PAT test, what?

"Can you send your PAT certificate over, please?".

If you're playing out in venues and you're taking your own kit into the space, you may hear these words from the venue. And if you're wondering what to do, and what it is, I've written this, just for you.

As well as all the glam stuff that goes on around DJing, there's a whole bunch of techy/admin/safety things to consider once you start going out into the world to play.

One of these is making sure the kit that you're going to be playing with in a public venue with is safe.

In some venues as a DJ (or any performer), you will sometimes be asked to provide a PAT certificate for your equipment - from turntables and laptops, to pedals, and anything with a plug, to comply with the venue's safety regulations.

I was asked to walk through how PAT testing works this morning, so here's a quick whizz through how this works, so if you're asked, you know what to do.

What is it?

A PAT Test (Portable Appliance testing) is a safety check on electricals. It helps to make sure cables and plugs are safe to use, with minimum risk of causing fire, electric shock, and causing harm when they're in use.

What's best practise?

It's best practise to have up to date PAT Certificate on any kit you're taking out and using publicly. It's a yearly test, that is inexpensive, and is a good way to look after your kit to know it's safe.

What is tested?

When I first did a PAT test, I got out every piece of kit I owned, thinking they'd open it all up. Then the electrician carrying out the tests informed me that it's only cables and plugs they're checking (attached to the kit itself, or detachable, such as a kettle lead) for this official check. Regular servicing is another way you can look after your kit, but is separate to a PAT test.

So how does it work?

1. Gather all leads with plugs in your setup (for eg: kettle leads powering the mixer, extension reel/4-ways, figure 8 cables, controller power, etc) + kit with plugs attached (some lighting, some fx pedals, turntables for eg) and count them up, making a note of how many you have.

2. Find an electrician qualified to do PAT tests.

   
   

3. Some electricians come to you and test while you wait. Others test on their premises. When they test on site, beware that you'll be leaving your kit with them, so make sure you have space in your calendar.

   
   

4. Confirm the number of items you have, and ask for a price (price is usually per item), and book a time for the test. If testing on their premises, I've found it's good to confirm what the turnaround time is, so I know how long I'll be without my plugs/kit.

   
   

5. Generally, it's good to plan ahead with PAT testing. Electricians are often busy. Also, you need to have gaps in your schedule for the job. Plus if anything fails, you'll need to get a replacement.

   
   

6. The electrician will test all items. If they fail, they'll let you know, and put a fail sticker on the item. If the item passes, they put a dated sticker on it. The certificate usually lasts for 1 year, before it's time to test again.

   
   

7. After the job, the electrician (or their office team) provides you with a certificate,which lists all items tested, and which you can email to venues when they request it for them to put into their H&S (health & safety) records.

For the official word on PAT testing, you can read more about it here!

Hope this helps! X