What is one of the cons of using overall RMS levels?

Using overall RMS (Root Mean Square) levels has limitations, and one of the primary drawbacks is that it doesn't provide information about specific faults. RMS levels quantify the total energy present in a vibration signal but do not differentiate the characteristics of that vibration. This means that while RMS can indicate the severity of vibrations, it does not reveal the underlying causes or the nature of potential issues, such as misalignment, imbalance, or bearing faults.

This lack of specificity can make it challenging for maintenance teams to diagnose problems effectively, as they may not have insights into what type of fault is present based solely on RMS data. Other analytical methods, such as frequency analysis or time waveforms, are often needed to pinpoint the exact nature of the faults in machinery.

In contrast, overall RMS levels can still be useful for general monitoring of equipment health, but they are insufficient for detailed fault diagnosis, underscoring the need for complementary analysis techniques in vibration monitoring.