FNB Device Guru Mecer 2000VA UPS

I app**** for a Mecer 2000VA Line Interactive UPS from FNB Connect in October 2023. The application was approved with Order Number FNB***. The Mecer UPS was delivered on or about 11 October 2023 after some confusion by FNB Connect (they had given the wrong delivery address to the courier company). The sole purpose of acquiring the UPS was to use it with my laptop to safeguard it against any potential damage that may be occasioned by the prevailing load-shedding.

Then on 18 November 2023, I noticed that the UPS was sounding the alarm rather strangely when it was plugged in. The alarm would go on forever forcing me to switch it off. On 19 November 2023, I called the FNB Device Guru to report the matter. The FNB Device Guru I had a conversation with then suggested that he needs to consult the instructions manual to see if the problem could not be resolved (I have no idea why he suggested that).

Subsequently, it was agreed that the UPS would be collected by courier. But the same agent from FNB asked me to take photos of the device, packaging and all other items that were delivered with the UPS. I obliged and emailed the images through. The UPS was ultimately collected on or about 23 November 2023 (after some delays on the part of FNB). Quite some time passed after the UPS was collected for inspection by FNB.

On 12 December 2023, I called FNB Device Guru to enquire about the progress since the device was collected around 23 November 2023. The FNB agent then told me that the UPS report received from their repairs division said the device was damaged by a power surge. Therefore, I must pay for the repairs as FNB was not liable. In addition, the agent told me that one of their Ts & Cs is that the power surge is not covered by the warranty.

I protested and said that I would not accept that. I asked him what the purpose of a UPS is if it could not regulate power surges. He could only say that these were the Terms and Conditions. He promised to go consult his seniors on 12 November 2023 and revert. He never came back with any feedback. On 13 November 2023 I received an email from FNB Device Guru indicating that: - I have to pay R 879.75for the repairs of the UPS, - If I do not pay for the repairs, I should pay R 185.00 so that the broken UPS can be returned to me.

Of course, I am rejecting all of these outcomes. The questions that come to mind are is FNB selling sub-standard electronic devices? When these devices fail the customer has to carry the burden? What are the functions of a UPS? Just because Mustek made this finding in their assessment and rejected the claim from FNB, FNB passes the burden to me the customer.

Some of the functions of a UPS include the following: 1. Surge protection, 2. Voltage stabilization.

The FNB Mecer 2000VA UPS failed the quality test dismally.