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With social distancing a new reality and travel at a standstill, the traditional factory acceptance test, or witness test, is a challenge. However, necessity is the mother of invention. In a digital and connected world, there are other methods to help customers virtually verify the capabilities of their products.
Much like test driving a car before you buy, witness testing enables customers to ask questions and see equipment operate before it leaves the factory. Our new virtual witness testing follows the same procedure as a traditional, in-person test at the factory without needing to leave the comforts of home or office.
As factories the world over are not allowing visitors to help stop the spread of COVID-19, our team in Asheville, North Carolina developed this program for low-voltage switchgear. We’re applying the similar principles to provide customers with virtual testing for power quality and other equipment.
Witness testing is not always necessary and it’s not performed on all equipment. When it comes to equipment that involves complicated transfer schemes or programming—like those used in data center, healthcare, utility, oil and gas and other industries—witness testing is an option available for added peace of mind. It helps ensure proper configuration and equipment operation and is an opportunity to connect with our expert engineers.
During an in-person witness test, equipment is energized, and experts are on hand to answer questions. Customers can see their equipment working with all the circuit breakers and relays operational. Testing occurs in real time, and customers can verify complicated equipment performs as intended.
This process is almost exactly the same with a virtual test, however customers can go beyond what was previously capable by viewing testing activities in real time through multiple cameras. These cameras can zoom in to clearly show nameplate data, trip unit configurations, relay function and other details, as well as a wide-angle view of the entire equipment.
Unlike a traditional, in-person testing protocol, virtual testing can provide important advantages:
Some customers will want to come into the factory when social distancing requirements are lifted. In the meantime, virtual testing provides an alternative to keep essential infrastructure projects on schedule.
