SEL

Warranty Returns Improve Product Reliability

SEL Product Hospital

Our business requires continuous improvement of our performance.

In the SEL product hospital, a root cause analysis of failure is performed on every returned device. If the customer-observed failure cannot be repeated, the relay electronics are replaced with new components and shipped to the customer so that tests can continue to be performed on the defective components. These tests may involve environmental testing equipment such as SEL’s Highly Accelerated Life Test (HALT) chamber and vibration table.

Highly Accelerated Life Test (HALT)

HALT testing is performed on returned products to evaluate the effect of environmental impacts on product reliability. The testing performed in the HALT chamber is also used to ensure proper operation and a long life for SEL products in harsh station environments. With the widest rated temperature range in the industry, SEL products will operate in ambient temperatures from -40º to +85ºC. Years of operational temperature cycling can be simulated in a matter of weeks.

We Strive to Constantly Improve Product Quality

The information derived from examination of all returned units is used to constantly improve product quality. The observed mean time between failures (MTBF) for SEL products has risen from 68 years in 1989 to over 300 years today. This means that on the average, for every 300 SEL devices in service, one may experience a failure in any given year. This is observed data, not calculated or estimated based on component counts.

Quality Repairs. Quick Return.

Eighty-five percent of all products repaired are returned to customers within three days. Those that exceed three days, on average, do so by less than one day. Not only does SEL provide you with excellent turnaround time, we conduct root cause analysis of failure on every returned device. We use the information collected from this analysis to constantly improve the quality of our products. If a customer-observed failure cannot be repeated, the product’s electronics are replaced with new components and the product is promptly returned. This allows us to perform ongoing tests, while you are provided with a trustworthy replacement. In order to limit the impact to your organization, we provide you with the quickest return time in the industry. The SEL warranty demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement, customer service, and our passion for designing quality and reliability into all of our products.

 

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.

2350 NE Hopkins Court
Pullman, WA 99163 - USA
Phone: +1.509.332.1890
Fax: +1.509.332.7990
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