electrical testing
Logical Steps to Fault Finding
The Twelve Steps
1 – Identify the symptoms
It is very important to establish the events that led up to the problem on the faulty installation or equipment as this can help save time and money as well as reducing downtime.
2 – Gather Information
The more information you can get when looking for a fault the easier it can be to diagnose the fault. Talking to people and looking at any available sources of information can achieve this. Some examples are;
Schematic Drawings
Operating Manuals
Wiring & Connection Drawings
Manufacturers Data & Information
Maintenance Records
Inspection & Test Results
Installation Specifications
Site Drawings
Design Data
Site Diary
3 – Analyse the Evidence
Looking carefully at the information gathered is important and again can reduce the time it takes to locate the fault. Ways of achieving this are;
Carry out a localised Visual Inspection of the Reported fault area
Cross Referencing this with the information that has been obtained
Decide what action needs to be taken and if possible determine the remedy
4 – Check the Supply
Initially it is important to confirm the supply status at the origin of circuit or installation and then confirm if a supply exists local to the faulty circuit or equipment.
If a supply is found to exist then it may be necessary to confirm that circuit or equipment can be isolated. This may require the completion of a ‘Permit to Work’ as part of the Safe System of Work process.
5 – Check Protective Devices
The next stage is to look at the protective device of the circuit and determine if the device has activated or not. It may need confirming that the protective device under examination actually feeds the stated circuit or piece of equipment.
6 – Isolation and Test
Whether the protective device has activated or not, it is important to confirm that the protective device of the circuit or equipment
The Twelve Steps
1 – Identify the symptoms
It is very important to establish the events that led up to the problem on the faulty installation or equipment as this can help save time and money as well as reducing downtime.
2 – Gather Information
The more information you can get when looking for a fault the easier it can be to diagnose the fault. Talking to people and looking at any available sources of information can achieve this. Some examples are;
Schematic Drawings
Operating Manuals
Wiring & Connection Drawings
Manufacturers Data & Information
Maintenance Records
Inspection & Test Results
Installation Specifications
Site Drawings
Design Data
Site Diary
3 – Analyse the Evidence
Looking carefully at the information gathered is important and again can reduce the time it takes to locate the fault. Ways of achieving this are;
Carry out a localised Visual Inspection of the Reported fault area
Cross Referencing this with the information that has been obtained
Decide what action needs to be taken and if possible determine the remedy
4 – Check the Supply
Initially it is important to confirm the supply status at the origin of circuit or installation and then confirm if a supply exists local to the faulty circuit or equipment.
If a supply is found to exist then it may be necessary to confirm that circuit or equipment can be isolated. This may require the completion of a ‘Permit to Work’ as part of the Safe System of Work process.
5 – Check Protective Devices
The next stage is to look at the protective device of the circuit and determine if the device has activated or not. It may need confirming that the protective device under examination actually feeds the stated circuit or piece of equipment.
6 – Isolation and Test
Whether the protective device has activated or not, it is important to confirm that the protective device of the circuit or equipment