Glossary · Maintenance and diagnostics
Repair
Also known as: Corrective repair
German: Instandsetzung
In maintenance, repair is the physical action taken to restore the required function of a faulty item. In DIN 31051 it is one of the basic measures of maintenance, alongside servicing, inspection and improvement.
- Maintenance
In one sentence
Repair is the physical action taken to restore the required function of a faulty item, one of the basic measures of maintenance.
Example
The technician replaces the worn bearing of the conveyor motor and runs a function test before releasing the conveyor.
How it applies
- Maintenance: Repairs follow a fault or an inspection finding. They include disassembly, replacement or rework, reassembly, adjustment and a functional check.
- Safety: Repairs often require safeguards to be removed and energy to be isolated. After repairs on safety-related parts, safety functions must be checked before the machine is released.
- Engineering: The service concept defines which repairs the user may perform and which are reserved for the manufacturer.
- Documentation: Repair procedures state the required qualification, tools, Spare part numbers, safety measures and the check that confirms the function. Repairs that the user must not perform should be named explicitly.
Repair vs. corrective maintenance
Corrective maintenance is the maintenance approach of acting after a fault is detected; it includes diagnosis and administration. Repair is the physical action within it. Repair also differs from Servicing, which is preventive care such as cleaning and lubricating.