens and bathrooms needs planning early. Bathrooms also have specific rules about where sockets and fittings may sit relative to water, which is one reason the work requires a registered company.
Check certification first
Fixed electrical installation may only be carried out by an electrical installation company registered with Elsäkerhetsverket, the Swedish Electrical Safety Authority. You can look the company up in their register before hiring.
Do it. Badly executed electrical work is a fire risk, and an installation done without certification can affect your home insurance if something happens. Also check the company holds approved F-skatt, or the ROT deduction is lost.
What you may do yourself
Swedish rules here are clearer than many newcomers expect.
Normally allowed:
- Replacing a faulty switch or socket with an identical one
- Changing a lamp holder in dry rooms
- Fitting plugs and extension leads
- Repairing a damaged flex
- Replacing a fuse
Not allowed:
- Work in the consumer unit
- Running new fixed wiring or adding new sockets
- Any electrical work in bathrooms and other wet rooms
- Outdoor installation
- Any work in explosive environments
If you are unsure, do not. The cost difference between doing it properly and fixing a fault afterwards always favours the professional, and you carry the risk.
Electrical emergencies
Signs of danger: a burning smell, sparks, a socket or junction box that gets hot, discoloured sockets, or a fuse that trips repeatedly.
- Switch off the power at the main breaker or the relevant fuse
- Do not use the socket in the meantime
- Call a certified electrical installation company immediately
- Call 112 if there is smoke or fire
A fuse that trips repeatedly is not an annoyance, it is a warning. Never fit a higher-rated fuse to stop it happening — that removes the protection designed to prevent a fire.
If you live in an apartment
In a bostadsrätt (owned apartment) you are normally responsible for the electrics inside the apartment, while the association handles risers and communal installations. The dividing line is set out in the association's rules.
Contact the association before ordering larger electrical work, particularly in bathrooms. Many changes require permission.
In a rental, report faults to the landlord. You should not hire anyone yourself, and you get no ROT deduction.
RCDs and older installations
If you have an older house or apartment, two things are worth checking:
- Residual current device (jordfelsbrytare). It cuts the power when a fault occurs and protects against electric shock. If there is none, fitting one is among the most valuable upgrades available.
- The age of the consumer unit. Old fuse boxes rarely cope with modern loads from induction hobs, EV chargers and heavy electronics.
An electrician can carry out an electrical inspection of the whole installation. That is money well spent before buying an older house, or before installing an EV charger.
ROT for electrical work
Installation and repair in a home you own earns a 30 percent ROT deduction on the labour in 2026, up to 50,000 SEK per person per year (Skatteverket).
Materials do not qualify, and ROT does not apply at all in rented homes. See electrician cost and ROT for prices and a worked example.
Common questions
What does an electrician help with?
Replacing sockets, switches and the consumer unit, new wiring, lighting and EV chargers, fault-finding, and all electrical work during renovations.
How do I check the electrician is certified?
Search the register at Elsäkerhetsverket before hiring.
What am I allowed to do myself in Sweden?
Replacing a faulty switch or socket with an identical one, changing a lamp holder in dry rooms, fitting extension leads and replacing a fuse.
What must I never do myself?
Work in the consumer unit, new fixed wiring, any work in bathrooms and wet rooms, and outdoor installation.
What do I do in an electrical emergency?
Switch off the power at the main breaker and call a certified company. Call 112 for smoke or fire.
Does electrical work qualify for ROT?
Yes, 30 percent on the labour in a home you own (Skatteverket).
Related guides: electrician cost and ROT, the ROT deduction and kitchen renovation. Back to electrical in Stockholm.