Bench technicians work in repair shops located in factories and service centers. They work on components that cannot be repaired on the factory floor. Some industrial electronic equipment is self-monitoring and alerts repairers to malfunctions. When equipment breaks down, repairers first check for common causes of trouble, such as loose connections or obviously defective components. If routine checks do not locate the trouble, repairers may refer to schematics and manufacturers' specifications that show connections and provide instructions on how to locate problems.
Repairers use software programs and testing equipment to diagnose malfunctions.
Repairers also use handtools such as pliers, screwdrivers, soldering irons, and wrenches, to replace faulty parts and to adjust equipment. Because component repair is complex, and factories cannot allow production equipment to stand idle, repairers on the factory floor usually replace defective units, such as circuit boards, instead of fixing them. Defective units are usually sent back to the manufacturer or to a specialized repair shop for repair. Bench technicians at these locations have the training, tools, and parts to thoroughly diagnose and repair components. These workers also locate and repair circuit defects, such as poorly soldered joints on circuit boards.