Inspection process
Factory acceptance test (FAT)
A factory acceptance test is a functional test of equipment run at the manufacturer's plant, usually witnessed by the owner or their engineer, before the unit ships. Packaged equipment (pumps, generators, air handlers, control panels) is powered up and run through its operating sequences to confirm it does what the specification says. Passing the FAT is what releases the equipment to leave the factory.
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Inspection and test plan (ITP)
11 items · 8 photos required
Why it matters
It is far cheaper to find a wiring error, a control fault, or a performance shortfall on the plant floor than after the unit is set, connected, and part of the critical path on site. The FAT moves the discovery of factory defects back to the factory, where the manufacturer can fix them without a site mobilization.
How it shows up on site
The owner's team travels to the plant, witnesses the equipment run through an agreed test procedure, and signs off the results or lists exceptions to resolve before shipment. The FAT sets up its counterpart, the site acceptance test, which re-proves performance once the same equipment is installed and connected in place.
Standards it's verified against
Checklists that put factory acceptance test (fat) to work
Free, field-ready checklists, each with the photo every item needs before it can be submitted.
Related terms
- Site acceptance test (SAT)A test that re-proves equipment performs to spec after it is installed and connected on site, following the earlier factory acceptance test.
- Source inspectionInspection of material or equipment at the fabricator's or supplier's shop before it ships, rather than waiting for it to arrive on site.
- Witness pointA step where a party is invited to observe the work, but the crew may proceed if that party doesn't attend within the agreed notice.
- Functional performance testA scripted test that drives a system through its operating modes to prove it responds the way the sequence of operations requires.
- Hydrostatic testA test that fills a pipe or vessel with water and pressurizes it to prove it holds without leaking before it is put in service or covered.
- Slump testA field test of fresh concrete's consistency, measuring how far a molded cone of concrete slumps to confirm it meets the mix's water content.
Knowing the term is step one. Proving it is the job.
RTI holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and the photos are attached, then chains the record so it can be proven untouched later.
30-day trial · No card required