Do I Need an Electrician for My Campervan? (When DIY Isn't Enough)
Most of your campervan electrical system can be installed yourself — but some parts really should be done by a qualified professional. Understanding where the line falls can save you money while keeping you safe.
Design before you build
Our free calculator designs your complete system, so you know exactly what needs installing before you start — or before you brief an electrician.
What You Can DIY Safely
All 12V DC work is generally safe for competent DIYers:
- 12V battery installation — mounting, wiring, and fusing
- DC-DC charger wiring — following manufacturer instructions
- Solar panel mounting and wiring — roof panels to MPPT controller
- 12V distribution — fuse box, LED lights, USB sockets, water pump
- Battery monitoring — SmartShunt, Victron BMV setup
The key with 12V work is using the correct wire gauges and fuse sizes. Our wire gauge calculator handles this automatically, and our fuse sizing guide explains the 125% rule.
What Needs a Professional
230V AC Wiring
Any mains voltage (230V) work should be done or at minimum inspected by a qualified electrician. This includes:
- Consumer unit wiring — RCD, MCBs, and earth bonding
- 230V socket installation — connecting to inverter output
- Shore power inlet and hookup — mains input to charger/consumer unit
- Earth bonding — critical safety requirement
230V can kill
Mains voltage is lethal. In the UK, there's no legal requirement for a qualified electrician to do campervan 230V work (unlike domestic properties), but the safety risk makes professional installation strongly advisable. At minimum, have a qualified electrician inspect your work.
When to Hire for 12V Too
Consider hiring a professional for 12V work if:
- You've never done any electrical work before
- Your system is complex (multiple batteries, high-current inverter)
- You want insurance-compliant documentation
- You're selling the van commercially
Finding a Campervan Electrician
Look for electricians who specifically advertise campervan/motorhome work. They'll understand the unique challenges (mobile environment, vibration, vehicle earthing) that a domestic electrician may not.
Expect to pay: £300-£500/day for a specialist campervan electrician in the UK.
Get a certificate
If you have a professional do your 230V work, ask for a test certificate. This documents that the installation has been tested and meets safety standards — useful for insurance and resale.
FAQ
Is there a legal requirement for a qualified electrician in a campervan?
In the UK, there's no legal requirement like Part P for domestic properties. However, if your van is used commercially or needs an MOT with electrical systems, having professional documentation is valuable.
How much does a campervan electrician cost?
Specialist campervan electricians typically charge £300-£500 per day. A full 230V installation (consumer unit, sockets, shore power inlet) usually takes 1-2 days.
Can I do the 12V work myself and hire an electrician for 230V only?
Absolutely — this is the most common approach. Do all the 12V work yourself, then bring in a professional for the consumer unit, RCD, and 230V sockets.