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Posted to uk.d-i-y
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PAT testing for stage use
On Wed, 20 Mar 2013 20:30:47 +0000, (A.Lee) wrote:
Dave Liquorice wrote:
On Wed, 20 Mar 2013 19:42:34 +0000, Bill Wright wrote:
There is no mains connection. Do these items need PAT testing?
PAT only applies to mains kit, no mains nothing to test. ...
I don't think that is true. How about an emergency lighting system fed
by a bank of batteries at 230v?
I can't say I've ever encountered a 230v emergency lighting system;
only 48/50v ones. Even they're a bit large to be called "portable",
and they've always been "hard-wired" to the mains.
They contain 12V rechargeable batteries and two enclosed halogen
lights (12W). Other than that they are empty boxes. There is no mains
connection.
In that case, there is very little electrical risk, so a risk assessment
will show that they may not need testing, but, there is a fire risk even
with 12v, and especially with 12v halogens.
I've constructed several "practical props" ("pracs") for stage use.
The essential thing is to use common sense. Very often a prac is only
in operational use for a few seconds or minutes, so overheating
shouldn't be a problem in this case if you give some thought to your
design.
NEVER EVER trust an actor/actress to switch, say, a light on or off on
a set. Fit a light switch which the luvvie can (hopefully) put their
hand near, but ALWAYS have the light controlled by the lighting tech.
Similarly with on-stage telephones. If a phone has to ring it's usual
for it to have its handset properly seated in its cradle - DON'T rely
on that when it has to ring. Use a separate bell, controlled by fx.
--
Frank Erskine
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