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Workshop 27 July 2025

Free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), Birmingham

This event, run by Phil Docker's Guitar and Amp Workshop, 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 Midlands members.

A tiny guitar amp sits on sand with the sun setting behind it.
Date Sunday, 27 July 2025
Time 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location Birmingham
Book your place
A tiny guitar amp sits on sand with the sun setting behind it.

General enquiries:

Location:

UPRAWR Studios, 41 Hampton St, Birmingham, B19 3LS.

Accessibility:

If you have any access requirements you would like us to be aware of, please email midlands@themu.org at least one week ahead of the event to discuss what you need.

About the event

This free event is ideal for all gigging musicians who want to ensure their equipment is safe, and that it meets venue and insurance requirements when taking professional bookings.

Members can book a 20-minute slot for up to 12 individual, portable electrical items for testing, where you will be given stickers and official certificates by tester Phil Docker. These will cover your portable appliances for 12 months.

Important booking information:

  • One amplifier and one power lead counts as two items.
  • Additional items will be chargeable at £1 per item.
  • 20-minute slots are available between 10:00 am - 12:40 pm, and 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Late comers will lose their places. Early arrival is advised.
  • Large, heavy, or bulky items can be left in vehicles where mobile testing can take place.
  • Non-musical items are not eligible for free testing.

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

After booking your place below, please also email midlands@themu.org and confirm:

  • Your name and membership number, plus any accessibility requirements you may have.
  • Your preferred 20-minute time slot (slots will be allocated on a first come first served basis).
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