The importance of a registered aerial installer.

Now that the digital switchover is well underway across the British Isles, you may have considered upgrading your aerial or have found it necessary to upgrade your aerial so that you are digitally ready. 

Looking for a good reliable and professional installer can seem like a headache, but it need not be.  It is important to be aware of any installers credentials and not to simply pick someone from a directory that has a large prominent advert.  We are all fully aware of the ‘rogue trader’ and how they can damage properties and charge scandalous amounts of money for minor jobs, so its important that the consumer knows who they can turn to when seeking a quality aerial installer. 

Its worth mentioning early on, that its not always necessary to have a brand new aerial fitted.  Until an aerial installer visits the property and undertakes a site survey, it is impossible to say whether an upgrade to the aerial is necessary, or whether its a simple case of realignment which can work out cheaper for the consumer.  If you are aware that some works do need carrying out the Confederation of Aerial Industries Ltd (CAI) for short, could be just the Trade Association you are looking for.  The CAI was established in 1978, and is the representative trade body for the TV signal distribution industry.  The CAI has over a 1000 members across the British Isles who are ready for the switchover and can help you with any of your aerial needs. 

 To become a member, companies  must have been trading for 12 months, and must undergo a formal assessment whereby one of our assessment team visits the company for an inspection.  At inspection stage everything is checked and the CAI need to be reassured that the company will adhere to our strict code of practice.  Over and above the general criteria to become a member, we also introduced the CAI plus scheme some 4 years ago.  This was launched to create a higher membership category than already exists, to indicate to the public that CAI engineers are trained, regulated to a high standard and are competent.  In addition to current CAI membership requirements, CAI plus members are also required to provide three pieces of additional evidence:

* A current criminal record check

* Proof  of minimum public liability insurance

* An up-to-date working safely at heights certificate

All of our plus members also have to carry an Identity badge, so ask to see this before they enter your home.  The badge shows a photograph of the installer, the company they work for and their unique ID number.  All CAI members must guarantee their work for a minimum period of 12 months, and in the unlikely event that there is a problem with any work, we have a formal complaints procedure in place to resolve any difficulties.

If in any doubt as to whether a member is a bonafide one, check for the CAI logo on the advert or search for them on our website www.cai.org.uk to give you extra peace of mind.