Title: Applied Systems Diagnostics: Course Overview
Course: Troubleshooting Labs > Section: Final-Course Troubleshooting Assessments

INTRODUCTION

Automated systems are the backbone of industrial manufacturing, processing, and distribution. Technicians in the field are expected to not only understand how these systems work, but also diagnose and resolve issues quickly, accurately, and safely. While understanding how systems work is essential, knowing how to fix them is what sets skilled professionals apart.

You've built knowledge in motors, controls, and PLCs; now it's time to apply it all. Throughout this course, you'll troubleshoot complete systems, follow proper safety procedures, use instrumentation, and document your work like a technician in the field.

This course simulates industry expectations by preparing students to:

- Apply systems-thinking to identify root causes of equipment failure.
- Interpret schematics and wiring diagrams relevant to control systems.
- Communicate effectively using the troubleshooting methodology to describe system faults.
- Adapt to real-world pressures, including time constraints and safety regulations.

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BEFORE BEGINNING THIS COURSE

Before beginning this course, you should have taken the following courses:

- Electric Motors and Drives
- Industrial Mechanics
- PLC classes

NOTE

Do not take this course if you have not completed these courses.

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INDUSTRY SIMULATED LABS

In industry, employers expect you to be professional (timeliness and communication) and to follow all safety procedures (appropriate dress, PPE, and lockout/tagout). They also expect you to have the skills to solve faults quickly. Understanding how systems work and understanding how to troubleshoot them (using the troubleshooting methodology) will help you solve faults quickly. The labs in this course are organized in a way to simulate industry expectations.

TIME LIMITS

In industry, downtime can cost thousands of dollars per hour, so technicians must solve faults efficiently—not by rushing, but by showing they truly understand how the whole system works together. That’s why assessments in this course are timed: the limit is not just a test of speed, but a simulation of real-world pressure that requires you to stay focused, follow the troubleshooting methodology, and communicate clearly while resolving the fault.

PREPARATION PAGES

To help you prepare to solve faults efficiently, there will be a "Preparation Page" before the actual assessment. Use the contents of these pages to prepare to solve faults efficiently.

PROFESSIONALISM and KEY STEPS

Another aspect of industry preparation is professionalism. To emphasize the importance of punctuality, preparation, safety, communication, and competency, there will be key steps you will need to complete during the assessment.

- Schedule the lab with your instructor in advance.
- Be on time.
- Follow the Automation Department's dress code policy, which mirrors industry-standard expectations (see the syllabus for details).
- Wear appropriate PPE.
- Follow all safety procedures as needed, especially Lockout/Tagout.
- Correctly solve the fault in the system within the given time limit.

Failure to complete any of the above steps will result in the instructor stopping the assessment.

MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS

If the assessment is stopped, you will need to reschedule and retake the assessment. For each attempt taken, the overall points possible to earn will be reduced. (That is, failure to be professional and prepared will lead to a lower grade.)

GRADING

For each assessment, you will be graded on the following:

- Explanation of the fault as you solve for it, verbally explaining it in context of the troubleshooting methodology.
- Documentation of the fault and its solution.
- How many attempts it took to complete the assessment.

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WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT

In industry, employers expect you to be professional (timeliness and communication) and to follow all safety procedures (appropriate dress, PPE, and lockout/tagout). They also expect you to have the skills to solve faults quickly. Understanding how systems work and understanding how to troubleshoot them (using the troubleshooting methodology) will help you solve faults quickly. To simulate this need to solve faults effectively, you will be required to complete assignments within a certain time limit.

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HOW TO SUCCEED IN THIS COURSE

To succeed in this course:

- Practice thinking through and describing faults using each step of Bridgerland's Troubleshooting Methodology.
- Review the suggested resources for each lab/assessment.