How to Troubleshoot like an Professional

Hello Team Members;

  This weeks topic is troubleshooting. The importance of being able to troubleshoot electrical systems is one of the most important tasks of being an RME Tech. The ability to find the electrical failure will help you determine what the most effective way to solve the issue is. One of the key areas is to always use You Companies Safety Policy when troubleshooting live circuits; remember that you are engaging live wires, so all proper PPE (personal protective equipment) must be worn!

I have found this process and I think will help you with your troubleshooting skills...

   In fact, the principles covered in this approach can be applied to many other types of problem solving scenarios, not just electrical circuits.

The 5 Step Troubleshooting Approach Consists of the Following:

Preparation…

Step 1 Observation

Step 2 Define Problem Area

Step 3 Identify Possible Causes

Step 4 Determine Most Probable Cause

Step 5 Test and Repair, then Follow-up 

   I have found several PDF’s online to share with you; all of them are from the trademark corporation Fluke. There is countless files online that could help you in your understanding with electrical troubleshooting.There are some online programs that you have to pay for, however, I am looking into some of these to use to enhance training with our new sites.

Fluke

https://www.fluke.com/

How to troubleshoot a large motor drive safely

https://dam-assets.fluke.com/s3fs-public/3977991_0000_ENG_B_W.PDF

Test tools and troubleshooting electric motors

https://dam-assets.fluke.com/s3fs-public/2105286_A_w.pdf

Clamp Meter

https://www.jameco.com/Jameco/Products/ProdDS/2173263.pdf

Three-phase motors

https://dam-assets.fluke.com/s3fs-public/2105201_a_w.pdf

Single-phase motors

https://dam-assets.fluke.com/s3fs-public/2105247_6003_ENG_A_W.PDF

Fuses

https://dam-assets.fluke.com/s3fs-public/2042036_A_w.pdf

  There is several way to troubleshoot circuits and motors; you can go point to point (starting at the two furthermost points and work towards the center) or half splitting (starting in the middle and either at the fuses or load/motor). Always check the schematics and see how many inputs and outputs are on the line. This will tell you how many devices are in the line and which ones to check for continuity. Reading and understanding electrical schematics will greatly assist you in troubleshooting and finding the problem quickly! In basic terms, a schematic is a road map. If you know where the power source is and where your load/motor is, then finding all components in between should be simple. Take your time and practice. There are many schematics online to print off and review.

In Closing;

  If you have any addition questions or interest, please let me know I can research out that information for you! This is Journey that we all can take together, share info and improve our maintenance experience!! Please share your thoughts in the comments to add to the conversation!!

RME LA Joe DeLoach