OPERATOR'S MANUAL
eLEctrofishing
TOTE BARGE
#07300.04
Electrofishing
TOTE BARGE
Contents
Introduction......................................................... 1
Components and Setup....................................... 2
Cathode Setup And Maintenance........................ 3
Assembly Instructions.......................................... 4
Connections........................................................ 6
Connection Instructions: GPP.............................. 7
Electrode Pole Connection and
Connecting Other Electrofishers.......................... 9
Tote Barge Electrofishing Safety......................... 11
Safe Electrofisher Operation:............................. 14
Electrofishing Safety Checklist............................ 16
Specifications..................................................... 17
The Tote Barge Package Includes the Following:
Quantity
Description
1........................................................ Tote Barge Hull
1...................... Push Handle/safety Sw. Assembly
1............................................... Plastic Holding Tank
1..................... Electrofisher Mounting Bracket Set
Items manufactured by companies other than Smith-Root carry the original
manufacturer’s warranty. Please contact product manufacturer for return
instructions.
All Smith-Root, Inc. manufactured products are covered by a one year warranty.
Credit & Refund Policy: Customers returning equipment, in new condition, will be given credit
within five days from the date of the return. A return authorization must accompany returns. Valid
equipment returns include, but are not limited to, ordering incorrect equipment, funding deficits,
and defective equipment returned for reimbursement. All returns are subject to a restocking fee and
applicable shipping charges. The restocking fee is figured at 10% of the purchase price but not less
than $20.00. Customers receiving equipment in damaged condition will be referred to the shipping
company for insurance reimbursement.
Rev.07300.04
I
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
INTRODUCTION
THE ELECTROFISHING TOTE BARGE is a minimum
draft, flat-bottomed barge designed to carry the 2.5 or 5.0 GPP, VVP-15B,
Type VI-A or 1.5 KVA electrofishers. Generator and frame are shock-mounted
and secured in position with rubber straps. One-piece plastic construction
allows easy cleaning and provides a strong platform to handle engine
vibrations. The plastic holding tank is insulated and constructed of durable
polypropylene and provides approximately 18 gallons capacity. The hinged
lid is removable for cleaning. An insulated push-handle is provided across the
stern for maneuvering the barge and includes a safety switch where output
power is automatically shut off when one or both handles are released. The
flat-bottom design supports 80 pounds per inch of draft.
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1
Electrofishing
TOTE BARGE
Components and Setup
Before assembling your Tote Barge, verify that you have received everything that
you ordered.
Assemble as shown below.
Extension Cable
Fish Holding Tank
Generator
Cable Belt
Junction
Box
Exhaust
Heat Shield
Electrofisher
Control Box
Electrode Pole
Push Handle
W/Safety
Switch
Anode Ring
Make sure that the Generator is oriented in such a way that its exhaust output does
not come in contact with any other pieces of equipment. Make sure the generator's
exhaust outlet is oriented towards the movable fiberglass heat-shield mounted
on the side of the barge. Failure to observe this may result in burnt or damaged
equipment.
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2008
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
SETUP
CATHODE SETUP AND MAINTENANCE
On the bottom of the hull are four
stainless steel cathode plates. They
are bridged together with cables
and connected to the cathode cable
coming from the junction box at
the main connection point at the
inside of the bow as shown in the
diagram (Actual location of the main
connection point may vary on some
models).
To ensure safe, sure operation, the
cathode connections may need to be
tightened from time to time.
Connection point
To access the main connection point
- or to replace a cable - remove the
two plastic screws that hold the
round lid on the end of the cover.
You may need to remove the wax or
grease that is packed inside to protect
the connection against moisture.
The cable's ring lugs are fastened
down with a nut.
Re-assemble in reverse order,
making sure that connections are
solid to prevent arcing and/or
corrosion. Pack with plumber's wax
or beeswax.
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3
Electrofishing
TOTE BARGE
Assembly Instructions
If purchased with an electrofisher combo, unbolt the Generator from the shipping
board platform using a 7/16” wrench.
Mount onto generator mounting plate as indicated in illustration and secure by
bolting generator frame to corresponding holes in mounting plate.
Inset: Cutaway showing
Generator
mounting
plate
the proper placement of
feet on deck.
Place generator and plate into deck of tote barge so that the rubber feet of the plate
are inside of the valleys of the corrugations of the deck surface (see inset). This will
prevent the generator from sliding around in the deck and will help stabilize the
tote barge in operation.
Arrange the Generator on the deck as shown in the drawing on page 2 and Secure
the Generator with provided rubber straps.
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2008
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
ASSEMBLY
ADD OIL to the Generator. (See OEM
Engine Manual - Use specified motor
oil.).
Rubber
straps
Insert the Safety Push Handle into the
mounting brackets.
Install the Electrofisher Control Box into
the Support Brackets, with the instrument
panel on top; the plug sockets should face
out as shown.
For additional information about setting
up your GPP Unit and Generator, see your
Electrofisher manual.
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5
Electrofishing
TOTE BARGE
CONNECTIONS
Extension Cable
From Safety Switch
SR6-JB Junction Box, which
is connected by a short cable
to the SR-6 cathode plate,
controls electrofishing output.
It also expands the GPP output
by providing connectors for
up to three Extension Cables.
The Extension cable connects
the junction box and electrode
pole. One end of cable plugs
directly into the Junction box
and has a sturdy strain relief
attached to the SR-6 prow.
Handle With Safety Switch
Plug arrangements for 2.5/5.0 GPP
The other end of the cable makes a mated connection to the electrode pole and has
a sturdy strain relief attached to an adjustable nylon waist belt.
ENGAGED
DISENGAGED
An “in use -or- off” switch for two of the three electrode connectors allows use of
1, 2, or 3 electrodes. All active electrode pole switches and the push handle must
be engaged simultaneously to provide electrofisher output.
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OPERATOR'S MANUAL
CONNECTIONS
Connection Instructions: 2.5 & 5.0 GPP
WARNING!
Do not work on the electrical system
while the generator is running!
Connect as shown in illustrations.
The Safety Push Handle male connector
plugs into the female connector labeled
Safety Switch on the SR6-JB Junction
Box.
The 25’ Extension Cable male connector
plugs into female connector labeled Anode
#1 on the SR6-JB Junction Box.
NOTE: An Anode Connector must be
plugged into the socket labeled Anode #1
to complete the circuit and activate the
Electrofisher.
SR6JB Junction Box
B
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A.To hull ground
B.To anode cable
C.From safety switch
D.GPP output connector
E. GPP control connector
If only one Electrode Pole is in use, be sure Anode #2 and Anode #3 are in the
VVP-15B
“OFF” position. To add one or two additional operators, plug additional Anode
Cables into the SR6-JB Junction Box and switch toggle position for Anode #2 and
/or Anode #3 to “IN USE.”
AC
DC
Input
Output
& Control
The GPP output male connector plugs into
the female connector on the GPP control
unit labeled GPP OUTPUT POWER.
The GPP control male connector plugs
into the female connector GPP control unit
labeled GPP CONTROL.
The magnetic switches on all the active
Electrode poles must be operated
simultaneously to provide electrofisher
output.
Output
& Control
2.5 GPP and 5.0 GPP
Input power Output power
7 pin male 7 pin female
Control
4-pin female
I
3
Refer to your GPP Manual for further information on set-up and settings.
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Electrofishing
TOTE BARGE
Electrode Pole Connection and Operation
Assemble Electrode Pole as indicated:
(ANDLE
3AFETY3WITCH
#ONNECTOR
2ING
1
1. Attach the Electrode Ring to the
Anode Pole using a 7/16” wrench.
2. Connect the 25 ft. Extension Cable
to the Electrode Pole, as shown and
tighten.
3. Clip the Extension Cable to one of
the three hooks on the bow to the
Tote Barge.
2
4. CAUTION! Do NOT submerge plug
on the Electrode Pole. Use the waist
belt to keep the plug out of the water.
3
8
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OPERATOR'S MANUAL
1.5 kVA
VVP-15B
4-pin Anode
& Control Plug
AC
DC
Connecting
other
Electrofishers
Input
Output
Output
& Control
4-pin Cathode
& Control Plug
& Control
Connecting other SRI Electrofishers to
the SR6JB is similar to the procedure
with the GPP series, with the following
considerations to Output and Control
2.5 GPP and 5.0 GPP
Plugs:
1. Connect SR6JB Output
Input power Cable
Output power
Control
Connector
to female
7 pin male 7 pin female
4-pin female
output socket on Electrofisher.
Type VI-A
Input power
3-pin female
2. Connect SR6JB Control
Connector Cable to 4-pin female
plug on Electrofisher (GPP and
Type VI-A only-VVP-15B and
7.5 GPP
1.5 kVA have common
Output
and Control cable and plug).
Control
4-pin female
Output power
2 pin female
9.0 GPP
VVP-15B
3. Connect Anode Pole to plug
labelled
onpower
SR6JB.
AnodeAnode
Cathode #1Input
Control
Input
AC
Output
& Control
Control Input power 12V
4.Attach Cathode cable from
SR6JB (Cathode) to Cathode
connection bolt near bow of Tote
Barge, making sure nut is tight.
DC
Output
& Control
Anode
2.5 GPP and 5.0 GPP
1.5 kVA
VVP-15B
See Cable Connection Instructions
(page 4) for directions on attaching
anode. Input
AC
DC
Output
& Control
2.5 GPP and 5.0 GPP
Output
& Control
Input power Output power
7 pin male 4-pin
7 pin Anode
female
& Control Plug
Control
4-pin female
4-pin
Cathode
& Control Plug
Input p
3-pin f
From top:
Plug arrangements for Type
VI-A ,VVP-15B and 1.5 kVA.
7.5 GPP
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Type VI-A
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OPERATOR'S MANUAL
SAFETY
TOTE BARGE ELECTROFISHING SAFETY
Electrofishing equipment
uses voltages and currents
that can be lethal to
humans.
The operators must always
keep in mind that the chance
of receiving an electrical
shock is multiplied in or near
water, but if used properly
and with good judgment it is
safe.
Keep electrofishing equipment properly maintained: To prevent electrical shock,
all electrical equipment should be carefully inspected before each field operation.
Check electrical wire insulation, the junction boxes and wire connections. Never
connect or disconnect wires on the Tote Barge electrofishing system while the
generator is running. Always have qualified electrical technicians service the
equipment.
All the GPP generators have AC output
from the generator to the control
box. Electrical bonding in the wiring
harness between the control box and
the generator eliminate the possibility
of getting shocked while touching the
metal box and the generator frame.
Check the grounding wire from the
generator's engine to the frame for good
connections. Test the bonding from the
generator to the control box with an
ohmmeter. The resistance should be
near zero. Check the nut that grounds
the generator and junction box between
session and tighten if needed.
Make sure that generator is
solidly grounded to generator
frame. Check using an ohmmeter
at frame and generator.
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11
Electrofishing
TOTE BARGE
Checklist-
• The output audio alarm should be working
• Use only dip-nets with non-conductive handles
• Check that anode poles are free of cracks in fiberglass handles
• Check that anode rings are free of corrosion (clean if necessary)
• Anode rings should not have netting jury-rigged to ring, as it may cause harm
to fish
• Check that the cathode on boat bottom is not severely corroded or plated
• Check oil and fuel in generator
• Inspect all electrical wires for damage (do not use until repaired)
• Inspect the boat hull for damage
• Check generator ground connections
REQUIRED PERSONAL PROTECTION Equipment:
Lineman electrical gloves rated for 1000 volts minimum should be worn by all
crew members. Lineman gloves prevent electrical current from entering and
flowing through the body. Even while wearing rubber gloves and waders, never
touch an electrode while the electrofisher is energized. Check the gloves for leaks
by blowing air into them like a balloon and then rolling the cuff closed. If a leak is
found, destroy and discard glove.
Neoprene chest waders and other non-breathable waders should be worn as they
provide good electrical insulation. Breathable waders are not recommended for
Electrofishing. Footwear best suited to provide the greatest stability while wading
are recommended. (i.e. felt soles, cleats or studs)
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OPERATOR'S MANUAL
SAFETY
Life jacket
Wearing an inflatable life jacket is recommended for electrofishing while wading
in rivers and lakes. Manual inflators are less likely to unexpectedly inflate than
automatic inflators. It's wise to carry a spare gas container for inflatable life
jackets.
If a crew member does fall in, immediately shut the generator off.
First Aid Kit
A First Aid Kit and a Defibrillator are recommended to have with you when
electrofishing.
Optional Equipment-
•Brimmed hat
•Polarized sunglasses
•Sunscreen
•Rain gear
Electrofishing Crew
Never electrofish alone.
All crew members should be trained in the fundamentals of electricity and safety.
Every crew member should also have CPR, first aid training, and defibrillator
training. Review with the entire crew the nearest hospital and evacuation route.
Designate one person to order power of the electrofisher to be turned on. Make it
clear that any crew member can order the power off.
All crew members should be alert and attentive; take breaks as necessary.
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Electrofishing
TOTE BARGE
SAFE Electrofisher Operation:
•Shut-off the generator before making any connections or part replacements.
•Shut-off the generator before entering or leaving the water.
•Always be sure that all crew members are clear of the electrodes before starting
the generator.
•Electrofish only as far as you can safely wade.
•The Tote Barge is not designed or safe to carry a human.
•Never electrofish with spectators on shore. Electric fields can travel large distances
through buried pipes, metal culverts, metal sheet piling and even some mineral
deposits in the streambed.
•When spectators show up during electrofishing, stop the operation and explain
what you are doing. Explain the risk of being there and ask them to please leave for
their own safety. If they refuse to leave, stop electrofishing.
•If water gets in the waders or gloves stop working immediately.
•Touching an electrode is not recommended, even while wearing Lineman's gloves
and waders.
•Wade in the water carefully to prevent slips and falls.
•Don't operate an electrofisher if you have any prior heart ailments or are pregnant.
WARNING: Operating this equipment in a manner not specified in this manual,
making modifications or using accessories not approved by Smith-Root Inc. may
impair the protection offered by the equipment.
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OPERATOR'S MANUAL
SAFETY
What is electrical shock?
It is the current that passes through the human body that does the damage. The
voltage is relevant, because it is the force that "pushes" the current through the
body. Experiments show that 20 to 500 Hertz (cycles/second) Alternating Current
(AC) is more dangerous than Direct Current (DC).
The 12 volt terminals on the generator's endbell will not cause electrical shock, but
metal rings or wristwatches should not come in contact with any 12-volt source, as
they may be subjected to high temperatures and result in burning the wearer.
The voltages used by electrofishing gear can cause death by one of three means:
1. Ventricular Fibrillation- Ventricular fibrillation is uncoordinated
contraction of the heart muscles. The heart quivers rather than beats.
Electrical current through the chest can cause this condition. Once
a person goes into ventricular fibrillation, a defibrillator is needed.
The defibrillator applies a pulse shock to the chest to restore heart
rhythm. CPR may help to keep a victim alive until s/he can be
defibrillated.
2. Respiratory Arrest- The respiratory center is at the base of the skull.
Electric current through the head can cause the breathing to stop.
3. Asphyxia- Asphyxia is caused by contraction of the chest muscles.
When a high level of electrical current passes through the body, a
person may not be able to let go of the "hot wire". This may cause
contraction of the chest muscles and the victim can't breath. If the
current is not stopped or the victim is not removed form the point of
electrical contact, asphyxia will result.
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Electrofishing
TOTE BARGE
Electrofishing Safety Checklist
Before operating unit, make sure that:
 At least 2 people on the crew know how to administer first aid for
electric shock.
 Unit is clean and dry.
 All cables are in good condition, with no cracks or abrasions and
that all connectors are in place with no missing or damaged parts.
 Safety control switches are in good condition and functioning
properly.
 Indicators and alarms are functioning properly.
 All personal protective equipment is in good condition.
 All electrical connections in the system are clean and tight.
 Electrodes are clean and in good condition, with no loose or
damaged parts.
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OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Specifications
Specifications:
ELECTROFISHING TOTE BARGE
Material:
Boat Length:
Beam (width):
Side Height:
Transom Height (standard):
Side Height:
Side Height:
Approx. Boat Weight:
w/2.5 GPP:
w/5.0 GPP:
w/Type VI-A:
w/1.5 KVA:
w/VVP-15B:
Displacement:
w/2.5 GPP:
w/5.0 GPP:
w/Type VI-A:
w/1.5 KVA:
w/VVP-15B:
Displacement (pounds per inch):
Payload Max.:
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Polyethylene
6 foot
36 inch
36 inch
14 inch
36 inch
36 inch
250 lbs.
275 lbs.
325 lbs.
284 lbs.
283 lbs.
3 1/8 inches
3 1/2 inches
4 inches
3 1/2 inches
3 1/2 inches
80 lbs./inch
300 lbs
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OPERATOR'S MANUAL
WARRANTY
Smith-Root, Inc. original products have a 1-Year Limited Warranty.
Smith-Root, Inc. warrants that it’s Products are free from defects in material and workmanship that result in Product failure during normal usage, according to the
following terms and conditions:
1. The limited warranty for the Product extends for the length of ownership beginning on the date of the purchase of the Product by the original purchaser (“Consumer”)
of the Product and is not assignable or transferable to any subsequent purchaser or user.
2. The limited warranty extends only to Consumers who purchase the Product from Smith-Root, Inc. or an authorized distributor.
3. During the 1-year limited warranty period, Smith-Root, Inc. will repair, or replace, at Smith-Root, Inc.’s sole option, any defective parts, or any parts that will not
properly operate for their intended use with new or refurbished replacement items if such repair or replacement is needed because of product malfunction or failure
during normal usage. No charge will be made to the Consumer for any such parts. Smith-Root, Inc. will also pay for the labor charges incurred by Smith-Root, Inc.
in repairing or replacing the defective parts. The limited warranty does not cover defects in appearance, cosmetic, labels or structural items, including framing, and
any non-operative parts. Smith-Root, Inc.’s limit of liability under the limited warranty shall be the actual cash value of the Product at the time the Consumer returns
the Product for repair, determined by the price paid by the Consumer for the Product less a reasonable amount for usage. Smith-Root, Inc. shall not be liable for any
other losses or damages. These remedies are the Consumer’s exclusive remedies for breach of warranty.
4. Upon request from Smith-Root, Inc., the Consumer must prove the date of the original purchase of the Product by a dated bill of sale or dated itemized receipt.
5. The Consumer shall bear the cost of shipping the Product to Smith-Root, Inc. Smith-Root, Inc. shall bear the cost of shipping the Product back to the Consumer
after the completion of service under this limited warranty.
6. The Consumer shall have no coverage or benefits under this limited warranty if any of the following conditions are applicable:
a) The Product has been subjected to abnormal use, abnormal conditions, improper storage, exposure to moisture or dampness, unauthorized modifications,
unauthorized connections, unauthorized repair, misuse, neglect, abuse, accident, alteration, improper installation, or other acts which are not the fault of Smith-Root,
Inc., including damage caused by shipping.
b) The product havs been damaged from external causes such as collision with an object, or from fire, flooding, sand, dirt, windstorm, lightening, earthquake or
damage from exposure to weather conditions, an Act of God, or battery leakage, theft, blown fuse, or improper use of any electrical source, or damage caused by the
connection to other products not recommended for interconnection by Smith-Root, Inc.
c) Smith-Root, Inc. was not advised in writing by the Consumer of the alleged defect or malfunction of the Product within fifteen (15) days after the expiration of
the applicable limited warranty period.
d) The Product serial number plate or the accessory data code has been removed, defaced or altered.
7. If a problem develops during the limited warranty period, the Consumer shall take the following step-by-step procedure:
a) The Consumer shall return the Product to Smith-Root, Inc. for repair or replacement processing.
b) The Consumer contacts the Customer Service Department at Smith-Root, Inc., at the number listed on the bottom of this page, for repair or replacement
processing.
c) The Consumer shall ship the Product prepaid and insured. Expenses related to removing the Product from an installation are not covered under this limited
warranty.
d) The Consumer will be billed for any parts or labor charges not covered by this limited warranty. The Consumer will be responsible for any expenses related to
reinstallation of the Product.
e) Smith-Root, Inc. will repair the Product under the limited warranty within 30 days after receipt of the Product. If Smith-Root, Inc. cannot perform repairs covered
under this limited warranty within 30 days, or after a reasonable number of attempts to repair the same defect, Smith-Root, Inc. at its sole option, will provide a
replacement Product or refund the purchase price of the Product less a reasonable amount for usage.
f) If the Product is returned during the limited warranty period, but the problem with the Product is not covered under the terms and conditions of this limited
warranty, the Consumer will be notified and given an estimate of the charges the Consumer must pay to have the Product repaired, with all shipping charges billed
to the Consumer. If the estimate is refused, the Product will be returned freight collect. If the Product is returned after the expiration of the limited warranty period,
Smith-Root, Inc.’s normal service policies shall apply and the Consumer will be responsible for all shipping charges.
8. The Product consists of newly assembled equipment that may contain used components that have been reprocessed to allow machine compliance with Product
performance and reliability specifications.
9. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE, SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE
DURATION OF THE FOREGOING LIMITED WRITTEN WARRANTY. OTHERWISE, THE FOREGOING LIMITED WARRANTY IS THE CONSUMER’S
SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. SMITH-ROOT, INC. SHALL NOT BE
LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF ANTICIPATED BENEFITS
OR PROFITS, LOSS OF SAVINGS OR REVENUE, PUNITIVE DAMAGES, LOSS OF USE OF THE PRODUCT OR ANY ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT,
COST OF CAPITAL, COST OF ANY SUBSTITUTE EQUIPMENT OR FACILITIES, DOWNTIME, THE CLAIMS OF ANY THIRD PARTIES, INCLUDING
CUSTOMERS, AND INJURY TO PROPERTY, RESULTING FROM THE PURCHASE OR USE OF THE PRODUCT OR ARISING FROM BREACH OF THE
WARRANTY, BREACH OF CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT TORT, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL OR EQUITABLE THEORY, EVEN IF SMITH-ROOT,
INC. KNEW OF THE LIKELIHOOD OF SUCH DAMAGES. SMITH-ROOT, INC. SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR DELAY IN RENDERING SERVICE UNDER
THE LIMITED WARRANTY, OR LOSS OF USE DURING THE PERIOD THAT THE PRODUCT IS BEING REPAIRED.
10. Some states do not allow limitation of how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above warranty limitation may not apply to you
(the Consumer). Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental and consequential damages, so certain of the above
limitations or exclusions may not apply to you (the Consumer). This limited warranty gives the Consumer specific legal rights and the
Consumer may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
11. Smith-Root, Inc. neither assumes nor authorizes any authorized service center or any other person or entity to assume for it any other
obligation or liability beyond that which is expressly provided for in this limited warranty including the provider or seller of any extended
warranty or service agreement.
12. This is the entire warranty between the Smith-Root, Inc. and the Consumer, and supercedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements
or understandings, oral or written, relating to the Product, and no representation, promise or condition not contained herein shall modify
these terms.
13. This limited warranty allocates the risk of failure of the Product between the Consumer and Smith-Root, Inc. The allocation is
recognized by the Consumer and is reflected in the purchase price.
14. Questions concerning this limited warranty may be directed to:
Smith-Root, Inc.
14014 NE Salmon Creek Ave.
Vancouver, WA 98686
(360) 573-0202
*Smith-Root, Inc. is a registered trademark of Smith-Root, Inc.
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