Warranty void unless surge protector used

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JonnyCam

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# 47779 12-Nov-2009 09:47

So, my boss just purchased a new TV, which he wants me to set up for him.
On the invoice, they have noted there is not surge guard (as I told him to not buy the monster one they were trying to sell him) and that the warranty will not apply.

They told him when he got the TV installed and put a surge guard on, give them a call and they will remove that remark. Appreantly 90% of their warranty returns are due to people not having surge guards (unlikely)

I got told the same thing when I bought my plasma from HN (same place as boss) but I already had protectors from my old TV.

How valid / legal is this?
I can understand if the TV is hit by a surge and doesn't work - but for other things like a fault on AV1 where there is a green line down the middle of the screen, I can't see them being able to argue it.
Like my old Samsung LCD - which they replaced without asking anything about a surge guard,. just have me a reference numbers, and told me to pick up a new one at Noel Leemings.

Is this just Harvey Norman trying to scare people into buying the monster guard, or is the warranty really not valid if you do not install a surge guard? (and would your insurance cover any surge related failure?)

How does that sit with the CGA?

Thanks

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BDFL - Memuneh
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Geekzone

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# 272297 12-Nov-2009 09:52

I don't think it's valid at all. First because the warranty is provided by the manufacturer, not the retailer. Second because the warranty is on the product itself. If for any reason it's proved that a surge caused a problem then the manufacturer/repair service will let you know.

They are probably trying to scam you by upselling a surge protector.

dolsen

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# 272301 12-Nov-2009 09:57

I expect the power supply in my electronics to be designed to cope with normal surges that occur from the mains. I don't have any surge protectors, however, I expect my warranty to be honoured if something dies due to a fault in the power supply. I haven't brought from Harvey Normans so I haven't been told that I must have one or no warranty - I'm interested to know what other people think.

rscole86

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# 272305 12-Nov-2009 10:01

freitasm: I don't think it's valid at all. First because the warranty is provided by the manufacturer, not the retailer. Second because the warranty is on the product itself. If for any reason it's proved that a surge caused a problem then the manufacturer/repair service will let you know.

They are probably trying to scam you by upselling a surge protector.

I agree, Harvey Norman are TRYING to upsell, and avoid warranty claims.

Your warranty will still stand if you do not use one. That being said, you would be foolish not to in my mind.

Even if a surge is the cause of the problem, 9/10 times it will still be covered. And if does not, then your insurance will.

Nety

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# 272322 12-Nov-2009 10:43

Just one thing to check. Has he got an extended warranty on the TV? If so then it could have wording in it to that affect however even if it does it cannot remove the rights you have under the CGA so would still not stand up.

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JonnyCam

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# 272356 12-Nov-2009 12:09

No, told him to ignore the extended warranty as well (as I did, the guy was very pushy - surprised I didn't get asked to buy monster cables too)

I use a multi-box with surge guard from DSE, and I guess it works - because none of my electronics have ever been fried.

Once the surge protection is "gone" (I assume this happens over time) will the multi-box just not work anymore, or will it work without protection?

rscole86

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# 272359 12-Nov-2009 12:11

most boxes will carry on working. Hence why they have light to show when it is protected, no light, no protection.
Only RCD's will stop working when they have been tripped.

EDIT: obviously that will depend on the size of the surge, it could be big enough to melt your surge protector. Obviously that may produce a problem.

clevedon

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# 272376 12-Nov-2009 12:54

If the store won't cover you for the surge, house and contents insurance will. Happened to our rear projection TV a few years ago when a car took out a power pole down the road from us and we got a new Plasma out of it. Just talked to our insurance company today and they said we would still be covered for the same event and there is no requirement in the policy to have surge protectors on any equipment. Wouldn't mind it happening every three our four years - cheap way to upgrade.

rscole86

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# 272392 12-Nov-2009 13:48

clevedon: If the store won't cover you for the surge, house and contents insurance will. Happened to?our rear projection TV?a few years ago when a car?took out?a power pole down the road from us and we got a new Plasma out of it. Just talked to our insurance company today and they said?we would still be covered for the same event and there is no requirement in the policy to have surge protectors on any equipment. Wouldn't mind it happening every three our four years - cheap way to upgrade.

There is no reason why you cannot do it every few years... assuming you want a new car too?

clevedon

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# 272397 12-Nov-2009 13:59

rscole86: There is no reason why you cannot do it every few years... assuming you want a new car too?

Na, like my V8 way too much to do that to it. Bit of an extreme way to get a new piece of AV equipment by the way, and I reckon they would catch on to it after a while when they put two and two together.

rscole86

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# 272398 12-Nov-2009 14:02

Unless you used different insurance companies, and the car was not in your name... but I think thats a little off topic :P

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# 272413 12-Nov-2009 14:45

if a product needs a surge protector for it to be warrantable, then there should be one built in. Otherwsie, the goods are 'not fit for purpose'

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JonnyCam

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# 272414 12-Nov-2009 14:46

And the possible chance of not enjoying your new TV due to beig in traction / dead.
Powerpoles are less than forgiving (and no, I don't know that by experience)

dolsen

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# 272418 12-Nov-2009 14:55

Regs: if a product needs a surge protector for it to be warrantable, then there should be one built in. Otherwsie, the goods are 'not fit for purpose'

Aggreed. Hmm, I wonder if the statment saying that you have no warranty if a surge protector is not used is a breach of the fair trading act.

mcraenz

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# 272962 14-Nov-2009 10:07

Mate, if HN tried that one on me I'd let them have it! What rubbish!

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s.joseph

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# 272980 14-Nov-2009 11:49

haha yeah, i worked at harvey normans in between school, you wont believe the mark up on them, good commision on them. sales people will say anything to get more money.

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