Finding an English Speaking Electrician in Prague

Electrical problems in older Prague flats range from a tripped breaker to wiring that has not been touched for decades. A qualified electrician (elektrikář) can tell the difference.

Safety first

• Smell burning, see scorch marks, or hear crackling? Switch off the affected circuit — or the whole flat — at the distribution board (rozvaděč), and do not switch it back on until it has been checked.
• A breaker keeps tripping? That is a warning sign, not an inconvenience. Unplug appliances on that circuit and call an electrician.
• Never work on wiring yourself unless you are qualified.

Electrician or handyman?

If in doubt, choose the electrician. Electrical work in the Czech Republic must be carried out by people with the appropriate professional qualification.

What to ask

1. What qualification do you have for this kind of work? A professional will answer without hesitation.
2. Will this job need an inspection report? New or altered installations are often checked and documented in an electrical inspection report (revizní zpráva, often just called revize). Landlords and insurers may ask for it.
3. What is the call-out fee and hourly rate, and is VAT included?
4. Do you supply the materials, and are they included in the price?

Renting?

Tell your landlord before arranging work. Faults in the building's wiring are usually not yours to fix or pay for, and your landlord may need the inspection report afterwards.

Useful Czech words