PS3 warranty voided by surge protector

A member of the Playstation forums called up Sony regarding his four month old PS3 which had turned into a brick, with the trouble starting back a while ago when the system would just shut off. However, the Playstation rep wasn't interested in all that, as soon as he heard the gamer had used a high quality power surge protector, the rep remarked 'okay great, Sony can fix it right up for you for $150' as the year-long warranty was voided by the surge protector.

[Lightning Mr Bubbles]

Now we know.

[pukka_p]

This is nonsense. Some guy doesn't know WTF he's doing, is a bit dim (possibly a little unfair) and posts on a forum for ideas about what to do next.

This isn't meant to be a forum, but hey - if this story counts as news then I feel justified. Just look up a decent legal-sounding form of words (not too much - see step 2) and send it to Sony, PS3 retailer, surge-protector manufacturer, surge-protector retailer. If you're lucky one of them will offer you something half decent. Step 2: If it's not enough, just write another legal sounding letter (to all) that somehow suggests you have consulted a lawyer and repeating your earlier claim (chuck in the phrase I have been advised that...). One of them will probably pay out 50-75% to get rid of you.

Step 3. Don't post to a forum cos someone will try to post it as news of some PS3RROD scare on N4G!!

[Real Gambler]

The guy called back, and got is PS3 fixed under warranty. Here's the link: http://boardsus.playstation...

Here's are the most insteresting messages, with numbers in front for reference:

1: DANJAK: The message that made the news, I won't repeat it... : )

26: DANJAK: No problem. Right now, I feel extremely fortunate that its being covered by the warranty... but I imagine almost everyone plugs their PS3 into a surge protector. It's foolish not to. This is one of those things where Sony needs to get either educate their support staff that a surge protector does not void the warranty...

42: Bubba (one guy who called support to check about this): Alright everyone, I just got off the phone with a guy from Sony about the PS3 and he said plugging the PS3 into a surge protector WILL NOT void your warranty. In fact he said that is what he would do.

82: DANJAK: Why would I call and speak to a supervisor when I'm already covered under the warranty after I "amended" my story?

So I'm guessing the guy called back, didn't say anything about Surge Protector, and whammo, the PS3 is under warranty... Warning, this is my interpretation : )

Here's the warranty statement that may have started it all:
WARRANTY VOID IF THE PRODUCT IS USED WITH PRODUCTS NOT SOLD OR LICENSED BY SCEA (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, NON-LICENSED GAME ENHANCEMENT DEVICES, CONTROLLERS, ADAPTORS AND POWER SUPPLY DEVICES)

So most of the debate now has turned into: Is a surge protector a power supply device? My humble opinion: IT'S NOT. A power supply just supply power : ) A surge suppressor does not supply power.

So this is hopefully the end of this really exciting news about ONE user having some problem with his PS3.

I guess there must not be any good news going on these days.

[Poisen]

WTF Sony. It helps protect the Ps3. I have a UPS connected to my 360. He could just call a different operator and say he didn't connect the surge protector.

[kamisama]

microsoft told me that surge protector voids there warranty to they told me the 360 has a surge protector built in hence it doesnt need one and they told me that the external fans void there warranty to

[Poisen]

thats why you lie to them when they ask you such questions

[MrSwede]

If I would have a problem with my PS3 I would make the same "mistake" and tell the support about having a surge protector since it´s supposed to be a good thing.

Edit: What if lightning struck and my PS3 brakes? I bet the support would say "you have a surge protector right?"

[Proxy]

Thats why as soon as he gets sarcastic and says "'okay great, Sony can fix it right up for you for $150' as the year-long warranty was voided by the surge protector." I get real pissed and say "listen you b'tard, I gave you a false name and other false information, and now that I know this, I'll conviently call tomarrow and give no indication that it was connected to a surge protector, thanks for your help today, and I look forward to having it fixed under the warenty come tomarrow" click. (The part about the false information would be true too.)

[xaphanze]

what the heck? I always use that. Who doesnt anyways?

[CRIMS0N_W0LF]

i find that hard to belive.

[ElementX]

I use a power strip. First of all, there's only 2 outlets behind my tv and I have a TV, Digital Cable Box, Cable Modem, Router, PS3, and 360. I haven't had any problems with either console. I don't think that two surge protectors would harm anything.

[the worst]

xboxfangirls are at it again

[Death]

Neither console manufacturer wants you to plug into a surge protector. If you take the time to read the owners manual for the PS3 and 360 you will see this is pretty clear. The best way to connect is sraight to the wall outlet, this eliminates any problems caused my non-certified hardware.

The "inter coolers" that plug into the back of a 360 and use the 360's power supply are known to burn out the consoles. A little research will show plenty of pictures of the damage they can cause. Adding an aftermarket fan to the consoles power supply changes the resistance/amperage that the power supply is rated for.

Best thing to do on any high end electronic device is read the owners manual.

-Death

[pukka_p]

PS3 is meant to be a high-end piece of AV electronics. Mains supply is usually not good, which is why most good AV kit is meant to be connected through mains conditioners (not that different to surge protectors).

Non-certified does not mean invalidated warranty - unless of course Sony lists all specific certifications (house builders, electric companies), which I doubt.

[BloodySinner]

WOW! How retarded. I'm totally feeling for this dude right now.

[snoop_dizzle]

what if you just don't tell them about it?

Edit: But yeah i guess if you were one of the first ones to experience that with customer service you wouldn't know.

[PStriple703]

I use a monster surge protector

[power091999]

All thought this seems a bit odd.... no one has to tell Sony (or MS for that matter) any of this information.

I don't agree with it in anyway, but they should at least give a 1st time freebie.

I hate customer support with electronics. This is why I buy a "in store" extended contract on all of my electronics.

Oh well.

[Ri0tSquad]

best he had? hahaha I could have came up with something better then that.

[CRIMS0N_W0LF]

So even big PC agents says to use a UPS and powersurger.

its total bullcrap. I'll call to check if its true.

[Bonsai1214]

correct me if i'm wrong, but doesn't the ps3 have a surge protector built in to the PSU? i'm sure i've read that somewhere at some point in time.

and don't most powerstrips have a surge protector built in? strange..

can i ask what there is to disagree with in my post?

[montavious]

Most power strips DONT have surge proctection, in fact many cheap surge protectors are not rated for an actual serge, yet UL says can still list it as Surge Protection. You have to buy a pretty good quality one for it really to make a difference, generally with other ports like coxial and phone line to protect them as well.

[YoMeViet]

don't those power surge devices have warranties themselves as to pay for any devices that get damage while plugged into their product?
like i think my monster power one does.

[N4GayFanturds]

"THIS WARRANTY SHALL ALSO BE VOIDABLE BY SCEA IF (1) SCEA REASONABLY BELIEVES THAT THE PS3TM SYSTEM HAS BEEN USED IN A MANNER THAT WOULD VIOLATE THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF A SEPARATE END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR SYSTEM SOFTWARE; OR (2) THE PRODUCT IS USED WITH PRODUCTS NOT SOLD OR LICENSED BY SCEA (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, NON-LICENSED GAME ENHANCEMENT DEVICES, CONTROLLERS, ADAPTORS AND POWER SUPPLY DEVICES)."

http://www.us.playstation.c...

Surge Protectors would fall under 'Power Supply Devices'. Both 360 & PS3 implement some form of surge protection.

FACT: IBM makes co-makes the processor in 360/PS3. It's the same basic processor that was giving Apple G5 heating issues (and not selling well according to IBM).

"Given Apple's lack of fear with regards to impressive price tags, this leads me to think that IBM was potentially looking to increase the prices of the PowerPC 970 in a significant way to justify spending more time on the project. Then again, no one can deny that the PowerPC 970 had a heat problem."

http://arstechnica.com/news...

Both 360 and PS3 have heating issues. 360 is more prevelant for two reasons;

1.More systems sold means the problem appears more often.
2. MS chose to deal with the heat by not building the power supply into the console. This (though a good idea) does NOT DIRECTLY address the problem.

Sony addresses the problem directly by installing a shut-off switch when the console reaches a certain temp. Problem is getting the system back on. It may not come back on until it's cool enough or it may not have shut-off in time before damage occured. Why do you think they keep an indutrial-stregnth fan blowing on their kiosks (if it doesn't have heating issues)??

[StarsCream]

Please, if you are going to post information that seems statistical and factual, at least tell the truth.

1. More systems sold does NOT equal higher defect rate. Math is your friend. Percentages are higher on the 360 for many other reasons than more systems sold.

2. The "big" fan in the mobile display is extra protection if the display is placed in a storefront window... in Arizona... in the summer. The system will not overheat if you remove the display fan, if it is in the middle of a store.

NO, i dont care either way about what system is better. I have them all. I had to chime in on very incorrect statements in the name of factuality.

[N4GayFanturds]

"1. More systems sold does NOT equal higher defect rate. Math is your friend. Percentages are higher on the 360 for many other reasons than more systems sold."

I didn't say that. Those are your GAY words. I said it's more prevelant. For the weak-minded (like yourself), that means; YOU HEAR ABOUT IT MORE OFTEN CAUSE IT'S MORE POPULAR.

"2. The "big" fan in the mobile display is extra protection if the display is placed in a storefront window... in Arizona... in the summer. The system will not overheat if you remove the display fan, if it is in the middle of a store."

So are you implying that kiosks outside of Arizona don't have the fan? And are you also saying that kiosks with fans were meant to be displayed in storefronts only? And that the fan should only be turned on, in the summer? Perhaps if you'd stop spewing "utter garbage" then you'd clearly see I speak the unbiased truth. And um.. I was witness to the P$3 shutting off WITH fan running in an EBGames store. The manager said they usually don't leave it on overnite but the closer forgot to turn it off. Next time you feel like chiming in...don't. You'll do me & this site a big favor.

[xplosneer]

Cause it's in a closed case? Duh? Also, being warm doesn't equal defect rates, and 2 THERE ARE ~4 million PS3's out there. If there was a problem we would have heard about it, just like 360.

[cartman313]

What the hell are you talking about? PS3 has overheating issues? You remember those test they did to try and kill it? Get your facts straight, PS3 doesn't have overheating issues, it may get hot, but doesn't overheat.(I'm using mine as a heater for my room atm.)

[StarsCream]

You are apparently an igroant child with a limited vocabulary, so try to pay attention to my "homosexual"? words:

"1.More systems sold means the problem appears more often." is flat out stupid, not ignorant, stupid. A percantage does not inflate with more systems sold. 1 out of 10 = 10 out of 100 % wise. m a t h

"So are you implying that kiosks outside of Arizona don't have the fan?" No, re-read what i wrote and use http://www.m-w.com/ if the words seem too tough for you. The fan is there for a backup precaution, unit is fully functional without it. I would know, i have removed plenty with no problems (unless kiosk was placed in a window).

Your minute knowledge of anything relevant to the real world is astounding. Stop repeating crap you read on forum posts and blogs and acqire some real wisdom.... as a "favor to the site".

[rbanke]

The people behind this who are trying to simply cause some bad press failed to investigate further. You will find in the original thread that people have called sony and were told that a surge protector would NOT void your warrantee. You are free to call Sony for yourself to check this before posting a so called 'news' report like this, but then I guess you wouldnt have some alarmist story to post if you checked up on that.

Original Thread:
http://boardsus.playstation...

[N4GayFanturds]

You can call Customer Service on almost ANY electronics device then have your uncle call and you'll almost always get a different story.

Fact is LEGALLY Sony has covered their arse by the warranty (I posted above you). They can and MAY still deem a product under warranty in this issue....but they don't HAVE TO.

[Charlie2688]

This kid forgot the #1 rule when calling for this kind of situation...NEVER EVER mention any other thing that might have caused a problem since if you read some of the new consoles warantys probably EVERYTHING can void it and they will blame it on YOU...so kids

Your 360/PS3/Wii died? call for a new one and NEVER mention they tiny fact it was on the oven/you were steeping on it/you sat on it/you tried plugging in something you shouldn't/it fell down the stairs etc.

cuz when it comes to replacing electronics the first thing you should do to assure it will be replaced is LIE..LIE and LIE a little bit more and remember it was NEVER YOUR FAULT

-This has been a message by Charlie to the community-

[Quickstrike]

that is BS i have my PS3 in a surge protector and i have had no problems from my PS3 it still works fine.

[Mr_Kuwabara]

That's what happenes when good people say the truth. They pay 150 bucks.

[mrlakadaddy]

that he didn't have to pay the 150 bucks...surge protectors void 360 and ps3 warranties

[Kenshin_BATT0USAI]

Yeah the consumer id getting ripped off, BUTTTTTTT companies ares companies, they want your money.

[jack who]

bu bu bu bu bu tbu teh celll

[razer]

I'd rather have an external power strip short out then have the internal power surge protection go. How did his system brick in the first place? $150 screw that! Not after I'd payed close to $600 for this thing and it's less than a year old.. lame...

[Jrome]

Stop being a fanboy please :\. I have read your comments in the past few articles and it just disgusts me each time. Some people have nice constructive comments. Then the fanboys on both sides make comments that only make everyone around them dumber. You are one of them. Please...just stop.

[SmokeyMcBear]

you going to tell that to the thousands of customers with broken 360's before the extention to a year warranty , and an extension to a 3 year warranty, when the console only had a 30 day warranty and made people pay 180 dollars to get it fixed.. you know when that console was less than a year old.. you are a freaking hypocrite, and fyi both manufactures have the same exemptions in their warranties.

[PopEmUp]

there are 33% brick which has rrod and scratched every disc you got, that just sad man

[Expy]

Somebody didn't read the limited warranty disclaimer... =) That's not Sony's fault...

[escobahr]

it sounds to me as if some bored jerk read the ps3 discliamer and decided to stir up yet another pointless useless lame debate.

didnt anyone think to notice this is a quote from a forum that has an unaccredited "anectdotal" tale of woe..???

the more you people respond to these lame threads the more were gonna have to see them.

dont give in to the ps3/360/wii fanboy threads....use your common sense!!!!

[jlytle1234]

circuit city and walmart will take almost anything back.

[clevernickname]

Under the terms of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act the onus is on Sony to prove that the power bar is the cause of any product failure. The act was passed in 1975 because companies were abusing warranty policies in the very manner that the linked article describes. Unless the power bar in question actually damaged the PS3 Sony is required by law to honor their warranty.

Plugging your PS3, 360, Wii or whatever into a power bar does not absolve Sony of their statutory duties as outlined by federal law.

[Lumbo]

exactly

[Alcohog]

So why would you tell them you were using a surge protector?

[Lumbo]

Some people are easily impressed by the Indian support drones in the outsourced hotlines. As usual they have this one page "manual" with all the excuses to try to deny warranty cases.

Like "used a non manufacturer hdmi cable, dang sorry no warranty"

There is an easy solution, threaten to take it to trial, and voila, suddenly warranty is not a problem anymore.

If placed in front of a judge all the excuses magically loose their power, and the support sub-companys fear nothing more than a court decision in favor of the customer, which would be a sure case when using external surge protectors and the likes, cause for obvious reasons this kind of devices have no influence on the system at all. Like HDMI cables and whatever. In court the company would have to prove that the device was the reason for the defect to deny the warranty, and thats plain impossible. Hence they will not allow it to be taken to court to avoid an unfavorable result.

Who could guarantee that your apartment block does not use a central surge protector, then you would also "violate" the terms, but thats why the construct "SCEA REASONABLY BELIEVES THAT THE PS3TM SYSTEM HAS BEEN USED IN A MANNER THAT WOULD VIOLATE THE TERMS" was build. (same as in nearly every electronic device warranty)

The key word is "REASONABLY", and claiming a non manufacturer HDMI cable, or an external surge protector would cause a damage is unreasonable.

Its always funny to see people fall for the dead old "warranty voided by external influence" scare tactic. Its just so "customer support" agents don't get a bad statistic on warranty repairs, hence they try to turn it into a paid for repair, resulting in a higher year bonus for them due to less costly repairs.

Always follow rule 1 when calling support:
question: "do you use non original addons or 3rd party cables?"
answer: "no, i only use cables, addons and whatever stuff that is ORIGINAL and certified by the manufacturer"

Saves you the hassle with the agents even though you get it under warranty when you threaten with a trial anyways.

[OOG FunK]

i dont know but i think its ridiculous like honestly even if they recommend that it not have a surge protector that can be stupid im sry i dont want my xbox or ps3 to light on fire and blow up thx tho

[mikeslemonade]

The representative sounds like a xbox fanboy anyway. This isn't Sony's fault. Sony should fire this xbox fanboy for asking vague questions.

[joydestroy]

this is why you get it at Best Buy and get a PRP. when something happens, you just take it in and walk out with a brand new one. simple as that.

[Funky Town_TX]

The PS3 only has a 3 month warranty? I thought all computers sold in the US had to have a 1 year warranty. The PS3 is a super computer right? No I'm asking. But for a $400 system I will get an extended warranty. How much does Sony charge for that IM me please. I got 3 years for my 360 for $50.

[pilotpistolpete]

Yeah, surge protectors are the Shiat! Hell, read the warranty on your surge bar, it usually covers at lease 50K of electronics (unless you bought it at the dollar store, ya cheap bastard!). So even if it bricked your console, they should fix ya right up under their warranty.

[progx]

Just LIE...DUH.