Electrical Wiring Cost Per Meter in Egypt 2026 — What Are You Paying For?
When you request quotes from three electricians, the first says "per meter so-and-so", the second gives a figure 20% lower, and the third mentions "per meter all-inclusive" without specifying what that includes. These numbers cannot be compared because they do not measure the same thing — does it include copper cable and conduit, or just labour? What size and type of cable? Is there engineering supervision? The gap between one figure and another can mean the difference between safe wiring that lasts twenty years and a job you redo from scratch in two.
By the Ases Kahraba team — Last updated: April 2026
Electrical Wiring Price Per Meter in Egypt: What Is Actually Included?
- Core materials in every metre — the copper cable at its specified cross-section, the rigid plastic conduit (PVC pipe) the cable runs through for protection from moisture and damage, and junction boxes at every connection point. Omitting any of these elements means an incomplete installation that does not meet electrical safety requirements. Some electricians quote per metre without conduit to lower the initial figure, then add it later as a separate line item, while others substitute certified cable for uncertified wire.
- Labour (installation cost) — affected by wall type (concrete vs brick), required chase depth, and number of branches per run. Concrete walls take longer to cut and raise labour costs noticeably compared to standard brick. Any quote giving a single "per metre" figure without separating materials from labour is a quote you cannot hold anyone accountable to when the scope shifts.
- Engineering supervision — means actual certified load calculations, real circuit separation between lighting, outlets, and A/C, and compliance with Egyptian Code wire sizing. This differs fundamentally from a worker drawing on personal experience without documentation. Absent supervision makes it nearly impossible to reference anything when the first fault or technical inspection arises.
Copper Wire Prices by Size — Egypt 2026
Figures are approximate based on Q1 2026 market averages and subject to London copper price fluctuations and local inflation — always verify with your supplier before finalising any budget.
| Size | Type | Price/metre (EGP) | Main Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5mm | Stranded | 17–25 | Lighting & standard outlets |
| 4mm | Fine/stranded | 31–36 | A/C & high-load appliances |
| 10mm | Stranded | 68–93 | Main feeder line |
Which Wire Size for Which Circuit?
- The rule is direct: 2.5mm for lighting and standard outlets, 4mm for A/C units and high-draw appliances, 10mm or larger for the main feeder from the panel. Using 2.5mm on a 2-ton A/C circuit means operating the cable above its designed load rating — a potential fire hazard over time. Per-metre cost for 2.5mm wire starts at 17 EGP; 4mm starts at 31 EGP. The price gap is clear, but the consequences of undersizing cost many times more to fix.
- A single-phase run uses three conductors: phase, neutral, earth. A three-phase run adds three phase conductors instead of one, raising total conductor volume by roughly 40–60%, plus a higher-cost distribution panel and different breakers. Three-phase is a genuine engineering requirement for villas with heavy loads: central A/C systems, lifts, industrial ovens. In a standard residential apartment, a correctly designed single-phase installation with proper load calculations is fully sufficient — adding three-phase without engineering justification adds cost with no real benefit.
Factors That Raise or Lower the Wiring Cost Per Metre
- What raises the price: wire quality (certified cable vs uncertified), conduit type (hard rigid PVC vs flexible), chase work in reinforced concrete ceilings that takes considerably longer, and high electrical point density per room meaning branched and complex routing.
- Signs of a suspiciously cheap quote: no engineering supervision, aluminium wire instead of copper (prohibited in residential internal installations in Egypt), earth conductor omitted to reduce quantities, or cable undersized below recommended ratings. The cheaper per-metre price almost always gets paid twice — once at installation, once at repair.
How to Estimate Your Project Cost and Evaluate a Quote
- Before calling any electrician: measure total wiring runs in metres per room, count all electrical points (outlets, switches, A/C points, lighting points), and determine the number of circuits needed by room type. This bill of quantities prevents any contractor from inflating numbers in their quote and makes comparing three quotes meaningful because you are comparing the same scope against the same standards.
- A serious quote has separate line items: materials by type, size, and quantity; labour in full detail; engineering supervision if applicable; and conduit type. Any quote giving one lump-sum figure without itemisation is a quote you cannot hold anyone accountable to when scope or quality changes during the work — that is the core of the problem.
In Summary
The cost of electrical wiring per metre in Egypt is not a fixed number — it is the result of several combined elements: cable type and size, labour cost in full detail, and engineering supervision that ensures everything complies with technical specifications. A single lump-sum figure without a breakdown measures nothing you can compare or hold anyone accountable for. The client who prepares a bill of quantities and understands each quote line item protects themselves from the wrong choice before any work begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does electrical wiring cost per metre in Egypt in 2026?
The per-metre price varies by what the quote includes. 2.5mm copper wire ranges from 17 to 25 EGP per metre; 4mm ranges from 31 to 36 EGP; 10mm ranges from 68 to 93 EGP. Conduit, junction boxes, and labour are added on top, so the total all-in price per completed metre varies by project depending on materials and site conditions.
Does the per-metre price include both materials and labour?
Not necessarily. Some quotes bundle materials and labour together; others separate them. What matters most is that the quote itemises every line clearly so you can compare and hold the contractor accountable.
Should I use 2.5mm or 4mm cable for my A/C unit?
2.5mm is appropriate for lighting and standard outlets. A/C circuits require a minimum of 4mm according to conductor loading tables. Using an undersized cable means running it above its designed load rating — continuous thermal stress that can lead to long-term safety hazards.
Can I skip engineering supervision to save money?
In practice, absent supervision means absent load calculations and absent documented specifications — making it very difficult to reference anything at the first fault or technical inspection. Engineering supervision is not a luxury add-on; it is the guarantee that the work was done correctly from the start.