Diesel Generator and Alternator FAT Checklist

A complete FAT checklist covers document and nameplate verification, assembly condition, electrical integrity, insulation, grounding, controls, protections, operation under no load and load, and signed evidence. Engine and integrated-system checks apply to diesel generator sets; standalone alternators need a defined electrical and mechanical test scope.

Apply every item to the actual supplied configuration.
Set acceptance values before testing; do not rely on a generic pass statement.
Retain readings, instrument details, photographs and signed exception records.

Does a standalone alternator require a diesel-engine load test?

No. Engine fuel, cooling, exhaust and shutdown checks apply only when an engine is supplied. Alternator performance tests require a suitable drive and agreed test arrangement.

Are FAT acceptance limits universal?

No. Limits should come from the contract, approved datasheet, manufacturer specification and identified standard edition.

What evidence should the buyer receive?

Request recorded values, load points, alarm and trip results, instrument identification, calibration status, photographs, deviations and signed approval.

FAT checklist and applicability

Start by aligning the inspection scope through the complete generator FAT guide.

Category and test items	Applies to	Required evidence and acceptance
Documents: order, datasheet, drawings, manuals, certificates and nameplate match	Both	Approved revision; no unresolved mismatch
Visual/mechanical: dimensions, guards, terminals, fasteners, alignment, bearings, rotation and workmanship	Both	Checklist, photos and recorded exceptions
Electrical: wiring, phase sequence, continuity, protective-earth connection, winding resistance and insulation resistance	Both	Readings, test conditions and identified instruments
Controls/safety: emergency stop, alarms, trips, interlocks and breaker operation	Genset; alternator if supplied with controls	Simulated or functional result for every defined function
No-load/load: start, voltage, frequency, stability, staged load, temperature, leakage and abnormal vibration/noise	Genset; alternator with agreed drive	Time-based readings and load-bank or test-rig records
Engine systems: fuel, lubrication, cooling, battery/charger, exhaust and governing	Genset only	Operating readings and alarm/shutdown results
Alternator: winding/terminal checks, excitation/AVR, voltage behavior, rotation and bearing condition	Alternator	Electrical results tied to serial number and configuration

Standards and acceptance requirements

The International Organization for Standardization states in ISO 8528-6, generating-set test methods that its test methods characterize a complete generating set. This supports testing engine, alternator and controls together when the purchased product is a genset.

For standalone machines, the International Electrotechnical Commission's IEC 60034-1, Rotating Electrical Machines — Rating and Performance addresses ratings and performance of rotating electrical machines. Buyers should therefore identify the machine configuration, referenced edition and contractual limits instead of transferring every engine-related test to an alternator.

Record numerical limits in the approved protocol and use the linked FAT pass criteria. For operating sequence and evidence points, define the staged load testing procedure before the test.

Optional contract tests

Noise, vibration analysis, extended endurance, transient response, parallel operation, synchronizing, remote communications, enclosure water checks and witness testing are optional unless required by the contract, application or applicable regulation. Close FAT only after deviations are corrected or formally accepted.