Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) – A Guide For Musicians

At FixTheMusic we take the safety of our musicians very seriously.

There is some confusion about what Portable Appliance Testing actually involves, so this short blog post seeks to explain exactly what PAT is and why it is so important.

For obvious safety reasons, electrical equipment should be maintained properly, and a key part of this is Portable Appliance Testing at regular intervals. The Health and Safety Executive notes that almost a quarter of all electrical accidents involve portable equipment with the vast majority of these accidents resulting in electric shock.*

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What is Portable Appliance Testing?

Portable Appliance Testing is the appraisal of the safety of portable electrical equipment.

This involves visual inspection of appliances and cables for any obvious damage, but also testing the appliance with an approved device to measure certain parameters, such as earth continuity, insulation resistance and polarity check.

Why is PAT so important?

Although maintaining the safety of electrical equipment is required by law**, especially for employers who have a duty of care to their employees, PAT is not in itself a legal requirement.

However, many venues that host live music, particularly wedding venues, increasingly require that musicians using their own electrical equipment such as portable amplification systems (e.g. microphones, signal processors, amplifiers and loudspeakers) or a digital piano, provide PAT compliance records for all appliances and cables.

Guidance states that you should use your own judgement with regard to how often to test equipment. At least once per year is recommended.

PAT devices range in cost from approximately £100 for an entry-level device which will test for the basic parameters listed above (earth continuity, insulation resistance and polarity check), to several hundred pounds — the more expensive devices will test for more parameters, such as protective conductor/touch current measurement, also known as earth leakage test, and fuse test.

Again, it’s best to use your own judgement to decide which sort of PAT device is suitable for your needs.

What is a PAT certificate and why do I need one?

A PAT certificate is an official record issued by the tester showing that your electrical equipment has been visually inspected and electrically tested for safety. It confirms that reasonable steps have been taken to check your gear is safe to use. Wedding venues often ask for this certificate, not just a pass sticker, as part of their insurance and safety requirements.

What equipment needs PAT testing?

Any gear that plugs into the mains needs testing. This includes amplifiers, microphones, active speakers, mixers and cables. Items that are battery-powered or low voltage such as electric guitars or pedals may not need testing, but their power supplies usually do.

Is PAT testing a legal requirement?

PAT testing is not legally required, but musicians have a duty under the Electricity at Work Regulations to ensure their equipment is safe. Many venues also ask for PAT certificates as part of their own health and safety policies.

How often should I get my gear tested?

There are no fixed rules, but an annual test is generally recommended for most musicians. Gear that is used very frequently or moved around a lot may need testing every six months.

What does a PAT test involve?

A PAT test combines visual checks with electrical testing. Visual checks look for damage such as frayed cables or cracked plugs. Electrical tests usually include earth continuity, insulation resistance, polarity and a simple functional check to make sure the equipment works properly.

Who can perform PAT testing?

There is no legal requirement for the tester to be a qualified electrician, but they must be competent to carry out the work. In practice, most professional testers hold an industry-recognised qualification and use calibrated equipment.

What is a PAT test for band equipment?

A PAT test for band equipment is a safety check that ensures your electrical gear is safe to use at gigs and events. It usually involves a visual inspection followed by electrical tests on items like amps, speakers, and cables. The aim is to spot faults that could cause electric shocks or fire hazards.

What is exempt from PAT testing?

Equipment that does not plug into the mains usually does not need PAT testing. This includes instruments like acoustic guitars, battery powered pedals, and wireless microphones when running only on batteries. However, their charging units or power adapters still require testing.

Is PAT testing being phased out?

PAT testing is not being phased out, but in some places the terminology is changing. The newer phrase “Electrical Equipment Testing” (EET) is sometimes used because it covers both portable and fixed equipment. The principles are the same and musicians can still expect venues to ask for PAT certificates.

Can I PAT test my own equipment?

Yes, you can test your own equipment if you are competent and have the correct tester. Competence means having the right knowledge and training to carry out the checks properly and understand the results. Many musicians choose to hire a qualified tester because venues prefer official certificates and calibrated equipment.

What will fail a PAT test?

Common reasons for failing a PAT test include damaged cables, cracked plugs, missing earth connections, loose wires, or signs of overheating. Homemade or modified leads without proper insulation can also fail. In most cases repairs are simple, like fitting a new plug or replacing a cable, but the test helps catch problems before they become dangerous.

If you use a lot of expensive portable electrical equipment, e.g. a 5-piece wedding band performing regularly with PA system and full lighting rig, you may want to invest in a more high-spec PAT device to keep your equipment protected.

But the cheaper PAT devices available also have their merits and will detect most electrical issues.

To summarise, Portable Appliance Testing is strongly recommended for your own safety and the safety of others, and although employers are required by law to keep appliances in good condition, and PAT is often a requirement for musicians performing at public venues such as wedding venues, it is not in itself a legal requirement.

Duty of care for Musicians' Union Public Liability Insurance

In order to adhere with the MU Public Liability Insurance, members should be aware of the following information:

Members have a duty of care to take all necessary precautions to prevent damage or injury to other people and their property and to comply with all legal requirements and safety laws imposed by any authority.

Not complying with the above policy conditions could affect a claim.

Also have a read of our blog post on public liability insurance for musicians.

Musicians on FixTheMusic possess the relevant PAT certificates showing that their electrical equipment is safe, meaning that they can perform at every venue throughout the UK and Europe.

From PAT to EET: Updated Terminology in 2025

In 2025 you may start to see the term Electrical Equipment Testing (EET) being used alongside the more familiar Portable Appliance Testing (PAT).

The updated term is intended to reflect that testing covers all types of electrical gear, not just portable plug-in devices.

For musicians this includes everything from amps and mixers to fixed installations such as lighting rigs or venue PA systems.

It is not a new regulation but simply a more inclusive way of describing electrical safety.

Why Venues Want Certificates, Not Just Stickers

More venues are now asking for proper documentation of testing rather than just a sticker on your equipment.

A clear certificate that lists which items were tested, when, and by whom gives venue managers confidence and shows you are compliant with the Electricity at Work Regulations.

Stickers are still useful on stage as a quick visual check, but accurate records are what really matter.

Risk Assessments for Corporate Bookings

For corporate bookings it is wise to be prepared with a simple risk assessment alongside your PAT certificates.

Many companies operate strict health and safety policies and may want to see evidence that you have thought about potential hazards.

This can include trip risks from cables, safe positioning of speakers, and ensuring emergency exits remain accessible.

A short document that outlines how your band sets up, the precautions you take, and how you minimise risks is usually more than enough.

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References

*Guidance for the registration, inspection and testing of portable electrical equipment, published by the University of Wolverhampton, June 2006.

**The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, published by the Health and Safety Executive, October 2015.