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K&A DNA Synthesizer Warranty

This article explains the limited warranty coverage for K&A brand DNA Synthesizers manufactured and/or distributed by Sierra Biosystems. It outlines what is covered, what is excluded, user responsibilities, and how to obtain warranty service. 

 Quick Warranty Summary
  • Warranty period: 1 year
  • Warranty start: Date of installation by a K&A- or Sierra Biosystems-certified installer
  • Coverage: Defects in electronics, materials, and workmanship; parts, labor, shipping, customs, diagnostics, and insurance for valid claims
  • Not covered: Compressor, computer, monitor; membranes, valves, seals, bottle caps and other consumables; cosmetic damage; misuse or improper maintenance
  • Remote response: Within 24 business hours
  • Service turnaround: Aim of 2 weeks, when feasible
  • Availability: International (subject to local laws and service availability)
  • Extensions: Optional warranty extensions may be purchased at the time of instrument purchase only

What Products Are Covered?

This warranty applies to K&A DNA Synthesizer instruments (the "Instrument").

Components Not Covered

The following components are excluded from warranty coverage:

  • Compressor
  • Computer
  • Monitor

Who Is Covered?

The warranty applies to users of the Instrument, regardless of whether they are the original purchaser, provided the Instrument is installed and maintained according to Sierra Biosystems requirements. Coverage is verified by instrument serial number; no purchase receipt is required.

If an Instrument is transferred to a new owner, warranty coverage continues for the remainder of the original warranty period, provided the Instrument has been maintained according to Sierra Biosystems requirements.

When Does the Warranty Start and End?

  • The warranty lasts one (1) year
  • Coverage begins on the date of installation, provided installation is performed by a certified K&A or Sierra Biosystems installer
  • If installation is delayed, the warranty starts no later than 90 days after shipment unless a different start date is agreed in writing at the time of sale

What Is Covered Under Warranty?

During the warranty period, Sierra Biosystems covers:

  • Defects in electronics, materials, and workmanship
  • All required parts, labor, shipping, diagnostics, customs, and insurance for valid warranty claims
  • Remote support response within 24 business hours (business hours exclude weekends and U.S. federal holidays)

What Is Not Covered?

The warranty does not cover:

  • Wear-and-tear items, including valves, seals, bottle caps, and similar consumables
  • Normal wear and tear from ordinary use
  • Cosmetic issues (scratches, discoloration, finish changes)
  • Damage caused by misuse, abuse, modification, improper storage, or environmental exposure
  • Damage from unauthorized service or repair
  • Failures caused by improper maintenance or operation

Included Spare Parts

Instruments are shipped with a limited set of spare consumable parts (such as valves, seals, or bottle caps) to support routine maintenance during the warranty period. The inclusion of spare parts does not extend warranty coverage to consumables, and additional replacements will be billed separately.

User Responsibilities (Required Maintenance)

To keep the warranty valid, users must:

  • Regularly drain water from the compressor
  • Ensure the compressor contains sufficient oil
  • Avoid leaving amidites or reagents in lines where crystallization may occur
  • Perform routine flow tests as recommended by Sierra Biosystems
  • Perform routine wear-item replacement (valves, bottle caps) as part of normal operation; these items are the customer's responsibility
  • Be open to and participate in remote troubleshooting as the first step
  • Use training materials and resources available in the Sierra Biosystems Support Center

Failure to follow these requirements may void warranty coverage.

Software, Data, and Research Use

  • Software provided with the Instrument is supplied "as is", unless otherwise stated
  • Software updates and patches issued during the warranty period are provided at no additional cost
  • Sierra Biosystems is not responsible for:
    • Data loss or corruption
    • Sequence design errors
    • Experimental or research outcomes

Environmental and Facility Requirements

Warranty coverage does not apply to damage caused by:

  • Improper electrical supply or grounding
  • Inadequate ventilation
  • Operation outside specified temperature or humidity ranges
  • Contaminated air, liquids, or reagents

What Can Void the Warranty?

The warranty may be voided due to:

  • Misuse, abuse, or operation outside specifications
  • Unauthorized repairs or modifications
  • Failure to perform required user maintenance (see User Responsibilities)
  • Improper storage, environmental exposure, or facility conditions
  • Damage caused by unauthorized service personnel

How Do I Request Warranty Service?

To initiate a warranty claim:

Sierra Biosystems will respond to remote support requests within 24 business hours and will guide you through next steps.

How Long Does Warranty Service Take?

Sierra Biosystems makes reasonable efforts to complete warranty service within two (2) weeks, when possible. Timing may vary depending on location, parts availability, and issue complexity.

International Coverage

This warranty applies internationally, subject to local laws, logistical constraints, and service availability. Note: Post-warranty service contracts are available primarily in North America and Europe; international service contracts are available on a case-by-case basis. Customers outside North America and Europe should contact support@sierrabio.com to confirm post-warranty options before purchase.

Replacement Parts and Repairs

  • Replacement parts or instruments may be new or refurbished and will be functionally equivalent
  • Repairs or replacements do not extend or restart the original warranty period
  • However, replaced parts carry a 90-day parts warranty from the date of replacement, even if the original warranty has expired in the interim

Warranty Extensions

A Warranty Extension may be purchased to extend coverage beyond the initial one-year warranty.

  • Warranty extensions must be purchased at the time of instrument purchase; extensions are not available after the original warranty has begun
  • Extensions apply only to the specific Instrument purchased
  • Extensions extend the duration, not the scope, of coverage unless explicitly stated in the extension agreement

A warranty extension covers defect repairs only. A service contract adds preventive maintenance, priority response, and travel coverage, and can be purchased at any time (subject to eligibility). See the K&A Instruments Service Contract for details.

When Your Warranty Expires

When your warranty period ends, you have two options to continue coverage:

  • Purchase a service contract for full service coverage including preventive maintenance, priority response, and travel
  • Operate without coverage and request out-of-scope service on a per-occurrence basis

Warranty extensions are not available after your warranty has begun — if you anticipate wanting extended defect coverage, purchase the extension at the time of instrument purchase.

Contact support@sierrabio.com before your warranty expires to discuss service contract options for your operation.

Legal Notes

To the extent permitted by law:

  • Any implied warranties (including merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose) are limited to the duration of the express warranty
  • Sierra Biosystems' total liability under this warranty is limited to the purchase price of the Instrument
  • Sierra Biosystems is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, except where prohibited by law

This article is a reference summary of the K&A Instruments Warranty. Sierra Biosystems reserves the right to update warranty terms for future products.