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Workshop 31 May 2025

Free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), Belfast

This is an opportunity to ensure that your equipment is safe, and that you are able to provide assurances for your insurance, venues and bookers. Available for all MU members based in Northern Ireland.

A tiny guitar amp sits on sand with the sun setting behind it.
Date Saturday, 31 May 2025
Time 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location Belfast
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A tiny guitar amp sits on sand with the sun setting behind it.

General enquiries:

Charlene Hegarty

Find out more:

Second Floor, Oh Yeah Music Centre, 15-21 Gordon Street, Belfast, BT1 2LG .

About the event

This is a practical session that will enable you to have your portable electrical items tested, to learn about relevant legislation around PAT testing, and how best to care for your equipment. 

Members can book a 30-minute testing slot for up to six individual portable electrical items, where you will be given stickers and official certificates by a qualified tester. Please submit a list of the items when booking. Sessions take place between 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. 

About PAT testing

There is often misunderstanding around PAT testing and the statement that it is not a legal requirement.

Whilst PAT testing is not a legal requirement, currently the only way it’s possible to demonstrate due diligence and satisfy all regulation requirements and insurance needs, is to have proof that the electrical equipment being used is safe and fit for purpose.

When a venue asks for proof you will need to provide it. PAT testing will ensure your equipment and power leads are safe, and is the easiest way to ensure compliance with the 'Electricity at Work Regulations'. It satisfies public liability insurance requirements where compliance with such statutory regulations and safety legislation is required, and provides you with peace of mind.

In addition to public liability insurance (PLI), venues increasingly want to see valid PAT certificates for electrical equipment used by musicians, including but not limited to, amplifiers, keyboards, PA systems, mixing desks etc. in advance of the performance.

 Learn more about PAT testing.

How to attend

Members must register for a 30-minute slot in advance. Please book your place by emailing charlene.hegarty@themu.org and confirming:

  • your name and membership number, plus any accessibility requirements you may have
  • your preferred time range (slots will be allocated on a first come first served basis)
  • list of items for testing *

* If an item uses a IEC/kettle lead, then together they are classed as one item (please bring both items and remember to match the correct lead with the appliance as the fuse ratings may be different from item to item). Any extra leads will be counted as one item.

Accessibility

The MU makes every effort to ensure that all events we organise are accessible to everyone who would like to attend. We want to provide equal access to our events for all of our members.

The venue has step-free access. If you have any other access requirements you would like us to be aware of, please email charlene.hegarty@themu.org at least one week ahead of the event to discuss what you need.

Book your place

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