[RE-wrenches] XW6048 parts problem

[Allan Sindelar]

Jeff,

Around 2001 Trace/Xantrex set up its Certified Dealer Program (it happened
while Xantrex was taking over Trace). It was a good attempt, long before
NABCEP, to set up a way for better installers to set themselves apart and
market accordingly. Pagan MacKay set it up under Ezra Auerbach's initiative.

 

One of the things she did was to ask the inaugural members what they needed
from Xantrex/Trace that would be a benefit of being a Certified Dealer. I
suggested a "care package" of all the special screws and small parts that
were too easy to lose (we were still using SW inverters and DC250s at that
time). Darned if she didn't make it happen! Cover screws, etc. 

 

Soon enough, "Trace Certified Dealers" became the Xantrex Energy Club or
something, Pagan was gone, and the program died. Now it sounds like we have
everything made in China and inadequate tech support. My story suggests that
there once was a solution, with the same company, but I don't know if it
could be replicated today. It would have to come from someone high up in the
company.

 

I admit I made it more difficult for her. This was about the time Xantrex
was shooting itself in the foot, both with the SunTie and losing UL listing
for grid-tie with the SW series. I complained about something on this list
and called the company Xanthrax. Pagan asked me never to do that again, that
she was asked to explain why a Certified Dealer would say that.

 

Allan Sindelar

Allan at positiveenergysolar.com

NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer

EE98J Journeyman Electrician

Positive Energy, Inc.

3201 Calle Marie

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507

505 424-1112

www.positiveenergysolar.com

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From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jeff Yago
Sent: Wednesday, August 05, 2009 8:01 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] XW6048 parts problem

 

Thanks to all.  William Miller had a spare plug left over from another job
and is sending it to me so for now I am back on track.

 

However, this still does not resolve my initial question and comments from
several others on the list.  Over the years when installing and later
servicing different brands and models of inverters and charge controllers,
covers, cover screws, special plugs (like the one we lost), and plastic
display cover lenses can get lost, dented, or broken.  I have found that
most of these small parts, including simple cover screws, are not standard
items you can find at your local electrical supply house or Radio Shack.   

 

So my question is - since you can't most of these items anywhere but the
manufacturer, and it seems the manufacturers do not stock any extra, and the
manufacturers don't seem to care that some missing $2.00 part of theirs is
holding up a job completion, what is the solution?

 

Jeff Yago


 

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Netscape.  Just the Net You Need.

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