RISK-BASED INSPECTION AND QUALITY CONTROL OF ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Electrical infrastructure in oil, gas and industrial facilities is exposed to ageing, variable loading, harsh environments, construction defects, maintenance backlogs and operational change. Conventional inspection programmes often apply fixed intervals to broad equipment classes, even though failure probability and consequence differ substantially between assets. This review evaluates risk-based inspection as an integrated method for prioritizing electrical inspection and quality-control resources according to asset condition, failure likelihood, consequence and uncertainty. It covers transformers, switchgear, cables, motors, protection systems, earthing, hazardous - area installations and supporting supervisory data. The analysis combines asset-management, reliability, inspection, quality and operational-safety perspectives and proposes a framework linking asset registers, criticality screening, failure modes, condition evidence, inspection planning, defect control and performance review. Particular attention is given to Saudi industrial facilities, where heat, dust, salinity, high production criticality and extensive brownfield interfaces can accelerate degradation or complicate access.