20/07/2024
Some answers to simple PAT testing questions.
Do I need to have my equipment PAT tested?
Well, yes you should. The electricity at work regulations 1989 says that all equipment that can cause injury needs to be maintained in a safe condition.
Is it a legal requirement?
No, but if your faulty equipment causes injury, death or a fire in a venue then your insurance may well be invalid if your gear isn't tested. This will put you directly in court for anything up to and including manslaughter.
One of my kettle leads is damaged, but I've taped it up. Is that ok?
No, sorry. Any cables need to be damaged free, or repaired in a safe way with solder and heat shrink, not tape that can peel off.
How often do I need my gear tested?
The regulations are fairly vague on this, but the accepted standard for gigging equipment that is moved regularly is 1 year between tests. It can be up to 3 for fixed equipment in studios but for your usual gigging gear, a year is the usual.
My stuff is brand new. Does that need testing?
Officially no. The manufacturer provides a warrantee to say the equipment is tested and safe, and this is valid for the first year. Some venues still insist that everything is tested though, so sometimes it is best to just bite the bullet and test the lot.
Can a venue refuse to let me play if my equipment is not tested?
Yes. Their insurance policies may, and probably do say that all electrical equipment that is used on the premises must be tested. You'll find the bigger venues like hotels are more hot on this than smaller pubs.
What exactly needs testing?
Basically if it plugs into a 240v socket then it gets tested. Power supplies, kettle leads, lights, amps, fans etc. Guitar pedals and things that have a low voltage supply from a transformer don't need testing, nor do passive speakers, guitars, microphones, or jack/XLR leads. The transformer that plugs into the wall will need testing though.
Basically PAT testing (yes, I hate the phrase as the T stands for Testing 😆) is something we should all do for our gear. I'm not saying that to make more money for me (😘) but I've seen so many bodge jobs on band gear that as an electrician of over 30 years, it scares me. That's why I price myself so cheap. This isn't a full time job for me, I'm a lecturer in electrical engineering, and a gigging musician so I'm not getting rich from this. I don't want potential venues burning down or musicians and fans getting injured.
Let me know if I can help out in any way.
