PAT (EET) Testing for Musicians: The Basics

August 31, 2023

Keep on rocking, safely!

We're taking a look at PAT (EET) testing for musicians. This requirement can often catch artists off guard when venues request documentation (not just stickers) to prove the electrical safety of their equipment.

So, Whether you're a solo artist, part of a band, or a venue owner, understanding the basics of electrical safety can save lives and ensure your performances go off without a hitch.

1. What is PAT Testing?

PAT stands for Portable Appliance Testing. It's a routine inspection of some electrical appliances to ensure they're safe to use. The test involves both a visual inspection and an electrical test. For musicians, this means checking equipment like amplifiers, mixers, and other electrical instruments.

2. Fixed vs. Portable Equipment

Fixed Equipment: This refers to electrical equipment that is not meant to be moved often. Examples include large amplifiers or fixed lighting rigs. While they might not be moved from place to place, they still require regular checks to ensure they're in safe working order.

Portable Equipment: These are items that are moved frequently, like guitars, keyboards, or portable speakers. Due to their mobility, they're more prone to wear and tear, making regular PAT testing crucial.

3. Duty of Care

Musicians, just like any other professionals, have a duty of care to ensure the safety of themselves, their bandmates, and their audience. This means:

Regularly inspecting and maintaining equipment.
Ensuring all equipment is used as intended and safely.
Complying with venue rules and regulations.

4. Musicians' Union Insurance Requirements

If you're a member of a musicians' union, it's essential to be aware that many insurance policies require regular PAT testing of equipment. This not only ensures your safety but also keeps you compliant with your insurance terms. Always check your policy details and stay updated with any changes.

Electrical safety might not be the first thing on your mind when you're gearing up for a gig, but it's undeniably crucial. Regular PAT testing, understanding your equipment, and being aware of venue rules can make all the difference. So, let's keep the music playing and ensure it's done safely!

Find out more about our services for Sound and Stage here.

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Do New Electrical Appliances Really Need PAT Testing?

September 9, 2025

Introduction We’ve been hearing this question more and more from customers lately: “Do brand-new appliances still need PAT testing?” It’s a fair question. After all, new equipment usually arrives sealed, with manufacturer labels and testing certificates. But when it comes to safety, compliance, and peace of mind, the answer is a little more nuanced. What the Law Actually Says There is no strict legal requirement that says every appliance must be PAT tested. The law simply requires that employers and duty holders keep electrical equipment safe and properly maintained. That means the responsibility is on you to ensure equipment is safe to use, whether it’s new or not. The law doesn’t prescribe how you do it, but PAT testing is one of the most reliable methods. New Equipment: What Best Practice Looks Like Industry guidance generally states that brand-new equipment does not usually need a full PAT test . A thorough visual inspection is often enough. Why? Because new appliances are supplied as safe. But… there are a few important caveats. Why Some Organisations Still Choose to PAT Test New Appliances Even new items can develop issues before they reach you: Transit damage : knocks, drops, or rough handling. Storage conditions : damp, dust, or stacking problems. Manufacturing faults : rare, but possible. For most offices or low-risk workplaces, a visual check may be sufficient. But in higher-risk environments, like healthcare, construction, or manufacturing, many duty holders choose to test new equipment anyway. It’s about risk, peace of mind, and protecting people. A Risk-Based Approach That Works Low-risk settings (offices, shops, classrooms): Carry out a visual inspection, log the equipment, and move it into service. High-risk or critical settings (workshops, hospitals, factories): Consider a full PAT test even for new appliances, to establish a safe baseline and prevent costly downtime or accidents. Documentation and Competence Matter Whether you perform a visual inspection or a full PAT test, keep a record. This creates a clear audit trail and shows that you’ve taken reasonable steps to ensure safety. It’s also important that the person carrying out the inspection or test is competent, trained, knowledgeable, and confident in spotting issues. Conclusion: What’s the Smartest Strategy? In most cases, new appliances don’t require PAT testing, just a solid visual check as part of your risk management process. But remember: if the equipment is critical, the environment is high-risk, or there’s any sign of damage, a PAT test is a small investment in safety and peace of mind.