As someone who regularly performs at different venues, whether it’s a local music club, a festival, or a charity concert, one of the most important things I make sure I’ve sorted before I even pack the van is PAT testing my equipment.
It might not be the most exciting part of gig prep, but it’s vital—for my own safety, the safety of others, and to make sure the night runs without a hitch.
So, what is PAT testing?
PAT stands for Portable Appliance Testing. It’s basically a check to make sure all my electrical equipment—like my Yamaha Tyros 4, speaker system, lighting rig, and extension leads—is safe to use. A qualified person inspects and tests everything for faults like damaged cables, dodgy plugs, or anything that could cause an electric shock or fire.
Why I bother with it
1. Venues often ask for it
More and more venues now request up-to-date PAT certificates before letting you plug anything in. Turning up without one is a fast track to being told you can’t perform. I’ve learned it’s best to have everything in order well in advance.
2. It keeps everyone safe
When I set up, I’m not just thinking about myself. There are sound engineers, other performers, and even curious audience members near my gear. PAT testing gives me confidence that nothing’s going to short out, blow up, or cause someone harm.
3. It protects my kit
PAT testing sometimes catches small issues early—like a fraying cable or a worn-out plug—that I might miss during a quick visual check. Fixing those before they cause real damage saves me hassle and money in the long run.
4. It’s part of being professional
Showing up with PAT-tested gear shows venues I take things seriously. It builds trust and keeps the door open for future bookings. Plus, it just feels good knowing I’m doing things the right way.
5. Insurance cover
Some insurance policies won’t pay out if your gear hasn’t been PAT tested. So if something goes wrong, you could be left footing the bill. For me, it’s not worth the risk.
How often do I test?
I aim to have everything PAT tested once a year. If I’ve been gigging more than usual or I’ve added new gear, I get it checked sooner. I always keep a copy of the certificate in my bag, just in case a venue asks to see it.
Final thoughts
We all get excited about the music, the performance, and the crowd—but safety is just as important. Taking the time to get my gear PAT tested is a small job that makes a big difference. It means I can focus on playing, connecting with the audience, and giving the best performance I can—without worrying about what’s going on behind the scenes or under the stage.
If you’re a fellow performer and you haven’t had your gear PAT tested recently, take this as your friendly nudge. It’s worth it.