Site Acceptance Test
A Site Acceptance Test verifies that installed equipment or systems operate correctly in the actual plant environment after delivery and installation.
What this term means in maintenance
A Site Acceptance Test verifies that installed equipment or systems operate correctly in the actual plant environment after delivery and installation.
What SAT may verify
Testing may include:
- Installation
- Utilities
- Interfaces
- Controls
- Alarms
- Interlocks
- Communication
- Performance
- Safety functions
- Documentation
Practical example
A new packaging line is tested with actual site power, controls, materials, operators, and upstream and downstream interfaces.
FAT versus SAT
FAT occurs at the supplier before shipment.
SAT occurs at the operating site after installation.
Acceptance
Results, deviations, punch items, restrictions, and approval should be documented.
Common mistake
Repeating only the FAT steps without testing site utilities and interfaces leaves installation problems undiscovered.
How this term differs
Site Acceptance Test is testing after installation in the actual plant environment. It is related to Factory Acceptance Test, Installation Qualification, and Commissioning, but these terms describe different records, measures, roles, strategies, or decisions and should not be used interchangeably.
Related concepts
Related maintenance terms
Keep exploring connected CMMS, reliability, and maintenance planning terms.
Factory Acceptance Test
A Factory Acceptance Test verifies equipment, panels, software, or systems at the supplier's facility before shipment.
Commissioning
Commissioning is the controlled process of verifying that new or modified equipment is installed correctly, performs as intended, and is ready for safe operation.
Punch List
A punch list is a controlled record of incomplete, defective, or outstanding items identified before final acceptance or closure.
Glossary FAQs
- What does SAT stand for?
SAT stands for Site Acceptance Test.
- When is SAT performed?
After equipment is delivered and installed at the operating site.
- How is SAT different from FAT?
SAT verifies actual installation, utilities, interfaces, controls, and site conditions.