Maintenance testing is a test that is performed to either identify equipment problems, diagnose equipment problems, or confirm that repair measures have been effective. It can be performed at either the system level (e.g., the

HVAC Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) is the use of various technologies to control the temperature, humidity, and purity of the air in an enclosed space. Its goal is to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality. ...

system), the equipment level (e.g., the blower in an HVAC line), or the component level (e.g., a control chip in the control box for the blower in the HVAC line).

Technical basis for testing

Maintenance testing uses system performance requirements to identify the appropriate components for further inspection or repair. A good testing program will record test results and maintenance actions taken. These data will be evaluated for trends and serve as the basis for decisions on appropriate testing frequency, the need to replace or upgrade equipment, and performance improvement opportunities.

In-service inspection and testing

One level of maintenance testing is the

in-service inspection An in-service program is a professional training or staff development effort, where professionals are trained and discuss their work with others in their peer group. It is a key component of continuing medical education for physicians, pharmacis ...

or inspection, which typically is a test or series of tests performed on a frequency established by the manufacturer based on prior experience with the system/equipment/component or upon engineering analysis of the probable failure rate for the equipment. Typical examples of inspections and tests include: * Periodic

vehicle inspection Vehicle inspection is a procedure mandated by national or subnational governments in many countries, in which a vehicle is inspected to ensure that it conforms to regulations governing safety, emissions, or both. Inspection can be required at va ...

s mandated by regulatory authorities for features important to

environmental protection Environmental protection is the practice of protecting the natural environment by individuals, organizations and governments. Its objectives are to conserve natural resources and the existing natural environment and, where possible, to repair da ...

(e.g., exhaust emissions) or for

safety Safety is the state of being "safe", the condition of being protected from harm or other danger. Safety can also refer to the control of recognized hazards in order to achieve an acceptable level of risk. Meanings There are two slightly di ...

(e.g., brake and signal lights). *Periodic inspections of nuclear power plant equipment important to the safe operation of the facility. Such inspections include a range of tests such as **Leak-rate tests for containment structures (the reactor boundary, the containment vessel, etc.). **Calibration tests to assure shutdown systems will activate on over-power or over-temperature conditions. * The medical

physical examination In a physical examination, medical examination, or clinical examination, a medical practitioner examines a patient for any possible medical signs or symptoms of a medical condition. It generally consists of a series of questions about the patie ...

or clinical examination can be considered diagnostic testing of in-service inspection for the human body *Performance tests such as turbine shaft vibration tests to identify wear and plan maintenance are a form of diagnostic testing.

Evaluation and trending of test results

A good testing program will record test results and maintenance actions taken. These data will be evaluated for trends and serve as the basis for decisions on appropriate testing frequency, the need to replace or upgrade equipment, and performance improvement opportunities.

Types of maintenance for which testing can be used

Maintenance falls into the following four categories: *

Preventive maintenance The technical meaning of maintenance involves functional checks, servicing, repairing or replacing of necessary devices, equipment, machinery, building infrastructure, and supporting utilities in industrial, business, and residential installa ...

— Changes to the existing system so as to reduce the risk of failure while operating. *

Corrective maintenance Corrective maintenance is a maintenance task performed to identify, isolate, and rectify a fault so that the failed equipment, machine, or system can be restored to an operational condition within the tolerances or limits established for in-serv ...

— Correcting problems while using the system. * Perfective maintenance — Enhancements (modifications) to improve the safety, reliability, efficiency, or cost-effectiveness of operation. * Adaptive maintenance — Adaptations to address requirements that crop up due to changes in the environment or new regulations. *

Performance A performance is an act of staging or presenting a play, concert, or other form of entertainment. It is also defined as the action or process of carrying out or accomplishing an action, task, or function. Management science In the work place ...

; Performance

Technical basis for testing

In-service inspection and testing

Evaluation and trending of test results

Types of maintenance for which testing can be used

See also