Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)

What is the Portable Appliance Test?
The Portable Appliance Test is a series of tests to ascertain the electrical safety of the equipment. It is mainly to ensure that by plugging the item in you are not going to harm people, property or the electricity network. It applies to all equipment that is to be connected to a UK AC mains power supply, be it 240 or 415 volts. This includes non-captive mains cables, extension cables and mains distribution equipment. Normally equipment is tested on a yearly basis but for equipment that has particularly heavy use or has been subjected to vigorous physical treatment, more frequent testing is recommended. It is rather like a MoT test for cars so remember that although your equipment may pass on day, it may not within a few months.

Soundcheck Equipment
All of Soundcheck’s Hire Stock equipment carries a valid PAT certificate. This means it has been tested for electrical safety, carries a sticker on the equipment to indicate when it was tested and has a certificate showing current and previous test results.

We also insist that any equipment hired in by us for use on a Soundcheck event has a current PAT certificate.

How does it affect me?
Portable appliance testing for equipment used in the entertainment or event industry is not required by law, however more and more promoters and venues are making it a requirement that equipment carries a current test certificate. Usually you will be told well before the event but occasionally you may be asked to prove your equipment has a PAT certificate on arrival. Indeed on some events an electrician is employed to carry out tests on site. In any of the above circumstances if your equipment does not comply with the PAT regulations you will not be allowed to plug it in. As you can imagine this could be disastrous. Remember as a subcontractor on an event you are responsible for the safety of your equipment.

Can Soundcheck help?
If you are a Band, Solo Artist, Presenter, DJ or anyone who uses electrical equipment for events and have equipment that needs testing Soundcheck can help. Simply make an appointment to visit our premises with your equipment and we will either test it while you wait or leave it with us if there is a large quantity.

Our current rates are as follows:

1-10 items £2.75 each
11-25 items £2.50 each
25-40 items £2.20 each
above 40 items £1.80 each
Prices include test, sticker, certificate, advice and VAT at 15%

If you prefer we can come to you: call out rates apply so please contact us for details.

Can you repair equipment?
If it’s simply a matter of changing a fuse, re-wiring or changing a plug top, then we’ll do it for free and charge you for any parts. If your equipment needs repairing we’ll give you as much information on the fault as possible and offer a quotation for the work. If you like, we’ll even loan you an equivalent item from our hire stock and charge you only one day’s hire fee (subject to availability).

Further Information
For further information or if you would like to make an appointment please contact us