Practical Case Work and Problem Solving
Core concepts
Case questions test structured diagnosis. Use a consistent method: Ist-Zustand capture, Soll-Ist-Vergleich, hypothesis, test, measure, document. Know how to read a Schaltplan and Hydraulikschema, how to isolate a fault (electrical vs. hydraulic vs. control), and how to apply 5-Why and Ishikawa for root cause. Understand escalation: when to call the manufacturer, the planner, or the safety officer.
Traps
Exams penalise jumping to a solution before diagnosis. Another trap: replacing parts without measurement - always measure first (voltage, current, pressure, flow). Watch for safety shortcuts under time pressure; the correct answer usually includes isolation and documentation.
Worked example
A circulation pump runs but radiators stay cold. Structured approach: check pump setting and differential pressure, then valves, then air, then balancing. Rule of thumb: verify the simplest physical cause (air, closed valve) before suspecting the pump. Document each step - the exam rewards traceable reasoning.
Rule of thumb
Measure, don't guess; document, don't remember.