Loop Checking: A Technician's Guide

Execute reliable loop checks aligned with current ISA standards

Verifying control loop functionality requires a systematic methodology and knowledge of current standards. Loop Checking: A Technician’s Guide, now in its Second Edition, delivers practical procedures for technicians responsible for control loop maintenance and performance across diverse process industries. Written by professionals with over 80 years of combined experience in industrial process controls, this guide provides standard methodology for executing loop checks.

In addition to traditional loop checking, which is covered in the ANSI/ISA-62382-2026/IEC 62382:2024 standard, this edition covers factory acceptance testing, wiring verification, performance benchmarking, and sustaining long-term performance. Each chapter includes questions with explained answers to reinforce understanding. The guide applies to new and existing analog, distributed, and digital control systems across multiple industries.

Key topics include:

• Standard methodology for loop checking aligned with ANSI/ISA-62382-2012 requirements for automation systems in process industry applications, which became part of ANSI/ISA-62382-2026/IEC 62382:2024
• Factory acceptance testing procedures covering sensors, transmitters, controllers, and final control element verification and validation
• Wiring verification techniques that ensure all control loop components are correctly connected and functioning as designed
• Performance benchmarking methods for establishing baseline measurements and ongoing monitoring programs for control loop optimization
• Chapter questions with explained answers to reinforce practical understanding of loop checking concepts and procedures

Industrial technicians, instrument supervisors, maintenance engineers, and reliability professionals will find this guide directly applicable to their daily responsibilities. Whether commissioning new systems or maintaining existing installations, Loop Checking provides the standards-aligned procedures needed for effective control loop verification.

Harley M. Jeffery is a process control consultant and project manager with over 50 years of experience in industrial process controls. His career spans the design, implementation, testing, start-up, and ongoing improvement of analog, distributed, and digital control systems. He holds a BSIE from Louisiana State University and completed Monsanto’s Electrical and Instrument Engineering school in 1978.

Paul M. Franklin is currently a certified ISA instructor specializing in automation and instrumentation training for process industry professionals. His 33 years of experience in process automation includes pneumatic, electric, hydraulic, and electronic instrumentation and controls as well as PLC and DCS start-up, testing and programming.