Buying a Generator in United Kingdom

Need backup power in the UK? Here’s your quick guide to voltages, the best brands, where to buy, and what accessories to grab—like a reliable inverter generator or a proper transfer switch kit.

Single-Phase Voltage: 230 V / Three-Phase Voltage: 400 V / Frequency (Hertz): 50 Hz / # of Wires: 3 or 4 / Plug Type(s): Type G (BS 1363)

What are you looking for?

• Generator Brands/Models in United Kingdom
• Where to Buy Generators in United Kingdom
• United Kingdom Generator Guide & FAQs

Generator Brands for Sale in United Kingdom

The UK market offers a wide mix of portable petrol inverters for homes, diesel worksite machines, and standby units for businesses. Here are some well-known brands:

• Honda: Premium portable and inverter generators. Known for quietness and reliability. UK pricing often £950–£3,000. Browse Honda inverter options.
• Yamaha: Quiet and portable inverter units, great for caravans and backup. Usually £900–£2,500. See Yamaha EF series.
• Hyundai: Popular in the UK for budget-friendly petrol/diesel sets. Prices ~£400–£1,800 depending on size.
• Kipor: Affordable inverter alternatives to Honda/Yamaha. Typically £500–£1,200.
• Cummins: Diesel standby gensets for commercial/large home use. Price by quote, 10–200+ kVA.
• Kohler: High-end standby systems with advanced ATS integration. Price by quote.
• Pramac: Italian-built generators, wide diesel range for UK SMEs. Quote-based pricing.
• FG Wilson: Trusted diesel gensets, typically 10–500 kVA. Dealer quoted.

Best Generator Models in United Kingdom

Your “best” pick depends on whether you need portability, quiet operation, or long-run backup. Always pair your generator with safety gear like a surge protector and a rugged 230V extension cord.

• Honda EU22i / EU30is: Popular inverter models, ultra-quiet, ~1.8–3.0 kW. UK pricing ~£1,000–£2,500.
• Yamaha EF2200iS / EF3000iSE: Great balance of portability and runtime, ~2.2–3.0 kW. Prices ~£950–£2,000.
• Hyundai DHY6000SE: Diesel standby/portable, ~5.2 kW output. Around £1,000–£1,300.
• Kipor IG2600: Affordable inverter unit for camping/small backup. £500–£800.
• Cummins C33D5: Diesel standby genset ~30 kVA, ideal for SMEs and large homes. Price by dealer quote.
• Kohler 20RESCL: Standby generator with ATS capability, ~20 kVA. Quote-based.

Where to Buy Generators in United Kingdom

Choose authorised UK dealers for warranty, commissioning, and spare parts. For accessories, shop online for items like weatherproof covers, ATS kits, and carbon monoxide alarms.

Generator Pro

• Unit 5, Blackdown Park, Willand, Cullompton EX15 2FS, UK
• Contact: +44 1884 257001 · sales@generator-pro.co.uk
• Hours: Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM

Pramac UK

• South Marston Industrial Estate, Swindon SN3 4TQ, UK
• Contact: +44 1793 715800
• Hours: Mon–Fri business hours

HSS Hire (Generators)

• Multiple UK locations
• Contact: 03457 28 28 28
• Hours: Vary by branch

Stephill Generators

• Stephill House, Lytham Road, Blackpool FY4 1HT, UK
• Contact: +44 1253 765575
• Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM

Diesel Generator Direct

• Unit 2, Mill Pool, Nash Lane, Belbroughton DY9 9AF, UK
• Contact: 0800 689 4803
• Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM

Kipor UK

• Unit 3, Delta Court, Sky Business Park, Doncaster DN9 3GN, UK
• Contact: +44 1302 739297
• Hours: Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM

Hyundai Power Equipment UK

• Pioneer House, Pioneer Business Park, Ellesmere Port, CH65 1AD, UK
• Contact: 01646 687880
• Hours: Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM

FG Wilson (UK Dealer Network)

• Various authorised dealers across UK
• Contact: Check fgwilson.com for locations
• Hours: Varies by dealer

United Kingdom Generator Buying Guide and Tips

• Know your load: Calculate essentials (lights, fridge, router, heating pumps). Small homes may get by with 2–3 kW inverters, larger homes/offices need 5–20 kW or more.
• Noise control: UK residential areas value quietness. Look for 50–60 dB @ 7m inverters. Open-frame petrol units can exceed 70–85 dB.
• Fuel choice: Petrol inverters = portable and simple. Diesel = efficiency and long runtime, great for backup. LPG/dual-fuel can suit caravan/motorhome users.
• Electrical compliance: Use a qualified UK electrician. Install a safe changeover switch or ATS—never back-feed the mains supply.
• Power quality: Protect electronics by choosing pure sine wave inverter generators or AVR-equipped models, plus quality surge protection.
• Cords & outlets: Use 230 V Type G rated extension cords. Keep runs short, protect from moisture, and use RCD protection.
• Maintenance: First oil change early (5–20 hrs), then every 50–100 hrs or annually. Stock filters, plugs, and oil. Test monthly with load.
• Weather & storage: UK’s damp climate means dry, ventilated storage is key. Consider running covers and rust-resistant housings.
• Accessories: Wheel kits, funnels, rated cords, and small UPS for Wi-Fi/routers.

Buying Generator in United Kingdom FAQs

How much does generator installation usually cost in United Kingdom?
For a portable unit with manual changeover, budget £300–£1,000 for electrician labour/materials. A standby diesel/petrol system with ATS, cabling, and groundwork can run £2,500–£7,500+ depending on project scope (excluding generator).

How noisy can a generator be in United Kingdom?
Modern inverters are 50–60 dB @ 7 m (conversation level). Open-frame petrol sets can be 70–85 dB. Enclosed diesel gens hover around 65–75 dB. Always check local council noise restrictions.

Which generator type and fuel are best for United Kingdom’s climate?
For short outages: petrol inverters (portable, quiet). For regular or long outages: diesel gensets with ATS—durable, fuel-efficient, and suitable for the UK’s cool climate. Caravaners often prefer LPG/dual-fuel sets.

What are the typical warranties for generators in United Kingdom?
Portable petrol units: typically 1–3 years limited (domestic use). Diesel standby units: 12–24 months or hour-based coverage, valid when installed by an authorised UK dealer. Always confirm warranty terms in writing.