What type of maintenance is performed after equipment fails?

The type of maintenance performed after equipment fails is known as reactive maintenance. This approach is characterized by addressing equipment issues only after they have manifested as problems or failures. When a piece of equipment breaks down, reactive maintenance entails performing repairs or corrective actions to restore it to normal operating condition.

This process is often unplanned and can lead to unexpected downtime, potentially impacting operations and efficiency. In contrast, preventive maintenance focuses on routine checks and servicing to prevent failures before they occur, while predictive maintenance relies on monitoring equipment conditions to forecast when maintenance should be performed to avoid unexpected failures. Corrective maintenance, though similar in intent to reactive maintenance, typically refers to adjustments made to fix problems but can also include proactive steps taken to ensure smooth functioning post-failure.