Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) Services
Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) Services provided by Zurich Inspection consist of independent third-party verification of equipment, systems, or assemblies tested at the manufacturer’s premises prior to shipment, to confirm compliance with contractual requirements, technical specifications, and approved test protocols. FAT inspections provide objective, time-stamped evidence used to support acceptance decisions, shipment authorization, and risk control before equipment is delivered or installed.
Independent Inspection Company
Certified Engineers & Inspectors
Standards-Based Inspection Methodology
On-Site Coverage in 33+ Countries
Detailed Inspection Reports with Evidence
Zurich Inspection – Independent Factory Acceptance Test Company
Zurich Inspection is a global inspection company providing independent Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) services to manufacturers, EPC contractors, project owners, utilities, and industrial operators across international supply chains.
Zurich’s role in FAT is strictly limited to third-party verification. Factory Acceptance Tests are witnessed, observed, and documented to confirm that equipment or systems perform in accordance with approved documentation, including technical specifications, functional descriptions, drawings, control philosophies, and test procedures agreed contractually.
Zurich does not design equipment, write test procedures, perform commissioning, adjust parameters, or provide engineering recommendations. FAT activities are conducted to verify execution and results, not to validate design intent or fitness-for-purpose beyond defined acceptance criteria.
FAT inspections are typically performed at the manufacturer’s facility before shipment, where conditions allow functional testing under controlled environments. This ensures that deviations, missing functions, or non-conformities are identified before logistics, installation, or site commissioning, where corrective actions become significantly more costly and disruptive.
This strict independence makes Zurich FAT reports suitable for acceptance decisions, milestone payments, audits, and dispute resolution, without conflict of interest.
Factory Acceptance Test Services Provided by Zurich
The FAT scope is defined by contract, equipment criticality, industry standards, and project risk profile. Zurich provides FAT services exclusively as verification and witnessing activities, including:
Review of FAT procedures, test protocols, and acceptance criteria
Verification of equipment identification and traceability
Witnessing of functional, operational, and safety tests
Observation of performance tests against specified parameters
Review of test results and recorded values
Identification and documentation of deviations or non-conformities
Evidence First
Third-Party Inspections
Comprehensive Reports
What Is a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT)?
A Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) is a pre-delivery verification activity performed at the manufacturer’s premises to confirm that equipment, systems, or assemblies comply with contractual and technical requirements before shipment.
FAT focuses on:
- Functional behavior
- Operational sequences
- Interface readiness
- Safety and protection features
Unlike inspections that verify physical conformity, FAT verifies how equipment behaves when operated, based on approved test procedures.
FAT does not replace site commissioning or Site Acceptance Tests (SAT). Instead, it reduces risk by detecting issues early, when corrective actions can be implemented without impacting installation schedules, site safety, or downstream systems.
Responsibility for design, performance adequacy, and system integration remains with the manufacturer or engineering authority.
When and Why Factory Acceptance Tests Are Required
Factory Acceptance Tests are commonly required when:
- Equipment is complex, automated, or safety-critical
- Failure after delivery would cause major delays or costs
- Installation or commissioning environments are constrained
- Contractual acceptance is linked to FAT results
Typical drivers for FAT include:
- Risk reduction before shipment
- Verification prior to milestone payment
- Compliance with project or regulatory requirements
- Alignment between buyer and manufacturer expectations
Why Independent FAT Inspection Matters
FAT does not guarantee system performance but provides objective verification at a critical project milestone. Independent FAT:
- Reduces bias in test reporting
- Improves traceability and credibility
- Aligns buyer and manufacturer expectations
- Reduces downstream commissioning risk
Factory Acceptance Test vs Pre-Shipment Inspection
FAT and PSI are complementary controls addressing different risks.
| Aspect | Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) | Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Functional and operational performance | Physical conformity of finished goods |
| Timing | Before shipment, during testing | Before shipment, after production |
| Test execution | Active testing and operation | Visual, dimensional, and sampling checks |
| Typical use | Complex or safety-critical equipment | Finished goods conformity |
| Risk addressed | Functional failure after delivery | Quality or quantity non-conformity |
Factory Acceptance Test Standards and References
Zurich FAT services align with international standards, industry codes, and project-specific requirements, including but not limited to:
General and Cross-Industry Standards
- IEC 60068 – Environmental testing (where referenced)
- IEC 60204-1 – Safety of machinery – electrical equipment
- ISO 12100 – Safety of machinery (contextual reference)
Electrical and Automation
- IEC 61439 – Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies
- IEC 61850 – Power utility automation (where applicable)
- IEEE standards referenced in power and utility projects
Oil, Gas, Energy, and Process Industries
- API standards referenced for packaged equipment
- IEC / ISO process control standards
- EPC and end-user specifications
Project-Specific FAT Protocols
- Employer’s Requirements
- Functional Design Specifications (FDS)
- Cause & Effect matrices
- Approved FAT procedures
FAT Inspectors – Qualification and Experience
FAT inspections are performed by inspectors experienced in:
- Industrial equipment and systems
- Electrical and automation environments
- Process and energy installations
Inspector competence enables verification of execution, not engineering validation or commissioning.
Equipment and Systems Commonly Subject to FAT
FAT is widely applied to:
Industrial machinery and production lines
Electrical panels, switchgear, and substations
Control systems, PLCs, and automation cabinets
Pumps, compressors, turbines, and rotating equipment
Skids, packaged systems, and modular units
Global FAT Inspection Company
Zurich operates through a global network of qualified inspectors, enabling FAT inspection services to be delivered close to fabrication shops and project sites. This supports timely intervention, realistic assessment of site conditions, and rapid reporting.
Asia
China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Mongolia, Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Nepal, Laos
Middle East
Turkey, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Jordan
Africa
Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Rwanda
Request Factory Acceptance Test Services
Zurich supports organizations requiring independent Factory Acceptance Test services worldwide.
Q&A – FAT Inspection Services
Is a Factory Acceptance Test legally or contractually mandatory?
A Factory Acceptance Test is not universally mandatory, but it is frequently required by EPC contracts, end-user specifications, or regulatory frameworks for complex or safety-critical equipment. In many projects, FAT completion is a contractual prerequisite for shipment approval or milestone payment.
What is the difference between FAT and commissioning?
FAT verifies equipment behavior and functionality at the manufacturer’s premises under controlled conditions. Commissioning takes place on site after installation and verifies integration with the actual operating environment. FAT reduces risk before delivery but does not replace commissioning or Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
Who defines the FAT test scope and procedures?
The FAT scope and procedures are typically defined by the buyer, EPC contractor, or engineering authority and approved prior to testing. Zurich verifies execution against the approved procedures but does not create, modify, or approve FAT protocols.
Can a FAT be partially completed if equipment is not fully ready?
Yes. In some projects, FATs are performed in phases, with partial FATs covering available functions and a follow-up FAT addressing remaining items. Any limitations or incomplete tests are clearly documented in the inspection report.
Does a successful FAT guarantee equipment performance after installation?
No. FAT verifies performance under test conditions at the factory. It does not guarantee behavior after transport, installation, integration, or operation under real process conditions. FAT results must be interpreted within their defined scope and limitations.
Can FAT findings delay shipment or payment?
Yes. In many contracts, shipment authorization or payment release is linked to satisfactory FAT results. Identified non-conformities may require corrective action, re-testing, or formal deviation acceptance before shipment proceeds.
Is FAT applicable to standard equipment or only custom systems?
FAT is most common for custom, engineered, or automated systems, but it may also be required for standard equipment where functional verification, safety validation, or documentation completeness is critical.
Does Zurich operate or manipulate equipment during FAT?
No. Equipment operation and test execution remain the responsibility of the manufacturer or system integrator. Zurich witnesses, observes, and verifies test execution and records results objectively.
About Us
Zurich Inspection is an independent inspection and engineering services provider delivering quality inspection, supplier audit, and technical support services across multiple industries and countries.
Zurich Compliance & Ethics Charter
Zurich Inspection conducts its activities with independence, integrity, and professional discipline. This charter defines the principles that guide how we conduct solutions.