{"id":601567,"date":"2026-06-29T06:24:35","date_gmt":"2026-06-29T06:24:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.olympiajournal.com\/news\/story\/601567\/why-more-buyers-are-requesting-factory-acceptance-tests-fat-before-shipment-derui-electric.html"},"modified":"2026-06-29T06:24:35","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T06:24:35","slug":"why-more-buyers-are-requesting-factory-acceptance-tests-fat-before-shipment-derui-electric","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.olympiajournal.com\/news\/story\/601567\/why-more-buyers-are-requesting-factory-acceptance-tests-fat-before-shipment-derui-electric.html","title":{"rendered":"Why More Buyers Are Requesting Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) Before Shipment | Derui Electric"},"content":{"rendered":"

Five years ago, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) was often treated as a routine checkbox — a box to tick before a transformer<\/a> left the factory. Today, that attitude is changing rapidly.<\/p>\n

More procurement managers, EPC contractors, and project owners are not just requesting FAT — they are demanding to witness it in person or via live video. In our discussions with EPC contractors, one question appears more frequently than it did a few years ago: “Can we witness the FAT remotely?”<\/em><\/p>\n

We now receive more requests for FAT witness schedules than we did two years ago. Some buyers even include FAT clauses in their initial RFQ — not as an afterthought, but as a core requirement from day one.<\/p>\n

This isn’t an official industry statistic — it is simply what we have observed while working with EPC contractors, utilities, and industrial customers over the past two years.<\/p>\n

This guide explains why FAT has become a procurement priority, what a comprehensive transformer<\/a> testing and acceptance inspection should cover, and how buyers can use it to reduce project risk.<\/p>\n

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1. What Is a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT)?<\/p>\n

A Factory Acceptance Test is the final quality assurance checkpoint before a transformer leaves the manufacturer’s facility. It validates that the equipment is built and operates according to design specifications, contractual requirements, and applicable standards. This pre-shipment inspection serves as the last opportunity to catch issues before the transformer is transported to the project site.<\/p>\n

FAT is typically witnessed by the end user or their representative at the supplier’s facility or a third-party test stand. A successful FAT produces a signed certificate of conformity, allowing the manufacturer to proceed with packing, shipping, and insurance formalities.<\/p>\n

The testing requirements must be defined at the purchaser order stage — not after. This is why professional buyers now include FAT clauses in their contracts from the outset.<\/p>\n

2. Why Are More Buyers Requesting FAT?<\/p>\n

2.1 Reducing the Cost of Field Failures– A transformer that fails after installation is exponentially more expensive to fix. FAT helps address issues before equipment arrives on site.<\/p>\n

2.2 Verifying Compliance with Specifications– FAT provides direct verification that the transformer meets routine test requirements, type test requirements, loss guarantees, and vector group confirmation.<\/p>\n

2.3 Mitigating Supply Chain Risks – With lead times stretching into years, a non\u2011conforming unit can delay commissioning by 12+ months. Buyers use FAT as a risk mitigation tool.<\/p>\n

2.4 Gaining Confidence Before Shipment– Seeing the transformer pass tests in person or via live video provides assurance that cannot be obtained from a test report alone.<\/p>\n

2.5 FAT Creates Clear Responsibility– FAT establishes a documented acceptance point between buyer and supplier. Once the transformer passes FAT, both parties have a shared record of its condition before shipment. This reduces disputes later if transportation damage or installation issues occur. This is often the real reason procurement teams push for FAT — they want a clear record, not because they doubt the manufacturer’s quality.<\/p>\n

3. What a Comprehensive Transformer Testing FAT Should Cover<\/p>\n

Routine Tests (Every Unit Must Pass) – Winding resistance measurement, insulation resistance and dielectric tests, turns ratio and polarity checks, no-load loss and excitation current, load loss and impedance voltage, oil dielectric strength and moisture content (for oil\u2011immersed units).<\/p>\n

Type Tests (Design Verification) – Impulse voltage withstand, temperature rise test, short-circuit withstand test, partial discharge measurement.<\/p>\n

Documentation to Request – Full test reports with measured values and tolerance limits, calibration certificates for test equipment, witness sign-off sheets, certificate of conformity.<\/p>\n

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4. The Rise of Remote and Digital FAT<\/p>\n

Many suppliers now offer remote FAT options via secure video feeds and real-time data transmission. In our experience, requests for remote FAT have increased noticeably over the past two years.<\/p>\n

Drivers: Reduced travel costs, faster scheduling, wider participation, recorded evidence. However, remote FAT is not a complete substitute for in-person witnessing for critical tests.<\/p>\n

5. What the FAT Day Actually Looks Like (From a Buyer’s Perspective)<\/p>\n

Before the test:Verify the transformer nameplate matches the purchase order, review test schedule and procedures, confirm calibration certificates, agree on acceptance criteria.<\/p>\n

During the test: Witness routine tests, confirm serial numbers match FAT documentation, review raw test data, take photos, sign witness sheets.<\/p>\n

After the test: Review the draft test report, request digital copies of all raw test records, confirm retest requirements, seal critical components, sign off on the final FAT report.<\/p>\n

6. What Buyers Should Look for in a Supplier’s FAT Process<\/p>\n