Electrical PM Tools

This is a continuation of the series of post titled; "Electrical Preventive Maintenance Will Keep You Safe and Warm", a collection of guest post by Stuart Smith, MBA, MS.

Electrical PM Tools
By Stuart Smith

Performing electrical preventive maintenance can be done with the help of a number of technology tools. Which tool or combination of that works best for your facility depends on the type, location and accessibility of assets. The most important part about performing preventive maintenance is that is must be planned and be consistent. Regardless of the type of tool used to identify problems all electrical repair/install work should be done by a licensed electrician.

The goals of reliability, condition based, predictive and preventive maintenance are all the same which is to keep assets working in optimal condition for the longest period of time at the lowest overall cost to an organization. Some of the tools available are:

CMMS/EAM software for asset and maintenance management. These are good for scheduling all forms of preventive and predictive maintenance including work orders and inspections as well as tracking vendor documents/contracts for outsourcing of work.

PLC training: PLCs are used for the control of machinery from assembly lines to lighting fixtures. PLCs are designed for multiple inputs and output arrangements, extended temperature ranges, immunity to electrical noise, and resistance to vibration and impact.

◦CBM and reliability based maintenance methodologies.

◦Infrared Thermography: Common predictive technology tool that is great for identifying changes in heat or moisture. As previously stated almost all devices run hot before failure. Moisture causes corrosion.

◦Vibration analysis: Most vibrations in electrical motors are unwanted and indicate a loss of energy occurring.

◦Ultrasonic analysis: Not all sounds are audible to the human ear. Ultrasound analysis can detect tightness

◦Laser alignment: Laser shaft alignment can increase the efficiency and lifecycle of motors.

◦Using the senses: Visual, smell and noise changes are important signals of impending problems and they can be used for often than any other form of problem identification.

Please Follow this blog to see the next post in this series titled "Electrical Inspection checklists and resources"

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About the post author Stuart Smith, MBA, MS: Stuart is an avid writer about CMMS and EAM software solutions for Mintek Mobile Data Solutions.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Can't get a better article on Electrical PM Tools..simply superb!


Engineering Fresher Resume
bin95 said…
Stuart and I thank you Chandra for your nice comments.

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