Eagle Eye Power Solutions (EEPS) recognizes that battery defects do occur, and it is EEPS’s and most reputable suppliers’ goal to fulfill all genuine warranty claims in a fair and timely manner. The submission of as much information as possible, that will substantiate the claim, is important and will streamline the process.
Why is all of this information important? Many battery defects and damages are caused by poor transportation and handling, improper storage, misapplication, bad installation practices, improper startup and introduction into service, lack of maintenance, operation in hostile environments, and misuse. Most companies do not take responsibility for many of these issues unless they have sized and recommended the battery, and/or transported it, and installed and maintained it. Then, of course, if these criteria are met, EEPS and most reputable companies will take full responsibility. Furthermore, when these tasks or actions are carried out by both the customer or a third party, documentation is required to substantiate the claim. This will report that the work has been performed correctly and the continuing operation of the battery is in accordance with the manufacturer’s operation requirements and any warranty restrictions.
Typically, a warranty offered by a manufacturer or vendor will have certain conditions and considerations, including:
· Proper transportation, including packaging and handling
· Correct storage, which may include certain environmental conditions and length of storage without charging
· Proper installation, including start-up, initial charging, and testing and record keeping
· Correct charging, which can include the suitability of the charger, the correct charging voltage, and any current limitations
· Satisfactory maintenance and servicing
· Proper operation and use
· Number of discharge cycles
· No unauthorized modifications or repairs
· Proper physical and electrical protection
· Tardiness of claim submission
Other than the obvious, there is a reason that these restrictions may apply. Stationary batteries are delicate items, and the ability to provide proper service and life can be influenced by many outside factors. Major among these factors are improper charging, lack of maintenance, excessive cycling, and operation at temperature extremes. This is why the user must maintain and make available documentation that will verify that the product has been installed, maintained, and operated properly.
If Ohmic readings are used to substantiate a warranty claim, then baseline readings taken approximately 6 months after the battery is put into service must be provided with the current readings and trending data.
Photographs are also required for warranty claims based upon leakage or physical damage.
A warranty may be voided if such supporting documentation is not available or provided. For example, in the event that a telecom user cannot demonstrate that the product has been operated in a temperature-controlled environment, a supplier may reduce the warranty to a period determined by Telcordia (Bellcore) Technical Reference TR-NWT-000909 latest issue, or the warranty period may be reduced by 50% for every 8°C (17° F) increase in operating temperature above 25°C (77° F).
EEPS strongly recommends that the recommendations contained in the following documents be followed with respect to installation, freshening charging, data collection, and records.
IEEE Std. 484. IEEE Recommended Practice for Installation Design and Installation of Vented Lead-Acid Batteries for Stationary Applications. (Sections 6 and 7).
IEEE Std. 1184. IEEE Guide for Batteries for Uninterruptible Power Supply Systems. (Section 8.3)
IEEE Std. 1187. IEEE Recommended Practice for Installation Design and Installation of Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid Storage Batteries for Stationary Applications, (Sections 6 and 7).
IEEE Std. 1106. IEEE Recommended Practice for Installation, Maintenance, Testing, and Replacement of Vented Nickel-Cadmium Batteries for Stationary Applications (Section 6).
EEPS also recommends that batteries be maintained in accordance with the following documents. The frequency of the periodic maintenance may be adjusted for a particular application and if agreed to by the manufacturer.
IEEE Std. 450. IEEE Recommend Practice for Maintenance, Testing, and Replacement of Vented Lead-Acid Batteries for Stationary Applications.
IEEE Std. 1188. IEEE Recommended Practice for Maintenance, Testing, and Replacement of Valve-Regulated Lead- Acid (VRLA) Batteries for Stationary Applications.
IEEE Std. 1106. IEEE Recommended Practice for Installation, Maintenance, Testing, and Replacement of Vented Nickel-Cadmium Batteries for Stationary Applications. (Section 7).
The following details should accompany any warranty claim in order to satisfy the typical information that is required by suppliers and the manufacturers. Lack of this information could delay the warranty process:
· Customer details
· End user details if different from the customer
· Battery manufacturer
· Battery model and type
· Battery date code and/or serial number
· The original purchase order to the manufacturer and date
· Installation date
· Installation location
· Full description for basis of warranty claim. Supporting documentation, including installation, maintenance, and test records and photographs where appropriate.
· Whether the claim is for replacement product or credit
· Shipping address for replacement product
Please be aware that in most cases warranty replacement does not include any shipping or labor costs involved, unless agreed otherwise at the time of purchase.
Further Reading.
Ashton, Curtis and Byrne, John Allen, Data gathering to ensure battery warranties are honored. Proceedings of Battcon, the International Battery Conference, 2016.
Byrne, John Allen, The proper charging of stationary lead-acid batteries. Proceedings of Battcon, the International Battery Conference, 2010.
Byrne, John Allen, Battery handling into and at the installation site. Proceedings of Battcon, the International Battery Conference, 2009.
Eagle Eye Power Solutions Technical Note EE10317 Issue 2. Ohmic measurements and IEEE Standard 1188. IEEE Recommended Practice for Maintenance, Testing, and Replacement of Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid Batteries for Stationary Applications.
