Andrew C

The OP asked about PAT. You can sort of PAT if, as you say, you can get to both ends. IWBs that are hardwired still need testing; you just can't PAT them. Hence the need for a competent sparky to do insulation tests.

I've heard of at least one venue where a total transition to an LED rig caused an increase in heating costs which over the payback period of the new rig was greater than the cost of replacing the rig?!?!? Possible; I'd not thought of that.The theatre I'm most involved with the A/C is on and the heating off in the auditorium by the time the interval comes around even in the depths of winter. So many variables, it would be hard to be sure what would happen, and if there is any hope of prediction

Remember that any reduction in wasted power in your lanterns, will pay back in air-con savings at 115% or more. (If you have A/C)

If connected to the dimmers by plug & socket (any type) - Test as an IEC lead with appropriate jumpers. This will check polarity as well as earth bond. You will need to decide an appropriate pass level for bond resistance, dependant on conductor csa and length. Then test that the structure of the bar is bonded to earth on all circuits, unless it is on a single multipole connector. If hardwired - over to your electricians for testing as part of the installation.

Interestingly, at this school, EVERYONE has to do WaH, Manual Handling, Fire, and Safeguarding training. No exceptions. So, if you fall off a ladder, it is your own fault. Sort of...

Ours have gone over to crimping copper. Much more insurance friendly than setting fire to your Grade 2 buildings...

Mixing lead and lead-free is likely to cause issues. Most of the equipment here is so old it is lead, so I stick to that as far as possible. I'm not 'putting onto the market' or whatever the phrase is...

2017 - 2021 is only 4 years surely? Anyway; he's gone!

ERG headbangers. I'll make no further comment lest I have to moderate myself.

Let's not start on a supervised student on a pair of steps being "illegal", yet rugby being compulsory.

Just a thought before the "Safety Police" arrive. Beware cleaning really dusty rigs in old theatres that haven't been deep cleaned in decades in this way. That dust could have all sorts of nasties in it you really don't want to be breathing. Even the stuff in a modern projector could have a lot of other peoples skin cells in it... [yuk]

I'd not really appreciate, until watching that, the size of the suspended bit.

It would take quite lot of effort, and money, to build a 300m+ dish in orbit...

Good for old PAT stickers too.

I was going with "Theatre technician thrown into Dubai jail for smuggling...."

I wonder how big the brown-paper package was?

We had a demo back in the spring of a fog offering. The guy said that the stuff they use has a "dwell time" of several days when it is still active. Being in a Science department, we needed to find non-flammable hand sanitiser, and the stuff I found claims it remains effective for 4 hours. (I assume not if you wash your hands in that time though)

Depends on the gig surely? A quiet drama in a small space vs AC/DC at the O2. At one of these events, a bunch of fans near a punter's ear could easily ruin a night out, and a venues reputation. Re-reading; I now think we are in agreement.

Simply, yes, but how to do it varies. Depends on the projector, and what spare inputs it has.

It isn't just the interferer that should be compliant, but the interfered with.

Whatever happened to the requirement that equipment was immune to EMI? Oh wait, was that one of those Euro laws that everyone hated so much?

Do you happen to know what NASA's annual budget is? Hint - less that twice that figure.

I'd guess that a Martindale plugged into a dimmed socket would show 'working', but if control voltage not getting to the dimmer no light will come out.

The 4 motorised winches were TAKEN OUT! The roof structure is all very flimsy steelwork, and the rating on those ex winches was wildly optimistic. This time next year.

Funnily enough, I thought that over night. This is the venue; but since I lit this, the bars have gone, there's a flat floor, and all the FOH positions have gone. Yes there were architects involved, and 'consultants' and they listened to the actual users not one jot. Listened to "Head of Music"... who had no clue as to how to stage things.