Cost of Electric Drills and Power Tools
across the UK

# Electric Drills and Power Tools Accreditation

The main UK regulatory framework for power tools centres on compliance with the Supply of Machinery Regulations 2008 and the relevant British Standards, particularly BS EN 60745, which covers electric power tools and their safety requirements. Key trade bodies include the Electrical Safety Council (ESC), which promotes safe electrical practices across industries, and trade associations such as the British Power Tool Association (part of the British Retail Consortium framework), which sets standards for manufacturers and distributors. Additionally, many retailers and service providers seek voluntary certification from bodies like the UKAS (UK Accreditation Service), which verifies that testing and compliance procedures meet international standards. CE marking on power tools indicates compliance with EU-derived safety directives that remain applicable in the UK, while FETA (Federation of Environmental Trade Associations) membership indicates commitment to environmental and quality standards. Understanding these designations helps customers distinguish between suppliers who simply stock tools and those who actively maintain safety and quality standards throughout their operations.

Verifying a provider's credentials involves checking for relevant certificates on their website, requesting documentation directly, and cross-referencing claims with the official registers maintained by UKAS and relevant trade bodies. Legitimate accredited providers should display their certification number, the scope of their accreditation, and renewal dates; these can usually be verified via the UKAS online register or through individual trade body websites. This verification matters considerably because accredited providers have undergone independent audits of their testing equipment, staff training, storage conditions, and after-sales support processes. For something as potentially dangerous as power tools, accreditation demonstrates that a retailer or service centre has been assessed by a third party to ensure tools are correctly calibrated, safely stored, and properly serviced—reducing the risk of purchasing faulty equipment or receiving substandard repairs that could lead to injury or equipment failure.

Accredited