If your equipment is under a year old then you don't need usually need the PAT test but must be able to show the receipt/invoice for that piece of equipment.

Over the years I have seen so many dodgy cables, plugs and fuses on group equipment that if I were running an event I would want to see test certificates as well! I also think that as soon as exceptions are made for enthusiastic local bands just doing it for fun then someone else will use that to run a coach and horses through it.

As a market and event trader I just take it as read that in March every year all my lights and equipment get PAT tested. It's just another cost and at least I can right it off as an expense.

Steve