OPE General Warranty Statement
Expectations and Limitations:
Installation standards: The system installer must be experienced with marine systems installations, with American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) and any other relevant standards (e.g., USCG, ISO, ABS, Lloyds), and with marine electrical best practices. OPE may make detailed recommendations, and include manufacturer-specific requirements in the design, but without specific conductor circuit lengths OPE cannot determine many details such as the necessary conductor size to minimize voltage drop, fuse and circuit breaker ratings, and so on. Unless otherwise agreed, conductor choice, conductor sizing, overcurrent protection (OCP), AC & DC grounding configurations, etc. are the responsibility of the installer. If OPE is asked to provide guidance, this will be based on the ABYC standards. OPE does not design for compliance with commercial standards, such as those required for passenger-carrying vessels with six or more passengers.
Installation responsibility: Unless specifically agreed, OPE will not underwrite the system installation, nor provide support to remedy installation errors; these are the responsibility of the installer. OPE supplied configuration diagrams, etc. are not instructional guides for marine electrical installations; electrical installation training is beyond the scope of OPE’s services.
System programming: If system programming is required, this service may be provided by OPE for a fee, or if included as a system package service option. Some programming may need to be done in-house before being shipped to the installer. Programming may also be done remotely (via Victron VRM, OPE-Tether2, etc.) but this will only be provided for equipment purchased from OPE.
Supply of main hardware, and existing hardware: OPE will recommend what is believed to be the best product for the application regardless of whether or not OPE is a dealer/distributor for the product. However, OPE will not provide support for products not supplied by OPE, and will not provide support, without additional billing, to correct system failures that are caused by products not supplied by OPE. Note that OPE may provide billed support for interfacing with approved existing equipment. However, OPE cannot assume any responsibility for the performance of existing equipment nor provide troubleshooting support for such equipment unless a support agreement is in place specifically for it.
Reference materials: For a consulting fee, OPE can provide the diagrams for (1) the overall DC system configuration/architecture; (2) RV-C and other networking; (3) alternator and regulator connections; and (4) the integration of other core system components. We will provide supporting documents and/or links to installation manuals, information videos, etc. in a timely manner as needed. Note that if the installers wish to provide the system diagrams per client agreement, OPE may be required by product manufacturers to review and approve the diagrams, which can be done for a fee.
Remote support: OPE will provide remote support for the client and/or installers, as per the quoted cost for support. Support is generally provided by email, and by scheduled phone/video calls. Remote system programming via Victron VRM, etc. may be arranged.
Summary: Marine energy systems are complex. OPE has the knowledge and experience to design a fully optimized system that will provide years of excellent service. OPE does not have control over the installation and use of the system. Based on experience, most post-installation issues arise from installation errors, operator abuse, or alterations made to the system without consultation and agreement. Should problems arise, OPE will make a good faith effort to help resolve them. If this requires significant time on the part of OPE, and/or if the issues are not caused by a design flaw or a mistake on OPE’s part, OPE must bill for the troubleshooting and support.
OceanPlanet Energy Warranties Agreement
This section of the agreement clarifies the responsibilities and limitations of warranties for the products and services offered by OPE. Note that procedures and requirements for seeking product repairs or replacements will vary from one manufacturer to another.
Warranty determination: If apparent warranty situations arise, for products OPE has supplied, OPE will facilitate the forwarding of required information to the manufacturer regarding the product issues. We will not be responsible for products that others have supplied. Note that the client and/or installer may have to implement testing and the gathering of data. In many cases, OPE may be able to provide supporting documents and information from the manufacturer to facilitate the gathering of the data. However, the implementation may sometimes require electrical and/or mechanical expertise, which will be the responsibility of the client and/or installer.
Warranty product support: Most manufacturers do not cover troubleshooting and analysis costs. OPE is not responsible for warranty product technical support beyond the facilitation of forwarding information required by the manufacturer and providing supporting manufacturer documentation. Additional support by OPE may require billed consultation time.
Installation issues: The product installer must be experienced with marine systems installations, with American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) and any other relevant standards (e.g., USCG, ISO, ABS, Lloyds), and with marine electrical best practices. If any system issues are determined to be the result of improper installation or missing recommended safety configurations (such as device networking, etc.) then OPE support and analysis will be billed to the customer as consultation time.
Shipping: Most manufacturers require the products in question to be sent to either an authorized facility, or directly to the manufacturer. The initial shipping to the facility or mfg. is usually not covered by warranty. If after analysis of the product it is determined to be covered by warranty, the return shipping to the client or installer is most often covered, and may be paid for by the manufacturer. OPE is not responsible for warrantied product shipping costs.
Reinstallation responsibility: OPE is not responsible for any costs associated with the reinstallation of a warrantied product or products. OPE cannot provide support to remedy original installation errors; these are the responsibility of the installer. OPE supplied configuration diagrams, etc. are not instructional guides for marine electrical installations; electrical installation training is beyond the scope of OPE’s services.
Warrantied Products reprogramming: If minor warrantied product reprogramming is required, this may be provided by OPE. Some warranty product reprogramming may need to be done in-house before shipping. Reprogramming may also be done remotely (via Victron VRM, OPE-Tether2, etc.). However, reprogramming will only be provided on equipment originally supplied by OPE.
Consultation and design services: OPE provides consultation and system design services in good faith and with best efforts. However, no warranties are offered for these services.
Resolution of disputes: Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this contract, or the breach thereof, shall be settled by arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association in accordance with its Commercial [or other] Arbitration Rules, and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.