STLS can provide PAT testing for your stage lighting systems and AV equipment throughout London & Surrey. We specialise in Places of worship, Schools, theatres and venues. Unlike standard PAT testing and inspecting your stage lighting and AV equipment often needs adaptors, cleaning and access equipment to reach your equipment. STLS has a professional team available to carry out all of this with your budget in mind, we can provide PAT testing certificates and reports for your records. Please see below some FAQ about our stage lighting & AV equipment PAT testing.
In addition to the above, any lifting equipment (eg lighting bar and scenery winches) will fall under the requirements of LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations). LOLER imposes further responsibilities on management and ALL lifting equipment should be inspected AT LEAST annually.
Is it a legal requirement to PAT test stage lighting & AV Equipment?
The law states that all electrical equipment has to be maintained. A good way to do this is by having a regular equipment inspection and a PAT testing programme set up which demonstrates that equipment has been inspected & electrically checked to show it is safe.
Are you DBS approved to work in schools and similar sites?
All of our engineers are DBS registered. If you need the certificates in advance of the service visit, please ask
How often does stage lighting & AV Equipment need to be PAT tested?
This will vary according to your individual risk assessment and the requirements of your insurance certification, etc, but typically annually.
Doesn’t our normal Electrical Contractor PAT test the stage lighting system?
Due to their complexity and inaccessibility, stage lighting systems generally get missed off the regular test, inspection and PAT testing regime. They also genrally require knowledge about each fixture and adaptors. The electrical contractor will typically test as far as the distribution board, dimmer pack or fused outlet, but no further.
How long does the PAT testing & service visit take?
The time required to complete the test and inspection visit will vary depending on the size of the installation, ie the number of devices and circuits to test. If PAT testing is required, this adds a further series of tests to the list.
A small installation can be checked in around 3-4 hours. A larger one can take several days.
We generally undertake any minor repairs during the visit, frequently at no additional cost, but any more serious issues will be highlighted and discussed before proceeding with any additional work.
What do you check during a PAT testing service visit?
As a minimum requirement, we would need to check the mechanical and electrical safety of the installation. This typically involves checking all of the low level equipment, (eg power switching, power outlets, dimmer packs, control systems, winches, etc) and then erecting a scaffold tower to reach the lighting bar and other high level equipment. High level checks typically include checking the safety and security of the suspension system as well as inspecting the power outlets, lighting fixtures, etc.
Do my stage lights need to be PAT tested?
Unless they are covered under a separate contract, most clients also want their lighting fixtures to be PAT tested during the service visit. Most people will be familiar with the need to regularly PAT test equipment such as computers, monitors, kettles, etc. Stage lighting is no different, but it frequently gets missed off simply because the equipment is complicated to test and/or difficult to access.
Can you also PAT test my projector, AV equipment, etc?
It makes sense to test all high level equipment once the scaffold tower is in-situ, so we are more than happy to add other items to the list, including bar/ceiling mounted projectors, powered loudspeakers, house lights, etc.
Will I receive a PAT test report?
Once all the tests have been completed we will discuss any issues with you and a report will be prepared. The report is prepared at the office and typically takes around a week to complete.
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