4 Practices for Preventing Utility Equipment Failures

In this article:

• Discover how utility infrastructure equipment failures can be disruptive and costly.
• Explore how a well-structured management plan can significantly mitigate the risks.
• Learn four key practices for preventing failures of your utility equipment.

Utility infrastructure equipment failures are a reality that can disrupt operations, inconvenience customers, and result in costly repairs. While it’s impossible to eliminate equipment failures, a well-structured management plan can significantly mitigate these risks. 

Here are four practices for preventing failures of your utility equipment.

• Comprehensive Asset Inventory: A foundational step toward effective equipment management is to maintain an up-to-date inventory of all utility assets. This includes detailed records of equipment specifications, installation dates, maintenance history, and manufacturer information. A digital asset management system can streamline this process, allowing critical data to be easily accessible to relevant personnel.
• Regular Inspections: Routine inspections are the backbone of equipment health. Utilizing innovative technologies for these routine checks allows for comprehensive assessments, even in the most demanding environments.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Equip your team with actionable insights derived from thorough data analysis. Collaborate with professionals who can interpret the collected data to make informed decisions. This shifts your approach from reactive responses to proactive strategies, minimizing the risk of equipment failures and improving overall operational efficiency.
• Collaboration with Industry Experts: Stay connected with industry experts, associations, and research institutions. Engage in knowledge-sharing forums, attend conferences, and participate in workshops focused on utility infrastructure management. Collaborative efforts can lead to innovative solutions and a deeper understanding of best practices.

Read: Importance of Proactive Maintenance vs Reactive in the Energy Industry

How does Constellation Clearsight Fit In?

Clearsight provides essential tools and expertise that can help utility companies and organizations effectively implement the best-practice strategies we discussed above.

• Advanced Inspection Technologies: Clearsight offers a range of cutting-edge digital inspection technologies, including Aerial Drones, Non-Destructive Evaluation Drones, Non-Destructive Inspection Tools for Wood Poles, thermal sensors, and LiDAR sensors. These tools facilitate regular, thorough inspections, aiding in early equipment issue detection. For instance, when a critical failure occurred at a highway crossing, Clearsight used drones to inspect it. Compared to ground-based inspections, drone images offered 48% more insights, identifying 4 high-priority issues. This case illustrates how Clearsight’s advanced inspection technologies deliver increased safety and comprehensive results.
  Case Study: Aerial vs. Ground-Level Comparison of Distribution Assets

• Supporting Data-Driven Decision Making: Clearsight’s digital inspection technologies allow utilities to assess equipment conditions, identify vulnerabilities, and plan maintenance actions more effectively.  Our tools provide valuable data capture that is analyzed by a combination of subject matter experts and AI. Our method is multifaceted and an asset to energy infrastructure stakeholders. Improved visibility into vulnerabilities, conditions, and priority problems helps them proactively address potential issues and allocate resources efficiently.
• Remote and Safe Inspections: One of the challenges in electrical equipment management is inspecting equipment located in challenging or hazardous environments. Clearsight’s remote inspection technologies, such as drones, allow for thorough assessments without exposing personnel to unnecessary risks.

In short, we use these methods and tools to effectively manage equipment breakdowns, making electric systems more dependable and stable.

Read: Drones vs Industrial Hazards: How Clearsight Uses Drones to Increase Safety in the Power Industry

The Bottom Line

Managing and preventing utility equipment failures requires a combination of foresight, technology, and a proactive mindset. By adopting strategies such as regular inspections with advanced digital tools and data-driven decision-making, you can reduce the chances of equipment failures and their subsequent disruptions.