Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) Services Australia

Independent Expert Witness Testing at Manufacturer Facilities

Factory acceptance testing (FAT) is the first opportunity to verify that newly manufactured HV equipment meets its specification, contract requirements, and applicable standards before leaving the factory. An effective FAT catches defects early — when they are far cheaper and faster to resolve than after shipping, installation, and connection at site.
Megavar provides independent FAT witness and testing services for power transformers, HV switchgear, protection and control panels, SCADA systems, and ancillary HV equipment at manufacturer facilities in Australia and internationally.

Why FAT Matters

A transformer winding fault at FAT: weeks of factory rework. The same fault at site: drain, disconnect, transport, repair, return, recommission — months and hundreds of thousands of dollars. FAT is the quality checkpoint that prevents these outcomes.

Equipment We FAT

Power Transformers

Complete test suite per AS 60076, IEC 60076, IEEE C57.12.00: ratio, polarity, winding resistance, impedance, load/no-load loss, applied/induced voltage, impulse (BIL/switching), temperature rise, PD, SFRA baseline, DGA baseline, and noise. We verify compliance and raise non-conformance reports.

HV Switchgear

Type test review, routine test witnessing (dielectric, temperature, short-circuit), mechanical operation, contact resistance, timing, SF6 gas tightness, and control circuit functionals. GIS: additional PD and gas compartment verification.

Protection and Control Panels

Visual inspection, wiring checks, relay configuration/settings, functional testing of all trip and alarm circuits, interlock verification, SCADA point-to-point, IEC 61850/DNP3/Modbus communication, and drawing review.

SCADA and RTU Systems

Configuration, point database, alarm management, historical data, reporting, and communication verification. Every control, status, analogue, and alarm tested from SCADA master through RTU/IED, including failover and redundancy.

Our FAT Process

Pre-FAT review — Review of test procedures against specification and standards. Identification of hold and witness points.
Witness testing — Engineers attend the factory to witness tests, verify setup, review results in real time, and raise queries immediately.
Independent measurement — Where required, we bring calibrated equipment for independent verification alongside manufacturer tests.
FAT report — Detailed report: all tests, results, non-conformances, and clear acceptance recommendation.

Factory Locations

We attend FATs at facilities across Australia and internationally — Asia, Europe, and North America. We coordinate travel, logistics, and reporting seamlessly.

Why Megavar for FAT?

Independent — No commercial relationship with any manufacturer ensures unbiased assessment.
Deep technical knowledge — We understand the engineering significance of results, catching subtle non-conformances.
Commissioning continuity — Same engineers from FAT through to site commissioning provides knowledge continuity.
Rapid reporting — Reports within 5 business days; critical NCRs communicated immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions
Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) Services Australia

What is factory acceptance testing?

FAT tests newly manufactured equipment at the manufacturer’s facility before shipping to site. It verifies the equipment meets specification, contract requirements, and standards. Catching defects at factory is far cheaper and faster than at site.

What equipment should undergo FAT?

All critical, long-lead-time HV equipment: power transformers, switchgear, circuit breakers, protection/control panels, and SCADA/RTU systems. Anything where a site-discovered defect would cause significant cost or delay.

Does Megavar attend international FATs?

Yes. We attend FATs in Australia and internationally (Asia, Europe, North America), coordinating travel and logistics for a seamless experience.

What happens when a non-conformance is found?

NCRs are documented, classified by severity, and critical issues communicated immediately. The manufacturer resolves the issue and affected tests are repeated and re-witnessed before shipment approval.

Can the same engineers who attend FAT commission the equipment at site?

Yes. This continuity from factory to site ensures observations are followed up during SAT and nothing is lost between phases. It’s a key advantage of engaging Megavar for FAT.

How far in advance should FAT be planned?

Ideally engage Megavar during specification and tender so FAT requirements are in the purchase contract. Minimum 4–6 weeks’ notice before the FAT date.

Ready to commission your substation? Contact Megavar today on 1300 730 499 or visit our contact page to request a quote.

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