Home Generator Installation in Wembley

County: London

A home generator installation is a practical solution for UK homeowners who want reliable backup power during power cuts or in areas with frequent outages. It’s particularly useful for those working from home, running medical equipment, or living in rural locations. With increasing weather-related disruptions and pressure on the UK grid, a standby generator can keep essential appliances and heating running when the mains supply fails. Generators vary in size and fuel type, but this article focuses on professionally installed, fixed generators connected to your home’s electrical system. These systems automatically switch on during an outage, providing peace of mind without the noise and inconvenience of portable generators.

Open full page →

⭐ Introduction

Generators vary in size and fuel type, but this article focuses on professionally installed, fixed generators connected to your home’s electrical system. These systems automatically switch on during an outage, providing peace of mind without the noise and inconvenience of portable generators.

🔧 What the job involves

Installing a home generator involves several key steps, all handled by a qualified electrician experienced in standby power systems. Here’s a plain-English overview:

Site survey: The electrician inspects your property to determine the best location for the generator, considering ventilation, noise, airflow, and proximity to your fuse box or consumer unit.
Choosing the right generator: The size and type depend on your power needs, fuel preference (typically petrol, diesel, or LPG), and local planning restrictions.
Electrical connection: The generator connects to your home via an automatic transfer switch (ATS), which safely switches power from the mains to the generator during outages.
Fuel supply setup: If your generator uses LPG or diesel, the installer sets up safe fuel storage and connections, ensuring compliance with UK safety standards.
Testing and commissioning: Once installed, the system is tested for correct operation and safety, including checking earthing and bonding arrangements.
Certification: The electrician will provide any necessary certificates and paperwork confirming the installation meets UK electrical safety standards (BS 7671) and Building Regulations.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

Initial enquiry: Contact a qualified electrician offering generator installations—preferably those registered with a professional body like NICEIC.
Site survey and consultation: The electrician visits your home to assess your needs, discuss your power requirements, and inspect the site.
Quotation: You receive a detailed quote covering materials, labour, any additional work, and estimated timescales.
Scheduling the work: Agree on a convenient date for installation. Some projects may require a planning application for external fuel tanks or noise restrictions.
On installation day: The electrician delivers and places the generator, installs wiring and the transfer switch, sets up fuel connections, and performs all electrical work.
Testing: The system is fully tested to ensure it switches over safely and powers the selected circuits.
Handover and paperwork: You receive user instructions, relevant certificates, and advice on servicing schedules.

💷 Main costs to expect

Labour: Electrician’s time for installation and testing, typically charged per hour or a fixed project rate.
Generator unit: Cost of the generator itself, which varies by power output and fuel type.
Automatic transfer switch: Essential for safe power transfer, usually included but sometimes separate.
Fuel storage: LPG or diesel tanks and associated safety fittings.
Additional electrical work: Upgrading consumer unit or additional wiring if required.
Disposal: Removal of old equipment or waste materials.
Certification: Some electricians include this in their fees; others itemise it.

Example costs breakdown:

Item	Approximate Cost (£)
Generator (5kW standby)	£2,000 – £3,500
Labour and installation	£800 – £1,500
Automatic transfer switch	£300 – £600
Fuel storage setup	£500 – £1,000 (if needed)
Electrical upgrades	£200 – £800 (optional)
Certification paperwork	Included or £50 – £100

📊 What affects the price

Site access: Difficult or constrained access can add time and cost.
Size and power output: Larger generators cost more, both in unit price and installation complexity.
Fuel type: LPG installations require tanks and safety fittings; diesel models need proper storage and venting.
Electrical complexity: Older or small consumer units may require upgrades for safety and compliance.
Planning or building regulations: External tanks or positioning near boundaries may require permissions.
Need for remedial work: Fixing existing electrical faults or installing new circuits adds to cost.
Location: Rural or remote properties may have higher call-out charges.
Urgency: Expedited work can be more expensive.

⏱ How long does it take?

Standard installation: Typically 1 to 3 days for a straightforward generator installation with easy site access and no upgrades.
Complex setups: If you require new electrical circuits, fuel storage tanks installed, or planning permissions, the job may take 3 to 5 days or longer.
Testing and commissioning: Usually completed on the final day, adding a few hours.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

Installing a home generator is not recommended as a DIY project:

Safety risks: Involves complex electrical work connected directly to your mains supply, which is dangerous without appropriate training.
Legal requirements: UK regulations (BS 7671) require electrical work in dwellings to be safely installed and often notified under Part P of the Building Regulations.
Fuel handling: LPG or diesel fuel storage and connections demand specialist knowledge and compliance with safety standards.
Certification: Only registered electricians can provide legal certification needed for insurance and future property sales.

Always hire a qualified Electrician, ideally one registered with a competent person scheme, for home generator installations.

💰 Typical UK price range

For a standard home generator installation in the UK, you can expect prices roughly between:

£3,500 – £6,000 (inc. VAT)

This includes a mid-range 5kW standby generator, automatic transfer switch, installation labour, and basic fuel storage if required. More extensive setups or high-capacity generators will cost more.

Prices vary by region and installer; always request detailed quotes and clear terms.

✅ Handy tips before you start

Check insurance: Inform your home insurer before installing a generator to confirm coverage and any conditions.
Prepare paperwork: Keep all certificates, manuals, and receipts safely for future reference or property sale.
Plan fuel delivery: Arrange regular fuel supply or top-ups, especially with diesel or LPG systems.
Noise considerations: Discuss potential noise levels with your electrician and neighbours to avoid nuisance.
Maintenance: Arrange annual servicing with a professional to ensure reliable operation and safety.
Location: Choose a well-ventilated, weather-protected, and accessible spot for the generator.
Understand your system: Ask your electrician for a clear user guide on how to operate and test your generator.

A properly installed standby generator is a valuable investment in your home’s resilience and comfort. Taking the time to understand the process and requirements will help make the installation smooth and effective.

Checkatrade Which? Trusted Traders TrustATrader MyBuilder Rated People

Other electricians projects in Wembley

Appliance Repair
Appliance Repair by a vetted local pro.
Bathroom TV Installation
Bathroom TV Installation by a vetted local pro.
Ceiling Fan Installation
Ceiling Fan Installation by a vetted local pro.
Chandelier Installation
Chandelier Installation by a vetted local pro.
Change a hard wired appliance point to a normal power socket
Change a hard wired appliance point to a normal power socket by a vetted local pro.
Connect a cooker or other appliance to an existing hard-wired power outlet
Connect a cooker or other appliance to an existing hard-wired power outlet by a vetted local pro.
Cooker Hood Repair
Cooker Hood Repair by a vetted local pro.
Diagnose and fix an electrical fault
Diagnose and fix an electrical fault by a vetted local pro.
Dimmer Switches Installation
Dimmer Switches Installation by a vetted local pro.
Disconnect a hard-wired cooker or other appliance
Disconnect a hard-wired cooker or other appliance by a vetted local pro.
Do one hour’s electrical work
Do one hour’s electrical work by a vetted local pro.
Drive Over Lights
Drive Over Lights by a vetted local pro.
EICR: Electrical Inspection Condition Report
EICR: Electrical Inspection Condition Report by a vetted local pro.
EPC Certificate
EPC Certificate by a vetted local pro.
Electric Blind
Electric Blind by a vetted local pro.
Electric Car Charger Installation
Electric Car Charger Installation by a vetted local pro.
Electric Fire Installation
Electric Fire Installation by a vetted local pro.
Electric Shower
Electric Shower by a vetted local pro.
Electrical Safety Check
Electrical Safety Check by a vetted local pro.
Electrical Wall Box
Electrical Wall Box by a vetted local pro.
Electrician Hourly Rate
Electrician Hourly Rate by a vetted local pro.
Emergency Electrician
Emergency Electrician by a vetted local pro.
Ethernet and Phone Lines
Ethernet and Phone Lines by a vetted local pro.
Extend wiring for new light where there hasn’t been one before
Extend wiring for new light where there hasn’t been one before by a vetted local pro.
Fire Suppression System
Fire Suppression System by a vetted local pro.
Fit switched fused spur for boiler or other appliance
Fit switched fused spur for boiler or other appliance by a vetted local pro.
Fix a light or light switch which isn’t working properly
Fix a light or light switch which isn’t working properly by a vetted local pro.
Fix a socket which isn’t working
Fix a socket which isn’t working by a vetted local pro.
Fix a tripping fusebox
Fix a tripping fusebox by a vetted local pro.
Fix an electric heater
Fix an electric heater by a vetted local pro.
Fix an extractor fan
Fix an extractor fan by a vetted local pro.
Fix an intercom which isn’t working correctly
Fix an intercom which isn’t working correctly by a vetted local pro.
Fix or replace bathroom pull switch
Fix or replace bathroom pull switch by a vetted local pro.
Hive Installation
Hive Installation by a vetted local pro.
Home Cinema
Home Cinema by a vetted local pro.
Home Lift
Home Lift by a vetted local pro.
Indoor Lights Decor
Indoor Lights Decor by a vetted local pro.
Install Hot Tub power
Running a Hot Tub by a vetted local pro.
Install Recessed Lighting
Installing Recessed Lighting by a vetted local pro.
Install Smart Garage Door Opener
Smart Garage Door Opener by a vetted local pro.
Install Smart Lighting
Smart Lighting by a vetted local pro.
Install Under-Cabinet Lighting
Installing Under-Cabinet Lighting by a vetted local pro.
Install a Smart Meter
Smart Meter by a vetted local pro.
Install a light (to existing wiring)
Install a light (to existing wiring) by a vetted local pro.
Install a nest thermostat
Install a nest thermostat by a vetted local pro.
Install a new power outlet for a cooker or other hard-wired appliance and connect the appliance
Install a new power outlet for a cooker or other hard-wired appliance and connect the appliance by a vetted local pro.
Install an additional aerial socket
Install an additional aerial socket by a vetted local pro.
Install an additional light switch
Install an additional light switch by a vetted local pro.
Install an additional power socket
Install an additional power socket by a vetted local pro.
Install earth bonding
Install earth bonding by a vetted local pro.
Install new power outlet for a cooker or other hard-wired appliance and connect the appliance
Install new power outlet for a cooker or other hard-wired appliance and connect the appliance by a vetted local pro.
Install new smoke or heat detector
Install new smoke or heat detector by a vetted local pro.
Install or replace a Fusebox
Install or replace a Fusebox by a vetted local pro.
Lawn Mower Repair
Lawn Mower Repair by a vetted local pro.
Loss of power
Loss of power by a vetted local pro.
Motion Sensor Lights Installation
Motion Sensor Lights Installation by a vetted local pro.
Move a light
Move a light by a vetted local pro.
Move a light switch
Move a light switch by a vetted local pro.
Move a power socket
Move a power socket by a vetted local pro.
Move a smoke or heat detector
Move a smoke or heat detector by a vetted local pro.
Move an Electric Meter
Moving an Electric Meter by a vetted local pro.
Move an aerial socket
Move an aerial socket by a vetted local pro.
Move an electric heater
Move an electric heater by a vetted local pro.
Move an intercom handset
Move an intercom handset by a vetted local pro.
New Electric Fuse Box
New Electric Fuse Box by a vetted local pro.
New Plug Sockets
New Plug Sockets by a vetted local pro.
Outdoor Cinema
Outdoor Cinema by a vetted local pro.
Outdoor Lights
Outdoor Lights by a vetted local pro.
Outdoor Socket Installation
Outdoor Socket Installation by a vetted local pro.
Oven Installation
Oven Installation by a vetted local pro.
Oven Repair
Oven Repair by a vetted local pro.
PIV Installation
PIV Installation by a vetted local pro.
Parking Sensor Installation
Parking Sensor Installation by a vetted local pro.
Portable Appliance Testing
Portable Appliance Testing by a vetted local pro.
Projector Installation
Projector Installation by a vetted local pro.
Repair or fix a fire alarm or fire alarm system
Repair or fix a fire alarm or fire alarm system by a vetted local pro.
Replace Circuit Breakers
Replacing Circuit Breakers by a vetted local pro.
Replace a fire alarm/smoke detector
Replace a fire alarm/smoke detector by a vetted local pro.
Replace a light switch
Replace a light switch by a vetted local pro.
Replace a power socket
Replace a power socket by a vetted local pro.
Replace an aerial socket
Replace an aerial socket by a vetted local pro.
Replace an electric fire
Replace an electric fire by a vetted local pro.
Replace an electric heater
Replace an electric heater by a vetted local pro.
Replace an extractor fan
Replace an extractor fan by a vetted local pro.
Replace an intercom handset
Replace an intercom handset by a vetted local pro.
Rewire a House
Rewire a House by a vetted local pro.
Roof Heating Cable Installation
Roof Heating Cable Installation by a vetted local pro.
Smart Home Installation
Smart Home Installation by a vetted local pro.
Smart Plugs
Smart Plugs by a vetted local pro.
Smart Speakers
Smart Speakers by a vetted local pro.
Smoke Alarm Installation
Smoke Alarm Installation by a vetted local pro.
Solar Battery
Solar Battery by a vetted local pro.
Solar Panel Installation
Solar Panel Installation by a vetted local pro.
Solar Panel Maintenance
Solar Panel Maintenance by a vetted local pro.
Stairlift Installation
Stairlift Installation by a vetted local pro.
Storage Heaters
Storage Heaters by a vetted local pro.
TV Aerial Installation
TV Aerial Installation by a vetted local pro.
TV Screen Repair
TV Screen Repair by a vetted local pro.
Wind Turbine Installation
Wind Turbine Installation by a vetted local pro.
Wireless Light Switch
Wireless Light Switch by a vetted local pro.

Are you a Tradesperson or business owner?

Grow your business with Fixington — tools and services for electricians, plumbers and heating engineers.

1) Fixington app

Estimate, schedule and invoice on the go with our iPhone app and web tools.

More info Buy

2) Fixdd job management

Manage jobs from quote to invoice, take card payments, and keep customers updated.

Visit fixdd.com

3) Get listed on Fixington

Appear where customers are searching. Showcase reviews and get discovered locally.

See all services for tradespeople