Machine Learning Approaches for Predictive Maintenance of Electrical Equipment

Authors

  • Professor Nagi Gebraeel H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66238/jaeee38

Keywords:

Predictive maintenance, machine learning, electrical equipment, fault diagnosis, remaining useful life

Abstract

Electrical equipment is essential to industrial production, energy distribution, transportation, and infrastructure services. Unexpected failures of motors, transformers, generators, and other electrical assets can result in operational disruptions, repair costs, and safety risks. Predictive maintenance offers an alternative to maintenance based solely on fixed schedules by using equipment condition data to identify developing problems and support timely intervention. Machine learning can analyze measurements such as vibration, temperature, current, voltage, and acoustic signals to detect anomalies, classify faults, and estimate remaining useful life. This review discusses the principal machine learning approaches used in predictive maintenance, including supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and deep learning. It examines data collection, signal processing, model evaluation, and practical deployment for electrical equipment. Particular attention is given to limited fault data, changing operating conditions, model interpretability, and the distinction between identifying a current fault and forecasting a future failure. The review concludes that machine learning can strengthen maintenance decisions when models are evaluated on representative equipment data and combined with engineering knowledge, appropriate safeguards, and human oversight

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Published

2026-10-27