Swap Gas Hob for Ceramic Hob

[Deleted member 9648]

There was the case recently of an electrician being liable for a fan catching on fire because a 3a fuse had not been installed as per manufacturers instructions, even though we all know a 3a fuse isn't going to stop a seized fan catching fire if it is so inclined.

 

[davesparks]

Have to disagree with you there. I know this has been argued before, and I posted a link where manufacturer specifically stated warranty would be voided if their moulded plug was removed. Can't find it again, but it was a tv, Samsung I think.

Which may not be a comparable appliance, however I've just had to replace our dishwasher. The electrical connection instructions;
+ the connection may only be modified by technicians
+ a power cord extension may be purchased from customer services
+ if the power cord is damaged it must be replaced with a particular cord. To prevent injury, the power cord may be purchased from customer service only.

(The power cord in question is fitted with a moulded plug top one end and connector block the other end, to be inserted into the appliance).

Warranty;
We reserve the right to invalidate the warranty: -
a. If repairs or other interventions are performed by persons not authorised by us to take such action,
or if our appliances are fitted with non-original spare parts, extras or accessories'

So I think you do need to read the manufacturers or you could void the warranty.

The manufacturer wrote it therefore it must be legal? Nah, I very much doubt that would stand up to any legal challenge if a qualified electrician has cut the plug off and connected it in a compliant manner.

They might as well invalidate a new car's warranty for having a punctured tyre replaced or fitting a roof rack!

 

[davesparks]

I have had a situation where manufacturers refused to repair an oven under warranty due to the 13 amp plug being removed, I now fit them this way if stated in installation instructions to cover myself.

So you bowed down and accepted it rather than challenging it after doing a quick bit of research into the sale of goods act and consumers rights?

 

[davesparks]

There was the case recently of an electrician being liable for a fan catching on fire because a 3a fuse had not been installed as per manufacturers instructions, even though we all know a 3a fuse isn't going to stop a seized fan catching fire if it is so inclined.

Good, there might be a definitive answer at last then if it has been tested in a court of law and a precedent established.
Do you know what the outcome of the case was and please do supply a case number/reference so we can all have a look and learn from this.

 

[Deleted member 9648]

Good, there might be a definitive answer at last then if it has been tested in a court of law and a precedent established.
Do you know what the outcome of the case was and please do supply a case number/reference so we can all have a look and learn from this.

Someone else may recall where to find details of the case, there was discussion on here about it.
As far as I remember a fire was caused by a recently installed extractor fan. The contractor was prosecuted and proved negligent because a 3a fuse had not been fitted as per manufacturers instructions. As a result there was guidance from the NICEIC to their contractors that 3a fusing must be installed where required and that lack of 3a fusing should be coded on an EICR.
This is from memory, but I will try and find out more later when I have more time and post links if possible.
Remember as well that regardless of what you may think about manufacturers instructions it is a requirement of Bs7671 that they are taken into account.

 

[atm-12]

Hi, cheers for the replies and sorry if I'm changing the subject but would it be against regs to wire a 6mm out of the 45A switch to the hob and plug the cooker into the socket outlet on the 45A switch? Rather than 6mm to 2 connection points?

Thanks

 

[Deleted member 9648]

Hi, cheers for the replies and sorry if I'm changing the subject but would it be against regs to wire a 6mm out of the 45A switch to the hob and plug the cooker into the socket outlet on the 45A switch? Rather than 6mm to 2 connection points?

Thanks

No problem with that.

 

[Midwest]

The manufacturer wrote it therefore it must be legal? Nah, I very much doubt that would stand up to any legal challenge if a qualified electrician has cut the plug off and connected it in a compliant manner.

Don't suppose you could test that, to see if it would be the case. I'll just leave it as is thanks. And I'll just dispose of my T&C's in my quotes.

They might as well invalidate a new car's warranty for having a punctured tyre replaced or fitting a roof rack!

Tyre's are not generally covered under car warranties, roof racks are covered under warranty if genuine manufacturers products are used. Or covered by third party warranties, if third party products are used

It is all well & good to say I can do what I want and expect a court to rule in my favour, because I'm qualified. But if the instructions say don't do something, what side do you think a court is going to lean to?

 

[davesparks]

It is all well & good to say I can do what I want and expect a court to rule in my favour, because I'm qualified. But if the instructions say don't do something, what side do you think a court is going to lean to?

The court is going to rule on the side of the law, which to the best of my knowledge does not allow the, to not uphold a warranty on something just because you have removed the plug.

Do you also buy in to extended warranties rather than relying on the manufacturers legal obligation to make a product with a reasonable lifespan?

 

[Midwest]

The court is going to rule on the side of the law, which to the best of my knowledge does not allow the, to not uphold a warranty on something just because you have removed the plug.

Do you also buy in to extended warranties rather than relying on the manufacturers legal obligation to make a product with a reasonable lifespan?

Well we'll have to see what happens on that then, my knowledge of the law is pretty limited, so who knows.

Never bought extended warranties, cos they never seem to cover much. Trouble with a reasonable lifespan, is your contract is with the retailer and not usually with the manufacturer, and how do you define reasonable? 6 years for a washing machine used by elderly couple, would that be the same for a family with 4 kids?