Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMRT) Practice Test

The selection of increased costs due to unplanned downtime of equipment as the main disadvantage of reactive maintenance reflects an important aspect of maintenance management. Reactive maintenance, often referred to as "run to failure," involves addressing equipment issues only after they manifest as failures. This approach can lead to significant downtime, which impacts production schedules and results in lost revenue.

When equipment fails unexpectedly, not only is there a loss of output during the downtime, but there may also be urgent costs associated with expedited repairs, overtime labor, and potentially higher prices for replacement parts or services due to the unplanned nature. Furthermore, this approach does not allow for systematic planning or scheduling of maintenance activities, such as preventive or predictive maintenance strategies, that often lead to better resource allocation and more efficient operations.

In contrast, the other options reflect aspects that are generally associated with more proactive maintenance strategies. For instance, increased equipment lifespan and improved efficiency in maintenance scheduling are benefits typically achieved through planned maintenance practices. While reduced overall maintenance costs might seem appealing, without proactive measures to prevent failure, the hidden costs related to unplanned events generally outweigh these savings in the long run. Thus, in a maintenance context, unplanned downtime and its associated costs are critical factors to consider when evaluating the effectiveness of maintenance