Which type of maintenance is characterized by scheduled work to keep equipment in peak operating condition?

Preventive maintenance is characterized by scheduled work aimed at keeping equipment in peak operating condition. This proactive approach involves routine inspections, adjustments, cleaning, and parts replacement based on predetermined intervals rather than waiting for equipment to fail. By regularly maintaining equipment, organizations can reduce the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns, prolong equipment lifespan, and optimize performance, ensuring systems operate efficiently.

This type of maintenance is systematically planned and documented, providing clear guidelines on what maintenance tasks need to be performed, when, and why. Such schedules are typically based on manufacturer recommendations or regulatory requirements. In contrast, other maintenance types, such as corrective maintenance, focuses on fixing issues after they arise, while reactive maintenance occurs unexpectedly without prior planning. Predictive maintenance, meanwhile, involves monitoring equipment condition in real-time to anticipate failures, but it does not necessarily have the scheduled nature of preventive maintenance.