Join 60,000+ competitive exam aspirants
The process of finding and fixing a defect in instruments is called?
Troubleshooting
Maintenance
Both
Only A
Only A
Quick Summary: Troubleshooting is the systematic process of identifying, diagnosing, and rectifying a fault or defect in an instrument or system. Unlike maintenance, which is a proactive or periodic routine, troubleshooting is a reactive process triggered by a specific malfunction or performance deviation.
Troubleshooting is the systematic process of identifying, diagnosing, and rectifying a fault or defect in an instrument or system. Unlike maintenance, which is a proactive or periodic routine, troubleshooting is a reactive process triggered by a specific malfunction or performance deviation.
MTTR=Number of Repairs∑Repair Times — Mean Time To Repair, a metric used to evaluate troubleshooting efficiency
The troubleshooting mechanism typically follows a logical sequence: (1) Observation of symptoms, (2) Isolation of the faulty section, (3) Diagnosis of the root cause, (4) Repair or replacement of the failed component, and (5) Verification of restored functionality. It utilizes test equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, or diagnostic software to trace signal paths or electrical continuity to pinpoint the exact failure point.
Troubleshooting is a reactive activity triggered by failure.
Maintenance is categorized as preventive (periodic) or predictive (condition-based).
Effective troubleshooting minimizes downtime in power systems.
Documentation such as logbooks and schematics are essential for troubleshooting.
Reduces system downtime.
Prevents catastrophic failures by early identification of defects.
Increases the operational lifespan of electrical instruments.
Can be time-consuming if documentation is missing.
Requires high technical expertise for complex electronic circuits.
Power system relay calibration.
Control panel instrumentation repair.
Industrial automation and sensor maintenance.
| Feature | Troubleshooting | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
Nature of Activity | Reactive (Fault-driven) | Proactive (Time-driven) |
Option B (Maintenance) refers to activities performed to retain or restore an item to a functional state, including preventive tasks, which distinguishes it from the fault-specific nature of troubleshooting.
The IEEE standard for reliability and maintainability terminology defines these processes clearly to ensure standardized power system operations.
D is correct — Troubleshooting specifically refers to the identification and remediation of a defect, whereas maintenance encompasses broader activities aimed at preserving equipment health.
In competitive exams, always distinguish between 'preventive' actions (Maintenance) and 'corrective' actions (Troubleshooting) to identify the correct technical terminology.