May 2007

                                     

[Previous Item]       OptiMate – additional information.

 

UK Specification versus Euro models (“grey imports”)

 

We have added this page to clarify the differences between the UK & Euro versions and to explain how you can identify them. This is in response to calls from customers confused by apparently varying internet prices (particularly those on eBay).

 

We hope to include links to genuine UK dealers and eBay sellers on our website shortly. In the meantime, hopefully this will help.

 

 

How can I tell the two apart?  The UK version can be identified by the control panel decal layout.  It features wording for each charge stage (Maintain; Test; Charge; Desulfate).  The European model has jagged arrows instead, as shown in the above picture. (click on the picture to enlarge panel detail).  The second way to be sure (if you have one in your hand) is to invert the charger and you will see a 4-digit batch number - the UK version will feature a P prefix.  Unfortunately if you are buying one from a mail-order supplier it is hard to know, because you cannot be sure that the photo they use will be of the actual product they are selling – it could be a library photo.  EBay sellers are notorious for using any photo they can copy, so it is a bigger risk when buying on eBay. We recommend that until we are able to feature links to known genuine sellers of UK products, you specifically ask if the control panel has jagged arrows or words on it. (The picture on the box will be the same as the contents).

 

Why does it matter?    Technically they differ - because of this, as the UK importer, we cannot cover certain failures of the Euro model under warranty as they were never intended to be sold in the UK.  You must also bear in mind that we have never supplied any Euro OptiMates to our distributor network so we can only recommend that if you have a failure within the warranty period (2 years from date of purchase) of a Euro version, that you return it to the supplier from whom you purchased it. They should replace it or arrange or a repair.  Unfortunately it is a fact of life that there are a lot of less than reputable dealers out there from whom you will not get any help.  It is partly because we repeatedly hear about these situations (mostly resulting from eBay purchases) that we have published this page.  If you find yourself in this situation, please let us know (and eBay if applicable) and we will do our best to help you.  We will also provide free technical assistance with any queries you may have regardless of the version of OptiMate you have or where you purchased it.

 

What is the difference?           The UK version has a specially wound (nominal 238V) transformer to cope with the UK’s average 240V power supply while EU versions have a different transformer to deal with an average 220V-230V power supply.  Naturally the UK model is fitted with a UK 3-pin mains plug at the factory while the Euro version is fitted with a Euro 2-pin plug.  Euro OptiMates supplied in the UK should be fitted with a converter or retro-fitted with a UK plug. It is illegal to sell electrical goods in the UK fitted with a European plug. If you receive an OptiMate fitted with a European 2-pin plug, contact us or the Dti or both.

 

I thought the EU had a harmonised power standard?             Not exactly.… When the various standards were amended to account for the differing Voltages across Europe, all that changed were the standards and not the Voltages.  In order to cover every country we ended up with wider tolerances and slightly different standards for the UK and mainland Europe.  Technically the EU power supply standard allows a Voltage to vary between 207V-253V which would cover the higher Voltages found in the UK, but it is not possible to make some Voltage-sensitive products tolerant to such an extreme range.  The UK’s power supply is at the top of the tolerance given - we regularly measure 248-252V in the UK.  This is why “Voltage sensitive” products, like transformers and lightbulbs for example differ between markets.  Look on a bulb in the UK and you will likely see 240V written on it. 

 

What does it mean?    There is a possibility that European OptiMates may suffer transformer failure if used with UK supply Voltages. It is not a certainty - it could happen quickly, not at all, or not for a couple of years, but the point is that it may happen, and certainly many have.  It is because of the many protection systems designed into OptiMate – one of these is a thermal fuse built into the transformer construction. Unfortunately when it is triggered it means the transformer must be replaced.  Therefore we recommend buyers should look for a genuine UK supplied version (as indicated by the control panel details).

 

If you have purchased a Euro version, please do not be overly concerned. There are absolutely no safety implications and there is no risk of damage to your battery.  OptiMate is protected against all types of failure on many levels and battery protection is paramount. If you have a Euro version which has failed, we will help you if all else fails but you should approach the seller in the first instance.  In either event, a purchase receipt would be required.

 

If you have any questions about this article, please do not hesitate to ask. Please phone us on 01604 660777 or email sales@OptiMate.co.uk 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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