Which type is a physical condition indicating that the failure process has started?

• A. Functional Failure
• B. Potential Failure
• C. Hidden Failure
• D. Preemptive Failure

Answer: (B)

A physical condition indicating that the failure process has started is a potential failure. This concept is about early warning signs that deterioration or damage is beginning in a component, even though the system still operates. You might see measurable indicators like a developing crack, unusual wear, rising temperature, or abnormal vibration. These signs show a fault mode is already in progress, so maintenance can intervene before the system loses function.

In contrast, a functional failure means the system no longer performs its intended task. A hidden failure is a fault that isn’t evident during normal operation, often because safeguards conceal it or redundancy covers it. Preemptive failure isn’t the standard term used for an initiating physical condition; it doesn’t describe the early-warning state of the failure process the way a potential failure does.