---
title: The benefits of witnessing electrical factory acceptance tests (FATS)
date: 2017-12-05T14:30:00-05:00
author: jessica napert
canonical_url: "https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/publications/the-benefits-of-witnessing-electrical-factory-acceptance-tests-fats"
section: Publications
---
Today, rigorous witnessing of factory acceptance tests (FATs) performed by an expert who is directly involved in the project engineering process is proving to be key when carrying out detailed engineering projects. On the one hand, it prevents disruptions when completing an engineering project and, on the other hand, minimizes the risk of undue delays during plant commissioning and start-up. It also prevents significant production losses in case critical equipment is unexpectedly damaged in the initial years of operation.

 

1. **Experience shows that, in general, intensifying FATs helps:**
    
    
    - Reduce the risk of litigation following project execution.
    - Improve the insurability of a plant, knowing that the risks of premature damage are much lower when the FATs have been performed rigorously.
    
    However, FATs are often sacrificed in favour of shortening the schedule and for financial considerations.
    
    This document will demonstrate that properly following project steps to optimize nominal life expectancy is more beneficial than accelerating the process to save money or to shorten the schedule, which would negatively affect process operation.
 
This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA

 

    1. ![Maurice Brisson canva](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/204414/Maurice-Brisson-canva.webp)   
    
     Maurice Brisson, P.Eng., M.A.Sc.
    
    Senior Consulting Expert, Power System Planning
    
         Read bio    **Maurice brings 50+ years of experience** in medium- and high-voltage systems, combining technical expertise, leadership, and strategic vision to supply power for industrial projects, renewable energy installations, and complex transmission and distribution networks.
    
    **Key expertise**
    
    
    - Techno-economic studies and electrical network development
    - Protection, reactive compensation, and harmonic filtering for industrial processes
    - Transmission and distribution network planning and analysis
    - Troubleshooting, diagnostics, and single-line diagram design
    
    **Major achievements**
    
    Projects spanning studies, optimization, and rehabilitation of substations up to 345 kV for industrial complexes and renewable energy parks of 40–350 MW, including planning and performance assessment for complex industrial and renewable systems.
    
    **Approach and added value**
    
    Maurice applies a rigorous and practical approach, securing decisions and investments while supporting the energy transition through robust, high-performance projects.
 
 

       

  

  

 

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  Today, rigorous witnessing of factory acceptance tests (FATs) performed by an expert who is directly involved in the project engineering process is proving to be key when carrying out detailed engineering projects. On the one hand, it prevents disruptions when completing an engineering project and, on the other hand, minimizes the risk of undue delays during plant commissioning and start-up. It also prevents significant production losses in case critical equipment is unexpectedly damaged in the initial years of operation.

 

1. **Experience shows that, in general, intensifying FATs helps:**
    
    
    - Reduce the risk of litigation following project execution.
    - Improve the insurability of a plant, knowing that the risks of premature damage are much lower when the FATs have been performed rigorously.
    
    However, FATs are often sacrificed in favour of shortening the schedule and for financial considerations.
    
    This document will demonstrate that properly following project steps to optimize nominal life expectancy is more beneficial than accelerating the process to save money or to shorten the schedule, which would negatively affect process operation.
 
This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA