Factory Acceptance Test
A Factory Acceptance Test verifies equipment, panels, software, or systems at the supplier's facility before shipment.
What this term means in maintenance
A Factory Acceptance Test verifies equipment, panels, software, or systems at the supplier's facility before shipment.
What FAT may verify
Testing may include:
- Design requirements
- Dimensions
- Materials
- Controls
- Alarms
- Interlocks
- Software
- Performance
- Documentation
- Spare parts
Practical example
A control panel is powered and tested at the manufacturer before delivery to the plant.
FAT documents
The test should use an approved procedure, acceptance criteria, results, deviations, punch list, and signatures.
Limitations
FAT cannot prove every site condition, installation interface, or actual process load.
Common mistake
Shipping equipment with unresolved critical FAT failures transfers known problems to the site.
How this term differs
Factory Acceptance Test is supplier-site testing before equipment shipment. It is related to Site Acceptance Test, Operational Qualification, and Performance Qualification, but these terms describe different records, measures, roles, strategies, or decisions and should not be used interchangeably.
Related concepts
Related maintenance terms
Keep exploring connected CMMS, reliability, and maintenance planning terms.
Site Acceptance Test
A Site Acceptance Test verifies that installed equipment or systems operate correctly in the actual plant environment after delivery and installation.
Functional Test
A functional test confirms that equipment, a component, or a protective function performs its required operation under defined test conditions.
Punch List
A punch list is a controlled record of incomplete, defective, or outstanding items identified before final acceptance or closure.
Factory Acceptance Test FAQs
- What does FAT stand for?
FAT stands for Factory Acceptance Test.
- Where is FAT performed?
At the supplier or manufacturer's facility before shipment.
- What does FAT not prove?
Actual site utilities, installation interfaces, and full operating conditions.