Test and Measurement Feature Library

Operations Engineer's library catalogues editorial features going back five years.

Access to all archive material is free to all, including non-members of IPlantE (the Institution of Operations Engineers) or BES (Bureau of Engineer Surveyors), under the umbrella of SOE (Society of Operations Engineers). However, to discover the many benefits of becoming an SOE member, please click here.

04/02/2025 Comment: Honoured to be chair In December, I took over as the new chair of IPlantE from Ian Jackson. I am honoured to be holding this role to share my insight, skills, experience and knowledge from Hong Kong, where I reside. » Read More

21/06/2023 Understanding EMC Understanding EMC obligations can be challenging, but is essential for machinery manufacturers and end-users, explains TÜV SÜD chief engineer Ian Wright » Read More

09/01/2023 Ex repairs The requirements placed on the individuals and organisations involved in the repair and service of Ex-rated electromechanical equipment. By Thomas Marks, general manager and secretary of the Association for Electrical and Mechanical Trades » Read More

23/09/2022 Understanding motor current signature analysis By continuously monitoring the current supplied to the stator, it is possible to detect many electrical faults in induction motors, including opening or shorting conditions on the stator, as well as some mechanical faults such as bearing ... » Read More

07/12/2021 Guidance for maintaining ageing electrical assets EEMUA 227, Management of ageing electrical assets, is new guidance from the Engineering Equipment and Materials Users Association aimed at providing electrical engineers with a coherent, proactive system for managing ageing electrical ... » Read More

04/11/2021 Four steps to better electrical resilience Manufacturing sites depend on a reliable, failsafe power supply. Too many businesses use outdated and potentially unsafe electrical assets for their critical power needs, putting people, operations and their bottom line at risk. When it ... » Read More

22/10/2021 Who does what? A SAFed guide to lift testing Revision of the SAFed LG01 Guidelines on the supplementary tests of in-service lifts prompted a joint webinar with LEIA on 19 March 2021 for lift managers and duty holders » Read More

26/08/2021 Virtual testing becomes reality The COVID-19 pandemic is preventing in-person visits, forcing many solution providers to introduce virtual factory acceptance tests. By Steed Webzell » Read More

21/07/2021 Four steps to better electrical infrastructure resilience Manufacturing sites depend on a reliable, failsafe power supply. Too many businesses use outdated and potentially unsafe electrical assets for their critical power needs, putting people, operations and their bottom line at risk. When it ... » Read More

26/11/2020 Isolation and tag-out procedures Equipment that is offline for maintenance must be properly isolated from power, water, air and other sources to protect the safety of the people working on it, as well as the integrity of the process and equipment. But what are the ... » Read More

17/09/2020 Testing of safety systems A new publication from the Engineering Equipment and Materials Users Association offers practical guidance on some of the problems which have to be dealt with when testing real process plant equipment. Here, the organisation introduces the ... » Read More

01/04/2008 Field of dreams Ever thought about EMFs - electromagnetic fields caused by everything from power lines to mobile phones and arc welding gear? If not, you should, because a little-reported European directive that seeks to restrict exposure of workers to ... » Read More

01/03/2008 Electric shock Electrical standards governing design, build, installation, commissioning, testing and maintenance of electrical and electronic systems are changing - and the changes do impact engineering choices, methods and responsibilities. They also ... » Read More