Electronic Fault Finding | Industrial Diagnostics | Northern Power Electronics
Not every fault is obvious. When a board fails, a drive trips, or a control panel misbehaves — the cause isn't always clear. Replacing the whole unit is expensive and, for obsolete equipment, may not even be possible.
Northern Power Electronics engineers identify faults at component level. Using ABI BoardMaster in-circuit testing and advanced diagnostic methods, we find what failed and why — so the right repair is carried out, not a guesswork replacement.
When fault finding is the right approach
Fault finding isn't always the first instinct — but it's often the smartest move. Consider it when:
The fault symptom is unclear and the root cause is unknown — swapping units risks replacing the wrong thing
Replacement cost is high and repair is a more economic option if the fault can be confirmed and fixed
Lead times on replacement units are long — a repair turnaround is faster than waiting for new stock
The equipment is obsolete and no direct replacement exists — repair or refurbishment is the only option
The fault is intermittent and hasn't been reliably reproduced — standard testing won't find it
You need a written fault report before deciding whether to repair, replace, or scrap equipment
Equipment we fault find
We diagnose faults across a wide range of industrial electronic equipment, including complex multi-layer PCBs and obsolete systems with no available documentation:
Equipment not listed? Contact us — we diagnose a broad range of industrial electronics and can advise before you send equipment.
ABI BoardMaster In-Circuit Testing
Northern Power Electronics operates an ABI BoardMaster in-circuit test system — professional diagnostic equipment that enables component-level fault finding without desoldering or removing parts from the PCB.
This is critical for complex industrial electronics, obsolete boards, and multi-layer PCBs where visual inspection alone is not sufficient to identify the fault.
Combined with thermal imaging cameras, oscilloscopes, and curve tracers — we diagnose faults other workshops miss.
Our fault finding process
A structured diagnostic process means we find the fault properly — not just the symptom.
Equipment intake & background
When equipment arrives at our Newcastle workshop, we gather all relevant information — fault symptoms, operational history, and any error codes or warning signs reported. Understanding the context helps narrow down the cause before testing begins.
Visual & functional inspection
We carry out a thorough visual inspection — checking for damaged components, burnt areas, corrosion, failed capacitors, and loose connections. We then observe how the equipment behaves under normal operating conditions to identify any functional anomalies.
Advanced diagnostic testing
Using ABI BoardMaster in-circuit testing, thermal imaging, and oscilloscopes, we test at component level to locate the exact fault — including intermittent faults that only appear under specific load or temperature conditions.
Fault analysis & written report
Once the fault is identified, we document the root cause and our findings in a written report. This outlines what failed, why it failed, and our recommendation — whether that is repair, component replacement, refurbishment, or assessment of economic viability.
Repair quotation
Based on the fault finding results, we provide a clear repair quotation. You decide whether to proceed. If repair is not viable or economical, we'll advise on alternatives — including sourcing of replacement units where possible.
Repair & functional testing
Once approved, our engineers carry out the repair and subject the equipment to functional testing to confirm correct operation before return. All repair work is carried out under our ISO 9001 repair process and backed by NPE's standard warranty.
Find the root cause. Repair with confidence.
Replacing a board without knowing why it failed is a gamble. If the underlying cause isn't addressed, the replacement unit will fail the same way — often within weeks.
Component-level fault finding identifies the exact failed part and the reason for failure. That means the repair addresses the cause, not just the symptom — and the equipment returns to service with genuine confidence.
For obsolete equipment where replacements don't exist, fault finding is often the only route to getting the equipment back online at all.
Send Us Your EquipmentIndustries we fault find for
We fault find industrial electronics across a wide range of sectors — from manufacturing production lines to marine and offshore environments.
Equipment accepted from across the UK. Contact us to arrange sending your equipment.
Why choose Northern Power Electronics for fault finding?
ABI BoardMaster in-circuit testing
Professional in-circuit test technology for component-level diagnosis without desoldering. We find faults other workshops can't.
25+ years experience
We diagnose equipment others won't touch — including obsolete boards and legacy systems no longer in production. See our full repair & refurbishment service.
ISO 9001 certified
All fault finding and repair work is carried out under our ISO 9001 quality management system. Consistent, documented, and warranted.
Written fault report
Every assessment results in a written report — what failed, why it failed, and our recommended next step. You decide how to proceed.
Intermittent fault specialists
Intermittent faults are our speciality. Thermal imaging and component-level testing finds faults that only appear under load — the ones that keep coming back.
Honest assessment
If repair isn't viable, we'll tell you clearly — with the evidence to back it up. No unnecessary work, no inflated quotes.