Predictive electrical maintenance involves monitoring equipment in real time to detect issues early, preventing failures and reducing downtime. It helps your electricals operate reliably, safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulations while raising Overall Equipment Effectiveness. Though adoption requires investment and expertise, combining predictive tools with scheduled maintenance gives you safer, improved, and cost-effective operations.
Traditionally, the general perception around maintenance is to only fix something when it breaks. But forward-thinking businesses think differently. They know that maintenance keeps things moving and prefer to invest in an electrical maintenance strategy that keeps equipment running with minimal downtime and better control over their costs.
Thanks to advanced technology, there’s now a more effective option for commercial and industrial businesses: predictive maintenance. Predictive electrical maintenance is helping businesses stay one step ahead in keeping their equipment running longer.
This guide highlights how predictive maintenance is transforming electrical equipment servicing and why it’s smart to invest in an electrical maintenance schedule with Oaktree Electrical.
As the name suggests, predictive maintenance (PdM) is a proactive maintenance strategy that uses real-time data to monitor equipment health, helping you spot issues before they turn into problems and forecast when a failure may occur. As a result, your electrical systems will be less likely to experience breakdowns, and you can maintain better electrical maintenance schedules and long-lasting equipment.
During normal operation, data is collected from devices using predictive maintenance software and compared against known measurements to accurately “predict” the possibility of failure. This data is used and managed by a computerised maintenance management system (CMMS) to track and schedule work orders based on these predictions. Some systems also incorporate machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
As a result, predictive maintenance allows your business to schedule and perform maintenance work before an asset or equipment is expected to fail, and in turn minimise downtime.
An example of a predictive maintenance approach in the real estate and facility management sector is using sensors to monitor load, voltage, and current, and identify any unusual fluctuations or overloads that point to issues. Any problems detected can then be addressed safely ahead of time.
In the energy sector, preventative maintenance uses real-time sensor data to monitor vibrations, temperature, and electrical output to catch issues like electrical imbalances or overheating, which can affect generator performance.
As electrical systems grow more complex and interconnected, PdM is becoming increasingly important to keep electrical devices and equipment reliable, efficient, and safe.
Here are five reasons why predictive maintenance of electrical equipment can be transformational for your business:
Predictive electrical maintenance can improve the reliability of your electrical equipment. Instead of waiting for things to go wrong, you’ll employ real-time monitoring and analysis to highlight small changes before they turn into full-blown problems. This allows your maintenance team to be better prepared and have all the information to step in early.
Your business benefits from fewer breakdowns and more consistent equipment performance.
Predictive electrical maintenance allows you to avoid facing expensive breakdowns and the sudden need for emergency repairs.
Carrying out maintenance work only when needed saves your business time, money, and effort. You’ll also avoid overservicing, realigning your team to focus their time on tasks that matter. Plus, you’ll be able to manage your spare parts and resources more efficiently. All of this supports a leaner way of working.
When electrical equipment in industrial settings fails, it’s not just inconvenient; it’s a safety concern. Predictive electrical maintenance can minimise electrical safety risks by catching issues before they become serious hazards.
Well-maintained industrial equipment and machines are not only safer for your teams but also meet strict safety standards, protecting your staff, setup, and reputation. It also shows you take safety as a serious responsibility.
Predictive electrical maintenance is backed by data collected by continuously monitoring sensors. This gives you a clear picture of how your machines are performing, what needs attention, and when action is needed.
These insights help you plan your electrical maintenance schedule better and assign resources wisely, ultimately avoiding unnecessary expenses. You’ll be able to confidently make decisions, fully knowing that your insights are data-backed.
OEE, or Overall Equipment Effectiveness, is used to measure how productive the equipment is.
OEE takes availability, performance, and quality into account, and predictive maintenance has a positive impact on all three factors. As a result, your business should enjoy better output and improved product quality, resulting in more reliable operations.
While the benefits of implementing predictive maintenance in electrical equipment are clear, there are a few hurdles you might face in its adoption. These include:
While advanced maintenance tools are a great starting point for identifying issues before they occur, they’re most effective when combined with a meticulous electrical maintenance schedule.
A structured maintenance plan from Oaktree Electrical includes routine inspections, testing, and servicing, not only supplementing your proactive maintenance strategy but also safeguarding your business against unplanned downtime.
Investing in an electrical maintenance plan is a smart, forward-thinking strategy for your business. You’ll gain better control over your electrical equipment and prevent problems before they happen, ultimately building a safer workplace.
Since 1996, Oaktree Electrical has operated as an NICEIC-approved electrical contractor serving the UK. Emerging technology and changing regulations need reliable electrical maintenance schedules, which is why we offer comprehensive commercial electrical maintenance services, so your equipment and systems continue to be functional, safe, and compliant.
We deliver proactive and preventive maintenance services, including periodic inspection reports, emergency light tests, and PAT testing. A tailored maintenance schedule backed by our reliable and professional team will keep your electrical systems running smoothly. Contact us today to learn more about our electrical maintenance services.
