Performance Data Records

equipment from operation before checking it

functional inspections, you should keep a careful record

of the performance data on each piece of equipment.

thoroughly, unless you suspect a malfunction that could

cause further damage to the equipment.

PERFORMANCE DATA RECORDS

IC Electricians should have a prescribed procedure

to check a discrepancy or trouble call. You may find the

Locally prepared performance data records are

following approach helpful in evaluating operating

valuable in several ways. By comparing data taken on a

discrepancies.

particular piece of equipment at different times, you can

detect slow, progressive drifts that may not show in any

Visual in-place inspectionThis inspection may

one test. Though week-to-week changes may be slight,

disclose frayed or broken wiring and loose electrical or

you should follow them carefully so necessary

mechanical connections.

replacement or repair can be made before the lower limit

of performance is reached. Any marked variation is

Operational checkThis check may pinpoint the

abnormal, and it should be investigated immediately.

trouble to a particular unit. In some cases, it may disclose

Also, by keeping systematic records of performance and

the use of improper operating procedures, especially

servicing data, maintenance personnel become

with new equipment by inexperienced personnel.

acquainted with the equipment faster. Then too, the

Performance testThis testis an extension of the

accumulated experience contained in the records

operational check and is conducted with portable test

furnishes a guide to swift and accurate troubleshooting.

equipment and built-in meters; it can help localize the

Most of the actual work of organizing and

source of the trouble.

implementing a system of testing and servicing of

IC Electricians should conduct a quality control

equipment is outlined in the 3-M Systems. However,

inspection of all overhauled or repaired equipment

testing

and

recordskeeping

can

apply

before it is reinstalled. This inspection combines the

maintenance-related functions not covered by the 3-M

visual inspection, operational check, and performance

Systems.

test to assure the equipment is in proper operating

condition and ready for use.

CORRECTIVE MAINTENANCE

Corrective maintenance consists of locating and

TROUBLESHOOTING

correcting troubles in equipment or a system that fails

to function properly. Location of troubles includes

Corrective maintenance usually is concerned with

e v a l u a t i o n of equipment performance and

the process of troubleshooting. There are several ways

troubleshooting.

to describe troubleshooting. One description is as

follows: several steps through which a technician gains

EVALUATING PERFORMANCE

information about a casualty, isolates and repairs the

faulty component, and clearly understands the reason

The manufacturer's instruction book for each

for the malfunction.

particular piece of electrical/electronic equipment

contains performance standards that enable the

When the presence of a malfunction has been

technician to make an intelligent evaluation of the

recognized, the first phase of troubleshooting has begun.

operating capabilities and efficiency of the equipment.

The operation of the system is analyzed to determine

The standards are designed to make sure the equipment

which area of the equipment is causing the trouble.

operates at maximum efficiency at all times; any

When faulty operation of a piece of equipment has

reduction in performance indicates the need for

been traced to a particular stage or group of stages, the

corrective action. These instruction books also give the

next phase of troubleshooting is begun-identifying,

technician step-by-step performance checks, indicating

isolating, and repairing the faulty component or group

clearly all the test connections and test equipment for

of components.

each step.

To prevent the reoccurrence of the malfunction, you

When a discrepancy is brought to your attention

must clearly understand the reason the malfunction

through an operator's trouble call or as a result of an

occurred so all faulty components can be replaced; not

PMS check, you should first determine whether the

equipment is faulty or not. It is a mistake to remove the

just the most obvious ones.

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