House Wiring Cost in Sri Lanka (2025 Complete Electrical Guide)
House Wiring Cost in Sri Lanka (2025 Complete Electrical Guide)
Wiring is the nervous system of your house. Get it wrong, and you risk electrical fires, fried appliances, and massive electricity bills.
Unlike other construction trades, electrical work is often quoted "per point"—a concept that confuses most homeowners. What exactly is a point? What's included? And how do you avoid being overcharged?
In this detailed guide, I explain the complete cost of electrical installation for a new house in 2025, from the CEB meter to the last plug socket.
Table of Contents
- Understanding the "Per Point" System
- What's Included in a Point?
- Material Costs Breakdown
- Distribution Board (DB Box) Setup
- Single Phase vs Three Phase
- Light Fittings and Accessories
- Total Budget Calculation
- Safety Essentials
- FAQs
1. Understanding the "Per Point" System
Electricians in Sri Lanka don't charge by the hour—they charge by the point.
What is a Point? A point is a single electrical outlet or switch. Each of these counts as one point:
- 1 Light bulb
- 1 Ceiling fan
- 1 Plug socket (13A)
- 1 A/C outlet (15A)
- 1 Switch controlling a light
The 2025 Rate:
- Labor Only: Rs. 1,500 - 2,000 per point
- Labor + Material: Rs. 4,000 - 5,500 per point
Most homeowners opt for the combined "Labor + Material" rate because it's simpler. But if you want to control quality, buy materials yourself and pay labor only.
2. What's Included in a Point?
When an electrician quotes Rs. 4,500 per point (the 2025 average), here's what you should get:
| Item | Standard Inclusion |
|---|---|
| Wire | 1.0mm (lighting) or 2.5mm (power) ACL/Kelani cable |
| Conduit Pipe | S-Lon PVC pipe (buried in walls) |
| Switch/Socket | Orange or Kevilton standard (budget brands) |
| Sunk Box | Plastic or metal box embedded in wall |
| Installation | Chasing walls, laying pipe, pulling wire, connecting |
What's Usually NOT Included:
- Light fixtures (bulbs, chandeliers, fans)
- The main Distribution Box (DB)
- CEB meter connection fee
- Earth rod installation
- Surge protection
💡 Pro Tip: Get the exact brand and wire gauge in writing. Some contractors quote cheap prices but use thin 1.0mm wire for power points (which is dangerous) or unbranded switches (that fail within months).
3. Material Costs Breakdown
Understanding material costs helps you spot inflated quotes.
Wires (ACL / Kelani - Industry Standard)
| Wire Size | Use Case | Price (Per 90m Roll) |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0mm Single Core | Lighting circuits | Rs. 6,500 - 7,500 |
| 1.5mm Single Core | Lighting (main runs) | Rs. 9,000 - 10,500 |
| 2.5mm Single Core | Power sockets (13A) | Rs. 14,500 - 16,500 |
| 4.0mm Single Core | Air conditioners, heavy loads | Rs. 23,000 - 26,000 |
| 6.0mm Single Core | Submains, high current | Rs. 35,000 - 40,000 |
Switches and Sockets (Brands Comparison)
| Brand | Quality Tier | 13A Socket Price | 2-Way Switch Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange | Premium (Market Leader) | Rs. 450 - 550 | Rs. 380 - 450 |
| Kevilton | Premium (Designer) | Rs. 500 - 650 | Rs. 400 - 500 |
| Yaki/Sino | Budget | Rs. 250 - 350 | Rs. 200 - 280 |
| Imported (China) | Low Quality | Rs. 150 - 200 | Rs. 100 - 150 |
⚠️ Warning: Avoid Chinese unbranded switches. They have poor contact points that spark, heat up, and can cause fires. Stick to ACL wires and Orange/Kevilton switches.
Conduit Pipes (S-Lon / Anton)
| Size | Use | Price (Per 10ft Length) |
|---|---|---|
| 20mm (Small) | Lighting circuits | Rs. 350 - 450 |
| 25mm (Medium) | Power circuits | Rs. 450 - 550 |
| 32mm (Large) | Main runs, multiple cables | Rs. 600 - 750 |
4. Distribution Board (DB Box) Setup
The Distribution Board is the "heart" of your electrical system. It receives power from the CEB meter and distributes it to all circuits in your house.
DB Components
| Item | Purpose | Cost (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
| DB Enclosure (12-way) | Metal box housing all components | 6,000 - 12,000 |
| Main Switch (63A) | Isolates entire house | 2,500 - 4,000 |
| RCD (Residual Current Device) | Protects against electric shock | 8,000 - 12,000 |
| MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) | One per circuit (room/AC) | 1,200 - 1,800 each |
| Surge Protector | Protects from lightning | 12,000 - 18,000 |
| Busbar and Wiring | Internal connections | 3,000 - 5,000 |
Typical DB Setup Cost: Rs. 40,000 - 70,000 (including installation labor)
MCB Circuit Planning
| Circuit | MCB Rating | Wire Size |
|---|---|---|
| Lighting (per floor) | 10A or 16A | 1.5mm |
| Plug sockets | 16A or 20A | 2.5mm |
| Kitchen (heavy equipment) | 20A | 2.5mm |
| Air Conditioner (each) | 20A | 4.0mm |
| Water Heater | 16A | 2.5mm |
5. Single Phase vs Three Phase
Single Phase (Standard)
- Typical Supply: 30A
- CEB Connection Fee: Rs. 35,000 - 50,000
- Best For: Small to medium houses with 1-2 A/Cs
- Maximum Simultaneous Load: ~7kW
Three Phase
- Typical Supply: 60A (20A per phase)
- CEB Connection Fee: Rs. 100,000 - 150,000
- Best For: Large houses with 3+ A/Cs, workshop equipment, EV charging
- Maximum Simultaneous Load: ~20kW
When You Need Three Phase:
- More than 3 air conditioners running simultaneously
- Heavy machinery (workshop, bakery)
- Future EV charger installation
- Solar system larger than 5kW
Cost Implication: Three-phase wiring costs 50-70% more because you need specialized meters, 4-core cables, and separate circuits for each phase.
6. Light Fittings and Accessories
The wiring point cost doesn't include the actual light fixtures.
Light Fixture Prices
| Type | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| LED Panel (6W Square) | Rs. 800 - 1,500 | Most popular for ceilings |
| LED Downlight (9W) | Rs. 1,200 - 2,500 | False ceiling recessed |
| Ceiling Fan (56") | Rs. 12,000 - 35,000 | KDK, Usha, Orient |
| Chandelier | Rs. 15,000 - 150,000+ | Living room statement piece |
| Wall Light (Decorative) | Rs. 3,000 - 10,000 | Bedroom, corridor |
| Garden Light (Solar) | Rs. 2,500 - 8,000 | No wiring needed |
For a 3-bedroom house: Budget Rs. 100,000 - 200,000 for light fittings.
7. Total Budget Calculation (For a 3-Bedroom House)
Typical Point Count
| Area | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Living Room | 8-10 | 3 lights, 2 fans, 4-5 sockets |
| Kitchen | 6-8 | 2 lights, 5-6 sockets (appliances) |
| Dining Room | 4-5 | 1 light, 1 fan, 2-3 sockets |
| Master Bedroom | 6-7 | 2 lights, 1 fan, 3-4 sockets, 1 A/C |
| Bedroom 2 | 5-6 | 2 lights, 1 fan, 2-3 sockets |
| Bedroom 3 | 5-6 | 2 lights, 1 fan, 2-3 sockets |
| Bathrooms (x2) | 4 | 2 lights, 2 exhaust fans |
| Corridor/Stairs | 4-6 | 3-4 lights, 1-2 sockets |
| Outdoor/Garden | 4-6 | 3 lights, 2 sockets, gate motor |
| TOTAL | 50-60 Points |
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Calculation | Amount (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
| Wiring (55 points × Rs. 4,500) | 55 × 4,500 | 247,500 |
| A/C Points (3 × Rs. 8,000) | Higher rate for 4mm wire | 24,000 |
| Distribution Board Setup | Complete DB | 60,000 |
| CEB Connection (Single Phase) | Deposit + fee | 45,000 |
| Light Fittings | Fans, LEDs | 150,000 |
| Earth Rod Installation | Safety requirement | 12,000 |
| TOTAL | 538,500 |
Budget: Rs. 500,000 - 600,000 for complete electrical work in a 3-bedroom house.
8. Safety Essentials
Mandatory Safety Features
RCD (Earth Leakage Protection)
- Cuts power within 30 milliseconds if current leaks to ground
- Prevents electrocution
- Test monthly: Press the "T" button; it must trip immediately
Proper Earthing
- Copper earth rod (6ft) buried in damp soil
- All sockets, A/C units, and metal fixtures connected to earth
- Cost: Rs. 10,000 - 15,000
Surge Protector
- Protects appliances from lightning and voltage spikes
- Essential in areas with frequent thunderstorms
- Cost: Rs. 12,000 - 18,000
Quality Wiring
- Use only ACL or Kelani cables (Sri Lankan ISI certified)
- Never use thin/undersized wires
- Ensure all connections are properly tightened
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How many points does a typical house need?
- 2-bedroom house: 35-45 points
- 3-bedroom house: 50-60 points
- Luxury 4-bedroom: 70-90 points
Q2: Can I do electrical work myself?
Minor repairs (changing a switch) are fine, but new wiring should be done by a licensed electrician. Poor wiring causes fires. Also, CEB won't connect power without a certificate from a certified electrician.
Q3: What wire should I use for A/C units?
4.0mm for each A/C unit. Never use 2.5mm—the wire will overheat under continuous A/C load.
Q4: Why is my electricity bill so high?
Possible causes:
- Poor quality/thin wiring (resistance)
- Old appliances
- Power leakage (faulty earth)
- Meter error (request CEB check)
Q5: Should I install solar wiring now even if not installing panels?
Yes. Installing empty conduit pipes from roof to DB during construction costs Rs. 10,000-15,000. Retrofitting later costs Rs. 50,000+. Future-proof your house.
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