Control Panel FAT Checklist: What a Factory Test Covers
A control panel FAT checklist lists the checks a panel must pass at the factory before shipment: document review, visual inspection, wiring and torque checks, insulation resistance, dielectric test, functional operation and a signed report. Use it to prepare your witness visit or to review a report you have received.
What you receive: send your drawings and test requirements, and your quotation within one working day states the FAT scope, witness arrangements and report format. Request a quotation
By Eng. Babu Parkash, Panel Engineering, Saudi Control Panels Company. Published October 2026.
What is a factory acceptance test on an electrical panel?
A factory acceptance test, or FAT, is the formal check that a finished panel matches its drawings and meets its specification before it leaves the workshop. It is witnessed and recorded. The result is a FAT report that the buyer keeps as part of the project documents. It is not the same as site acceptance, which happens after installation and is covered by the commissioning scope.
The checklist below is what a buyer should expect to see. Our panel FAT and testing service page describes how we run and book the test.
What does a control panel FAT checklist include?
Work through the stages in this order, because each one protects the next.
| Stage | What is checked | What the record shows |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Document review | Drawing revision, bill of materials, test procedure agreed | Revision numbers and sign-off |
| 2. Visual and mechanical | Enclosure finish, nameplates, doors, locks, earthing points, IP seals | Pass or note per item |
| 3. Wiring and torque | Terminals tightened, wire numbers match drawing, ferrules fitted | Torque spot-check sample |
| 4. Protective circuit | Continuity of earth bonding between exposed parts | Resistance reading |
| 5. Insulation resistance | Insulation resistance measured with a megohmmeter | Reading per circuit group |
| 6. Dielectric test | Power-frequency withstand test where specified | Test voltage and result |
| 7. Functional test | Power on, control voltage, interlocks, indicators, emergency stop | Step-by-step result |
| 8. Protection settings | Relays and breakers set per schedule | Setting printout or sheet |
| 9. Punch list | Any defect, owner, close-out date | Closed items initialled |
| 10. Report and release | Signed FAT report, witness signature, release for shipment | Final signed report |
Skipping any stage does not save time. A wiring error found at stage 3 costs minutes. The same error found on site costs a crane booking and a shutdown.
Worked example: a 12-feeder MCC record
This is a worked example with invented readings, to show what a good record looks like. The panel is a 12-feeder motor control centre with a 380 V supply.
- Document review. Drawing revision C and bill of materials revision C agreed on both sides. Time: 20 minutes.
- Visual check. Two nameplate spelling errors noted and corrected the same day.
- Torque check. 10 percent of terminals sampled per section, no loose terminal found.
- Earth continuity. Highest reading 0.08 ohm between the door and the main earth bar.
- Insulation resistance. 500 V d.c. applied, lowest reading 220 megohm, well above the acceptance level in the procedure.
- Dielectric test. Power-frequency withstand applied to the main circuit for 1 s with no breakdown.
- Functional test. Each of the 12 starters operated from local and remote control; overload trip simulated on three; emergency stop verified.
- Punch list. Two items, both closed before release.
The report carries all eight entries and the test equipment serial numbers. A witness who saw the test can compare the report line by line with what happened on the day.
What should you prepare before you witness the test?
Preparation turns a one-day visit into a half-day visit. Bring four things:
- Approved drawings at the revision being built, printed or on a tablet.
- The agreed test procedure, with acceptance values for insulation resistance and any special functions.
- A list of functions to see, such as changeover sequences, interlocks or alarms.
- Authority to sign. If you cannot release the panel on the day, the schedule slips.
Agree these in writing when you place the order. Customer and third-party inspector witness is welcome at our Dammam workshop, and the FAT is included in the scope.
How is a control panel FAT checklist different for MCC and MDB panels?
The stages are the same. The depth differs.
- MCC. The functional test is long because every starter, interlock and overload is exercised. See the MCC panels page for starter types and sections.
- MDB and SMDB. Mechanical operation, breaker interlocks and protection settings take the most time. Short-circuit and temperature-rise ratings come from the design verification and are not repeated at FAT. The LV switchboards and MDB page lists ratings and forms.
- Special panels. For panels with unusual requirements, the panel design and drawings service agrees the acceptance criteria before the build so that FAT has a clear target.
Our in-house FAT follows IEC 61439 routine verification. That means the same record format applies whether the panel is a small board or a full switchroom.
Questions about FAT
How do you do a FAT test?
Review the documents, inspect the panel, check wiring and torque, measure insulation resistance, apply the dielectric test where specified, run the functional test, close the punch list and sign the report. Follow the ten stages in the table above, in that order.
What does a FAT report mean?
A FAT report is the signed record of the factory test. It shows the drawing revision tested, the readings taken, any defects found and closed, the equipment used, and the signatures of the tester and witness. It is the evidence that the panel was released with agreed quality.
What is the difference between FAT and SAT?
FAT is done at the factory before shipment, so that defects are fixed where tools and spares are at hand. SAT is done on site after installation, to prove the panel works with the real plant, cables and supply. A good FAT shortens SAT.
Do I need to attend the FAT myself?
Attendance is optional but useful. A witness can sign the same day and release the panel. If you cannot attend, a third-party inspector or an engineer from your team can represent you, and the signed report is sent afterwards.
How long does a FAT take?
A distribution board is usually a few hours. A multi-section MCC takes longer because each starter is exercised. Allow time in the delivery plan, and tell us the date you prefer so the test bay is booked.
Want a control panel FAT checklist applied to your own panel? Send your drawings and acceptance criteria, and we will confirm the test scope, witness date and report format in your quotation within one working day.