Replacing mains plugs - invalidates warranty? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2014, 12:00:22 am
content: I bought a new soldering iron from Farnell UK - they only have EU version and I am in the UK.It's arrived today and I have cut off the EU plug and attached a UK plug.I'm not too bothered this time, but for future reference, does anyone know if such 'modifications' will render either manufacturers warranty, or more importantly, consumer rights act (if the item fails in the first few years and it's not accidental or user error) invalid?The manufacturer is Ersa but this is a general question.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2014, 12:28:28 am
content: Consumer rights would only be affected if it can be shown that a fault was due to you replacing the plug.I'm not sure it's even legal to sell mains equipment in the UK without a UK plug - may only be an issue for retail/consumer sales.

author: IvoS
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2014, 05:09:31 pm
content: Tough call.Does the warranty says that any modifications voids the warranty? It usually does. On other hand, if that plug was replaced by someone licensed or certified to do so, you should be fine.

author: M. András
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2014, 05:55:34 pm
content: Quote from: IvoS on January 19, 2014, 05:09:31 pmdear god for replacing a clearly marked 3 connection plug needs license and certification? its simply nonsense

author: rolandpenplotter
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2014, 05:57:30 pm
content: I'd be doing it and moving on.Don't sweat the small stuff; life's too short.

author: IvoS
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2014, 07:09:20 pm
content: Quote from: M. András on January 19, 2014, 05:55:34 pmNonsense for you.Sure, go ahead and do it. No problem. Questions will be asked later if something goes wrong or potentially lethal.

author: ampdoctor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2014, 07:29:46 pm
content: Is this some sort of basic "fire stick" If it's an actual station I'm surprised it doesn't come with an IEC connector. Short of vintage equipment, it seems pretty much the defacto standard for commercial/consumer equipment running off of mains voltage. Personally, I'd just replace the plug and say fuck 'em, but then we're talking about a country where they're peeking in your window to make sure you've paid the proper license fee to listen to a damn radio, so who knows if it'll wind up biting you in the ass. Maybe you can get some kind of commercially available pigtail adapter that won't piss off big brother?

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2014, 08:02:19 pm
content: Quote from: ampdoctor on January 19, 2014, 07:29:46 pmhttp://uk.farnell.com/ersa/i-con-pico/soldering-station-80w-240v-eu/dp/2057377

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2014, 09:34:29 pm
content: Quote from: 8086 on January 19, 2014, 08:02:19 pmAnd it doesnt come with an IEC detachable cable. I'm glad ERSA is finally moving to the right direction in terms of quality.

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2014, 09:36:22 pm
content: Quote from: NANDBlog on January 19, 2014, 09:34:29 pmWell aside from the cable issue it's pretty nice quality actually.

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2014, 10:51:24 pm
content: Well, appliances used to have a habit of comingwithouta plug and you were expected to fit your own.I, too, am a bit surprised this didn't have an IEC on the backAs to your original question IANAL but I would think it doesn't alter your basic rights under the Sales of Goods Act however having "modified" the equipment I think you probably have demonstrated that you "accepted" it in the language of the act and would find getting a refund tricky - you'd probably be stuck with having to accept a repair at best.I'd have thoughg for a couple of quidone of thesewould have been the best bet in terms of keeping your options open for return, complaint etc.

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2014, 11:31:29 pm
content: If I get something hard wired with a euro plug I just fit one of these.http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/TLEC13AB.html?source=adwords&kw=&gclid=COnEpbayi7wCFYYBwwodthAARQhttp://www.tvcables.co.uk/cgi-bin/tvcables/permanent-euro-to-uk-adapter-plug-73072.html?gclid=CMLEgP6yi7wCFWbLtAodMEYACg

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2014, 03:30:03 pm
content: Quote from: 8086 on January 19, 2014, 08:02:19 pmThat's a BIG soldering station, I wonder why they call it pico:External Width: 80cmHeight: 103cmLength: 145cm

author: grumpydoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2014, 03:53:09 pm
content: QuoteThat's reassuring to know - some sanity prevails then.

author: M. András
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2014, 09:37:09 pm
content: Quote from: IvoS on January 19, 2014, 07:09:20 pmseriously, could someone with electronics or electric knowledge miswire a mains plug let alone with a degree? the non polarized plugs even have markings on them to clearly indicate you moron you are supposed to connect here the earth wire not the live... im sure the polarized ones even have neutral and live markings inside the housing