Karaoke DJ Portable Appliance (PAT) Testing Explained

Portable Appliance Testing, or PAT testing as it is commonly known, is a legal requirement (Electricity at Work Act 1989) for businesses taking electrical equipment into third party premises. Certification is required from a registered electrical PAT testing company for confirmation that all items of electrical equipment, including cables, that require a mains electricity supply have been tested for safety and labelled accordingly. PAT testing is generally carried out annually.

Karaoke DJs will generally have a great deal of equipment that requires PAT testing, including CD players, radio receivers, mixers, speakers, computers, lighting, TVs, extension cables and so on.

It is important to be aware that some venues insist on DJs entering their premises having PAT certification for all of their equipment and will refuse them access should certification not be shown upon arrival. This can be very embarrassing and upsetting and can easily ruin a planned event if this requirement is not checked beforehand.

Always check that your karaoke DJ has their equipment PAT tested and carries up-to-date certification with them to ensure their access to your venue is not refused and that their equipment is certified as safe to use.

PAT testing is also required to ensure that the conditions of a Karaoke DJ's insurance provider are met. See our Karaoke DJ Public Liability Insurance article for more information on Karaoke DJ insurance.