Guides
Factory acceptance tests for power transformers
A factory acceptance test is a set of tests at the factory before shipment. The job is to confirm the unit against the purchase contract and the named standards. FAT is not site commissioning.
Standards frame
IEC 60076 describes routine, type, and special tests. IEEE C57 practice is the usual North America companion. Obtain official standards text from the standards bodies. This page is educational, not a substitute for the standard.
What buyers typically witness
- Visual and nameplate check
- Ratio, polarity, and vector
- Losses and impedance
- Dielectric tests required by the contract
- Oil tests when specified
- Type tests only when the contract requires them
Remote vs in-person
Remote witness exists. Critical projects often still prefer in-person for key tests. Switchyard Supply can attend or review paperwork. We close fat_passed only when artefacts exist. We do not invent a pass.
After FAT
Packing, impact recorders, and the transport handoff. Continue on heavy-haul.
Questions
- What is a transformer FAT?
- Factory tests before shipment to confirm contract and standards compliance.
- Is FAT the same as commissioning?
- No. Commissioning is on site after receive.
- Should FAT be in the purchase contract?
- Yes. Witness rights, the test list, and the governing standards should sit in the PO package and on the quotation. FAT witness rights are contractual, never automatic.
Sources
- IEEE C57.12.00-2021. General requirements for liquid-immersed distribution, power, and regulating transformers. Obtain official text from IEEE.
- IEEE C57.12.90-2021. Test code for liquid-immersed distribution, power, and regulating transformers. FAT witness rights are contractual.