ERA provides a fast and efficient failure investigation service aimed at identifying the cause of a failure and recommends prompt and effective action to reduce the risk of further downtime and potential damage. The reports provided clearly document key findings, recommended actions and preventative measures.

The service is founded on the importance of fully understanding the reasons for any failure in order to prevent its reoccurrence. ERA has the expertise and proven methodologies to conduct a thorough and effective investigation into the failure of most forms of electrical plant and equipment. The results are then promptly reported to the client.

ERA's expertise in electrical failure analysis covers all voltages and ratings from low voltage to 400 kV in the following areas:

	Transformers and tap-changers
	Switchgear
	Motors and generators
	Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)
	Cables, joints and terminations
	Batteries
	Standby power systems
	Power factor correction

When a fault occurs in an electrical power system, ERA's failure investigation teams include specialists in power engineering, mechanics and materials technology who have access to extensive test facilities. Where required, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is used to determine the chemical composition of materials and residues. In addition, a wide range of analytical techniques can be applied including differential calorimetry, degree of polarisation, dissolved gas analysis, comparative testing and many more.

Minimising risk

In many instances, important clues to the possible cause and mechanism of failure could be lost or destroyed if investigations are delayed. Therefore, it is essential that a thorough, impartial investigation is undertaken as soon as practicable following a failure.

Companies with a large investment in electrical plant and equipment will benefit from ERA's failure investigation framework agreement arranged in advance, for emergency support when necessary. This will ensure an appropriate failure investigation team responds within agreed time scales and pricing structure. There is no charge for setting up such an agreement.

Studies can also be undertaken, using ERA's ERACS power system modelling software, to analyse power flows and fault levels and to check the performance of protection equipment thereby reducing the disruption that may be caused by future failures.

In addition, ERA's authoritative and independent service is available to provide help in supporting litigation and arbitration by providing independent expert witnesses and written reports to maximise the likelihood of a successful action.

Electrical plant and equipment failure analysis is a fundamental of ERA's comprehensive asset management support package. An ebullient services is offered in mechanical plant and equipment and electronic component failures.