FAULT DETECTION

Welcome to class!

In today’s class, we will be talking about fault detection. Enjoy the class!

Fault detection, also known as troubleshooting is a form of maintenance for electronics. Since electrons move about in some gadgets, they are therefore referred to as electronics.

Troubleshooting

This is the process of finding likely fault in equipment, machine and electrical appliances by using appropriate tools.

In troubleshooting, it is assumed the problem is not known. As such, it involves a trial and error method of detecting and locating a fault in a machine.

Fault detection tools and instruments

1. Voltage Indicator:

This instrument is to check whether the voltage exists across two points in a circuit. There is the Analogue meter with a deflective finger indicator and the Digital meter which displays the exact value of the electronic device even in decimal.

The digital meter is easier to read. However, in the absence of these meters, a simple voltage indicator of a lamp connected to a lamp holder and two-wire terminals can be used.

2. Electric Current Tester:

This looks like a screwdriver that has a red bulb inside it when the tip torches a live wire while a finger is placed on the cap of the insulated handle.

3. Continuity Tester:

This is also known as a multimeter. It can be used to test the flow of current, as a voltage indicator, as insulation tester and other tests.

4. The Oscilloscope:

This is a general-purpose instrument used for measuring small voltages and current.

It is also used for the maintenance of electronic equipment and laboratory work.

They have LCD or LED screens and fast analogue-to-digital converters and digital signal processors.

5. Insulation Tester:

The insulation tester is known as the megger, which is used to test earth leakages that results in shocks.

6. Soldering Iron:

It is used to solder electronic elements to the panel. It can also be used to melt soldered components for proper examination.

Fault detection process in an electrical appliance

The following processes include:

Understand the operation of the appliance.
Check the connecting cord that transmits power from the mains into the appliance.
Check the fuse in the plug (if it is well fused).
If it a heating appliance (like electric iron), check the continuity of the heating element.

In our next class, we will be talking about BASIC ELECTRONICS; BASIC EMISSION THEORY. We hope you enjoyed the class.

Should you have any further question, feel free to ask in the comment section below and trust us to respond as soon as possible.