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Workshop 12 February 2026

Free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), London

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 London.

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Date Thursday, 12 February 2026
Time 10:15 am - 4:30 pm
Location London
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A tiny guitar amp sits on sand with the sun setting behind it.

General enquiries:

Helen Cale

Find out more:

Musicians' Union HQ, 30 Snowsfields, London SE1 3SU

Accessibility:

The venue has step-free access and nearby parking available.

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 qualified tester Mike Nottage. 

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

Please book your place by emailing london@themu.org and confirming:

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

Booking notes

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.

*If you have more than six items for testing, please let us know and if capacity allows, we may be able to include them. If you have any questions or are unsure about any of the above, please get in touch and we will be happy to assist.

Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your allotted time so you can unload all your items into the venue ready to be tested. This will help to ensure the unloading process doesn’t impinge on your allotted time and potentially reduce the number of items that can be tested. Free parking is available at the venue. 

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 and nearby parking is available. 

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

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