Power Failure Damage - How to claim?

Raja_3

Hi All

New poster here and I have attempted many searches, but I cant find the answer.

A few days ago there was a power failure in my area which resulted in one of my computer components from stop working (wireless router). I rang the electricity helpline who have given me the number for customer relations; BUT the guy on the phone said they will throw out my claim saying I am covered under household insurance. The cost of the item is the same as my excess! Why should I claim under house contents when its their fault! What if I did not have contents insurance?

Any advice or experience is appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Robert5988

A power failure surely should not cause damage to a wireless router, otherwise they would have to be continually replaced.

Have you checked with the handbook or manufacturer that power failure causes such damage?

djohn2002uk

If that was the case, those routers should have a warning on them, "Not to be used by anyone with a pre-payment meter", in case the 50p runs out. The supply companies get thousands of claims like that every time there's a power failure. And, having worked in the industry for years when failures were much more common than they are today, I've never known equipment failure to be caused by power "Failure". No different to switching off at the socket.

Raja_3

Thanks for all your advice.

Could this just have been a case of coincidence that the router failed at the same time as the power failure?

Would this mean I cannot claim of the electricity company?

Thanks

cloud_dog

Raja raises an interesting point.

Rather than focussing on whether the router was faulty or not this issue is whether a faulty service that you are paying for (electricity) causes you financial loss - the fact that you are covered under household insurance is irrelavent as you will still incur a financial loss, i.e. excess, you also need to consider what affect a claim will have on your premiums come next renewal.

I think it is an extremely valid point to consider. I'm sure that most utility companies will point you at your own insurance but I'm not so sure that you would not have a valid case. Perhaps you would need to claim and then re-claim monies from the company.

cloud_dog

Robert5988

I have not looked at the small print in the terms and conditions under which electricity is supplied to me. However I would be amazed if the supply company did not cover themselves on that point.

cloud_dog

I have not looked at the small print in the terms and conditions under which electricity is supplied to me. However I would be amazed if the supply company did not cover themselves on that point.

I'm sure they have. Perhaps one day I'll be sad enough to try and find out ;D

but, I'm sure there must be a cut off point at which you could reasonably argue they 'should' meet your financial loss.

For example: If a lightning storm hit a transformer and caused a power surge then it would not be unreasonable for the power company to claim 'act of god' or similar and not bear responsibility for any financial loss but, if the same transformer went faulty on its own or because of a missed maintenance slot (or something) and the power surge blew your PC, TV, HiFi, etc, then would there be a reasonable case for the power company to answer?

cloud_dog

Robert5988

Cloud_Dog'
You used the term reasonable 3 times in the above post – not certain that word is in their vocabulary!!!

I have a place in the USA situated where power surges are quite common. There I know that it is up to the customer to take steps to protect their equipment and the Utility Company are not liable – would guess that same applies here.

It would be almost impossible to prove that your equipment failed because of a power surge even if you realised one had occurred. You can bet your bottom dollar that the company would fight any case for fear of creating a precedent.

However the original case involved a power cut. Power can be cut off when a faulty piece of equipment in the house trips the main circuit breaker and there is no way any piece of electrical equipment should be damaged simply by removal of power.

monkeyboy72

Hi

had a similar situation myself and found the following (not very helpful) piece of info:

http://www.energywatch.org.uk/help_and_advice/faqs/faqs.asp

(type in power failure and scroll through to find 'damaged equipment)

Robert5988

Hi

had a similar situation myself and found the following (not very helpful) piece of info:

http://www.energywatch.org.uk/help_and_advice/faqs/faqs.asp

(type in power failure and scroll through to find 'damaged equipment)

It covers both power failure and power surge.

Question
A power surge has damaged my equipment - can I get compensation?


Answer
You will not normally qualify for compensation. As home electrical equipment is made to stand most surges and the use of surge protectors is recommended for sensitive equipment, distributors will not normally pay you compensation for damage. You should check your home insurance policy to see if you are covered.

What a surprise!!