Maintenance, Repair & Operations

An Alternative to Root Cause Analysis

March 16, 2021

Here is another way to get to the bottom of an equipment failure.

Maintenance consultants often recommend performing a root cause analysis when a failure occurs. In the real world, however, repair techs are under pressure to get failed equipment up and running quickly, and go on to the next repair. Even if they have the expertise, they simply do not have the time.

There is another way.

Most failure modes have only a few possible systemic causes. If the tech checks a box from a symptoms list on the repair form, the system can generate a work order to address those causes.

For example, during a repair, the tech checks a box for “corrosion.” This potential failure mode could have systemic causes such as:

Condensation in the raceway. Check similar enclosures for the same issue. Action: Install condensation drains on the affected raceways.
Pest intrusion. Check this and similar enclosures for droppings, nest material, and (faint) footprints. Action: Implement site-wide pest control measures.
Inadequate bonding. Check every metallic object for a bond that complies with Article 250, Part V.

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.