Bench testing
An untested unit is a gamble — on the shelf, in a deal, or worst of all in the panel at 2am. We agree a practical bench-test scope, carry out the checks that can be demonstrated safely and document exactly what was — and was not — tested.
Before you buy or sell
Buying used kit or selling surplus equipment — a defined independent test gives the next decision something more useful than a vague “working” label.
Prove the shelf
Critical spares are only useful if their condition is understood. We can assess suitable PLC, HMI, drive and control hardware against an agreed bench-test scope.
Straight answers
Visual condition, power-up, diagnostics, recognition and basic functional checks are recorded where applicable — including what could not be tested and why.
See the paperwork, not just the promise
This is based on a completed September 2026 Automation Outlet bench-testing job for a UK industrial customer. A mixed batch of Siemens PLC and automation spares was assessed and recorded with genuine PASS / FAIL outcomes and factual test notes. The public version removes the customer identity, contact details and job-specific customer references.
Clear limits before testing
Visual inspection, controlled power-up where appropriate, status and diagnostic checks, online recognition where practical and equipment-family basic functional checks.
PASS and FAIL recorded
The completed job includes both successful units and genuine failures — including a power supply rejected for abnormal audible operation and an interface module recommended for replacement.
One ID per physical unit
Each unit is assigned an AO Test ID with manufacturer part number, result field, evidence / remarks and exception detail where required.
The public report is an anonymised presentation of a genuine completed customer test record. PASS confirms only the functionality demonstrated during the stated bench-test scope; it is not manufacturer refurbishment, calibration, endurance testing or proof of every possible application/configuration.
What a basic bench test can include
The exact checks depend on the equipment family, available fixtures and the scope agreed before work starts.
Visual & safe power-up
Condition inspection, obvious damage checks and controlled energisation where the unit can be powered safely on the bench.
Diagnostics & recognition
Status LEDs, hardware diagnostics and online recognition where suitable software, interfaces and test hardware are available.
Basic functional checks
Equipment-family checks such as accessible I/O, power-supply output/status or operating-mode checks where practical and agreed.
Full machine simulation, advanced communications/network proving, component-level repair diagnosis and deliberate alteration of customer programs or parameters are outside the basic scope unless separately agreed.
Something to test?
Tell us what it is and what you need to know about it — we'll quote the test straight back.
Or message us on WhatsApp — 07849 506371 · info@automation-outlet.co.uk