The event and hospitality industry is fast-paced, dynamic, and reliant on electrical equipment that’s constantly on the move. From catering appliances and DJ gear to lighting rigs and portable heaters, these items are often transported, set up, packed down, and used in different venues week after week.
With so much equipment in circulation, Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) becomes a vital part of ensuring safety and compliance.
Why PAT Testing Matters for Events and Hospitality
- Equipment is Frequently Moved
Unlike offices or schools, event and hospitality equipment is rarely static. Cables are wound, unwound, and trampled on; plugs are inserted into unfamiliar sockets; appliances are loaded into vans and carried across venues. This constant handling increases the risk of wear and tear. - Temporary Venues, Permanent Risks
From wedding marquees to pop-up festivals, many hospitality environments are temporary—and safety checks aren’t always guaranteed. PAT testing helps reduce the risks of electrical faults in high-traffic spaces where large groups of people gather. - Legal and Insurance Compliance
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require employers and contractors to ensure electrical equipment is safe. For event organisers, venues, and suppliers, a failed PAT record could mean cancelled bookings, invalid insurance, or even prosecution in the event of an accident.
Common Equipment That Needs PAT Testing
- Catering appliances: coffee machines, hot plates, portable fridges, ovens
- Audio-visual gear: amplifiers, mixing desks, microphones, projectors
- Lighting and staging: spotlights, extension reels, stage effects
- Hospitality essentials: heaters, fans, decorative lighting, portable bar equipment
- Extension leads and adaptors: some of the most common items to fail PAT testing
How Often Should Equipment Be Tested?
There’s no one-size-fits-all rule, but in high-risk industries like events and hospitality, annual PAT testing is strongly recommended. In some cases—especially for heavily used equipment—it may need to be done more frequently.
Tip: Always test before a major contract or festival season to avoid last-minute issues.
Benefits of PAT Testing for the Industry
- ✅ Safety Assurance – protecting staff, performers, and guests from electrical accidents.
- ✅ Professional Credibility – venues and clients often demand up-to-date PAT certificates before allowing equipment on-site.
- ✅ Reduced Downtime – early detection of faults prevents equipment failure mid-event.
- ✅ Insurance Protection – proof of PAT testing helps support insurance claims and compliance.
Final Thoughts
In the event and hospitality industry, reputation is everything. The last thing you want is an electrical failure—or worse, an accident—undermining a performance, conference, or celebration.
By keeping on top of PAT testing for your portable and frequently moved equipment, you’ll ensure smoother operations, safer environments, and peace of mind for everyone involved.
👉 If your business relies on equipment on the move, now’s the time to schedule your next PAT test. Your guests may never notice—but they’ll certainly benefit from the safety it provides.