What Level of Repair is Acceptable?

Over-repairing equipment vs. under-repairing it

Feb. 15, 2021

Tools For Equipment Repair 602af7da8f1bd

If an electrician changes out a large component in a white cabinet and accidentally scratches the paint, how should that be addressed?

Leave the scratch alone; it probably won’t rust.
Cover it with a typing correction solution.
Cover it with caulking.
Repaint the entire cabinet wall so it looks like new.

Any of these might be acceptable (even not repairing), depending upon how critical the appearance is and how much you want to spend to get there. Is the scratch inside, where it is unlikely to be seen? Or is it on the outside? Is the cabinet along the walkway where VIPs might see it, or is it on the backside of an equipment skid where almost nobody will see it? Would painting in place expose operators to paint solvents when a little caulk would not expose them to any toxins?

Coming up with a general guideline and communicating the “why” to repair techs can avoid both costly over-repair and sloppy under-repair (which is also costly).

About the Author

Mark Lamendola

Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.