adamichi/iStock/Thinkstock
Ecmweb 8827 Solving Cause Failure
Ecmweb 8827 Solving Cause Failure
Ecmweb 8827 Solving Cause Failure
Ecmweb 8827 Solving Cause Failure
Ecmweb 8827 Solving Cause Failure

Solving for the Cause of Failure

March 7, 2017
Have your techs identify the failure mode (what happened) rather than guess at what caused it.

Experts rightfully advise solving for failure causes. But there are some problems if you expect repair techs to do this:

• Techs are often in a high-pressure fire-drill mode, going from repair to repair. No time.

• Techs may lack the necessary skills (this is a specialized area of knowledge) or the information needed to correctly identify the likely cause.

• Adequate failure analysis may not be possible with the information available from one repair. It may require meta data or at least information from multiple pieces of equipment.

• The real problem may be hiding behind test data that have not been taken or system variables that have not been monitored.

The reality is the repair tech is typically making an educated guess about the failure cause, using limited information in a limited time to arrive at a conclusion that may not even be acted upon. It’s better to have the tech identify the failure mode (what happened) rather than guess at what caused it. Someone with the proper training in failure analysis (and the time to apply it) can then determine the likely cause.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Fiberglass Electrical Conduit Chemical Resistance Chart

This information is provided solely as a guide since it is impossible to anticipate all individual site conditions. For specific applications which are not covered in this guide...

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.