Cost of Generator Sales and Installation
across the UK

# Generator Sales and Installation Accreditation

In the UK, several trade bodies and regulatory schemes govern generator sales and installation. The most relevant include the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA), which ensures electrical safety standards are met, and OFTEC (Oil Firing Technical Association), which specifically covers oil-fired generator installations. For gas-powered generators, engineers should be Gas Safe registered, a legal requirement overseen by the HSE. Additionally, the Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE) and various ISO standards (such as ISO 9001 for quality management) provide further assurance. These accreditations mean that a company has met rigorous safety, technical, and professional standards set by industry experts, and that their work complies with current Building Regulations and Health and Safety legislation.

To verify a provider's credentials, you should ask for their specific accreditation numbers and check these directly on the relevant trade body's website before committing to any work. For Gas Safe engineers, you can search the official Gas Safe Register online using their company name or engineer ID. Similarly, the ECA and OFTEC maintain searchable registers of accredited members. It is also worth requesting references from recent installations and checking whether they hold relevant public liability and professional indemnity insurance. This verification matters because it protects you legally; if something goes wrong, an accredited installer's insurance and professional standards offer you recourse, whereas an unaccredited operator may leave you out of pocket or facing safety risks.

Accredited providers typically charge 10 to 20 percent more than unaccredited competitors, reflecting the costs of maintaining certification, professional training, and insurance. However, this premium is usually justified because accredited work is guaranteed to meet current safety standards, often comes with formal warranties and guarantees, and ensures your installation passes Building Control inspection without costly remedial work. If your generator is for a commercial property or is