Which type of maintenance prevents equipment failure before it occurs?

Preventive maintenance is designed specifically to prevent equipment failure before it occurs. This type of maintenance involves regularly scheduled inspections, servicing, and even the replacement of parts to ensure that machinery and systems operate efficiently and effectively. By following a preventive maintenance schedule, potential issues can be identified and addressed before they lead to significant breakdowns or costly repairs.

This proactive approach helps in extending the lifespan of equipment and reducing the risk of unplanned downtime. It is typically based on equipment manufacturer recommendations and historical performance data, ensuring that maintenance activities are timely and well-planned.

In contrast to preventive maintenance, reactive maintenance occurs after a failure has already happened, which can lead to unexpected downtime. Corrective maintenance is similar in that it addresses problems after they arise, focusing on fixing equipment that has already failed. Predictive maintenance, while also proactive, relies on monitoring equipment conditions and using data analytics to predict when equipment might fail, allowing for maintenance to be performed just in time. However, it requires more advanced technology and data collection compared to routine preventive maintenance tasks.