Method for recognizing a fault in an installation by detecting load curves with an anomalous profile from a multiplicity of load curves, wherein a load curve represents the profile of a characteristic over a value range of a considered parameter, in each case of a component of the installation, comprising the following method steps: - reading a multiplicity of load curves, - providing more than one group for load curves with a similar profile, wherein respectively one group is provided for each individual standard load profile from a predetermined number of standard load profiles or wherein a number of groups are ascertained for load curves with a similar profile in an automated manner with the aid of a clustering algorithm, - assigning each of the read load curves to a group, wherein either a first similarity value is calculated for each one of the read load curves, wherein the first similarity value is calculated in respect of each standard load profile and the read load curve is assigned to that group for which the largest first similarity value was ascertained, or wherein a first similarity value, which predetermines a prescription for calculating the similarity of curve profiles, is predetermined for the clustering algorithm, - ascertaining anomalous load curves within each individual group of load curves, wherein a second similarity value (W(ti)) is calculated for each load curve of a group in relation to a mean value of all remaining load curves of a group, and the load curves whose second similarity value (W(ti)) drops below a predetermined value are recognized as anomalous load curves, and - outputting the ascertained anomalous load curves and/or information in respect of ascertained anomalous load curves for the further analysis of the fault and/or for checking the component of the installation. - reading a multiplicity of load curves, - providing more than one group for load curves with a similar profile, wherein respectively one group is provided for each individual standard load profile from a predetermined number of standard load profiles or wherein a number of groups are ascertained for load curves with a similar profile in an automated manner with the aid of a clustering algorithm, - assigning each of the read load curves to a group, wherein either a first similarity value is calculated for each one of the read load curves, wherein the first similarity value is calculated in respect of each standard load profile and the read load curve is assigned to that group for which the largest first similarity value was ascertained, or wherein a first similarity value, which predetermines a prescription for calculating the similarity of curve profiles, is predetermined for the clustering algorithm, - ascertaining anomalous load curves within each individual group of load curves, wherein a second similarity value (W(ti)) is calculated for each load curve of a group in relation to a mean value of all remaining load curves of a group, and the load curves whose second similarity value (W(ti)) drops below a predetermined value are recognized as anomalous load curves, and - outputting the ascertained anomalous load curves and/or information in respect of ascertained anomalous load curves for the further analysis of the fault and/or for checking the component of the installation.