Fault indicators are components added to the system design in order to alert about the failure of critical components.
Sensors, algorithms, displays, sound alarms.
Fault indicators are not only costly, but also highly risky. Like all other components, fault indicators are also liable to fail. However, when they fail, the operators may not be aware of the real state of the critical component that they should indicate. Therefore, fault indicators provide opportunities for high-cost incidences.
This was the case with the PORV failure in the TMI accident.
Updated on 28 May 2016.