Q: Why should I get my gear PAT tested?
A1: It is often a condition of contract set by agents and venues for bands, musicians and entertainers.
A2: It gives you peace of mind that your equipment is safe to use - the test itself checks (amongst other things) that the earth is sound and that it is properly insulated.
A3: You'll look the part, professional musicians simply have to have their gear PAT tested so if you turn up to a gig with your certificates and PAT labelled gear everyone can see that you're a pro. Additionally you can be confident that the venue cannot block you from playing, which is a more and more common occurance.

Q: Am I breaking the law if I play a gig using gear that is not PAT tested?
A: NO - PAT test as such is NOT a legal requirement. However, observing Health & Safety legislation is.

Q: How do I observe Health & Safety legislation?
A: Adopt a Health & Safety policy and keep simple records to show that you regularly inspect equipment etc. A PAT test set at an interval of between 3 months and 3 years should really be a part of your policy. (See the 'health & safety link for sample policies that you can adopt and amend for your requirements.) It's best to write down your health & safety policy (sometimes venues may want to see this although this is rare other than at big events etc). If your PAT testing, visual inspections and record keeping are kept to your policy you will be well covered in the unlikely event that something goes wrong, even if it's your gear that causes the problem.

Q: What is the correct interval between PAT tests?
A: This you set yourself based on your own Health & Safety policy. However, the insurers of venues and therefore the venues you play may stipulate that the PAT test must have been carried out no less than 12 months previous to the performance meaning that you're probably best of going for an annual test as your minimum. It is also recommended that equipment that is heavily used i.e. set up and broken down most days should be tested more frequently, maybe as frequently as every 3 months especially if it's likely to handled roughly which all touring equipment is.