February 29, 2012

 

***************

Question re useful life

***************

Ken,

I have your all in one fire alarm contract. What is the "useful life" legal definition?

Thank you,

Tony Huffstutter

*****************

Answer

*****************

There probably is no legal answer. However, "end of life" or "useful life" means the duration a product is intended to continue operating as designed and intended. That time period will more than likely be defined, described and prescribed by the manufacturer. The product's useful life span can also be affected by recognized regulatory agencies [UL, ETL, NFPA to name a few] or by statute or AHJ regulations. If any one of the above suggest that a device be replaced or batteries be replaced ever year then the useful life is one year. You need to let your subscribers know about useful life when you do a sale and installation, and if you're providing inspection or service then that remains a continuous duty to inform, if inspection, and to replace, if service.

Here are a few previous articles dealing with useful life of products.

http://www.kirschenbaumesq.com/earticle373.htm

http://www.kirschenbaumesq.com/earticle591.htm

http://www.kirschenbaumesq.com/earticle601.htm

http://www.kirschenbaumesq.com/earticle617.htm