Lifespan

[kwatt]

Digging about in the plethora of documents I have stored and, whilst considering myself really, really sad for reading EU Directives on a Saturday night, I came across this little gem from the EU directive in relation to eco-labelling.

EU Commision Decision of 17 November 1999 wrote:9. Lifetime extension

The manufacturer shall offer a commercial guarantee to ensure that the washing machine will function for at least two years. This guarantee shall be valid from the date of delivery to the customer.

The availability of compatible replacement parts shall be guaranteed for 12 years from the time that production ceases.

The applicant shall declare the compliance of the product with these requirements.

I have to admit to that, amongst other things in the directive, raising a rather wry smile. 😉

K.

[gegsy]

Re: Lifespan

Looking at that Ken, the part

This guarantee shall be valid from the date of delivery to the customer.

how often do we go to appliances and find its out of guarantee by till receipt, but not by delivery date.

Greg

[kwatt]

Correct Gegsy. Those few words could open a rather large can of worms.

K.

[Martin]

Re: Lifespan

EU Commision Decision of 17 November 1999 wrote:The availability of compatible replacement parts shall be guaranteed for 12 years from the time that production ceases

Before the 1999 legislation the period used to be 16 years 🙄

[gegsy]

Re: Lifespan

Martin wrote:

EU Commision Decision of 17 November 1999 wrote:
The availability of compatible replacement parts shall be guaranteed for 12 years from the time that production ceases

Before the 1999 legislation the period used to be 16 years 🙄

Crikey!! but at least appliances used to last 15yrs+ unlike some of the cack on sale today, no names mentioned but a quick search through the forum will reveal this unwashed rabble 😆

Greg

[kwatt]

An interesting thought though is that, if a spare isn’t available and the appliance is under twelve years old, then is the manufacturer obliged to replace or make a concession?

K.

[Martin]

Re: Lifespan

You will find that all appliances that bear the “CE” label have to adhere to this ruling. Therefore if replacement spare parts are not available then a substitute be made available, be that just the part or the whole appliance replaced 😉

[electrofix]

Re: Lifespan

i had a case not so long ago where we needed a timer for a hoover auto that was under ten years old
the timer price waqs £180

at this price no one would buy it but it was available keeping within the directive

al the have to do is keep one of all the spares and make the price so high no one would buy them

Dave

[andy_art_trigg]

Re: Lifespan

It’s a clear case of them acting within the letter of the law and not the spirit of the law. This loophole has been exploited for years. If challenged I expect they’d be in trouble.

[Author]

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