Warnings and product information for customers and end customers of the K2 Buddy

Technical requirements for the proper functioning of the K2 Buddy 

Suitable devices and stable Internet access

The first technical requirement is that the customer and the end customer have a computer or smartphone or other device with Internet access and the usual equipment, including in particular a web browser. We would like to point out that the end customer’s access to the Internet is not the subject of this contractual relationship. The end customer has sole responsibility for the proper functioning of their Internet access, including the transmission channels and fees as well as their computer systems. The end customer is responsible for performing regular backups and using a state-of-the-art virus scanner and firewall in their systems.

 

Proper assembly and installation

The end customer is solely responsible for the roof and the PV system on which the K2 Buddy will be installed. Therefore it is a requirement that the mounting system supporting the K2 Buddy has been properly assembled and installed by suitable specialists. It is imperative that our TopBox assembly instructions and the BaseBox installation and operating instructions for the K2 Buddy are strictly observed. These are available at K2 Buddy: Monitoring for snow loads and can be sent to you on request. The K2 Buddy must only be installed by suitably qualified specialists. The K2 Buddy must only be commissioned, maintained and disposed of by suitably qualified and trained (electrical) specialists. All wiring work and work on the control cabinet in connection with the devices may only be carried out by qualified electricians. In addition, the electricians must comply with all safety regulations when accessing the roof and must have read and understood the installation and operating instructions for the K2 Buddy in full beforehand. In particular, the warnings and information contained therein must also be observed. If the installation and operating instructions for the K2 Buddy are not observed, K2 Systems GmbH accepts no liability.

Installation only by trained electricians

The electrician must have completed a recognised electrical engineering training course, must be familiar with general and special safety and accident prevention regulations, and have the ability to detect risks and avoid potential hazards. The generally accepted safety rules of electrical engineering must be observed, otherwise this can lead to serious or even fatal accidents. Before installing the K2 Buddy, check that the scope of delivery is complete and that the devices are not damaged externally. Modifications must not be made to the device.

 

Compliance with the applicable regulations and safety instructions

In addition, the respective national and electrical engineering regulations must be observed by the electrician for all work associated with the product. The lightning and surge protection regulations applicable in the respective country must be observed.

In the event of the failure to comply with the K2 assembly requirements and assembly instructions and the use of system components, as well as the installation and removal of components not purchased through K2, K2 accepts no liability for any defects or damage resulting from this. The warranty will be excluded in this respect. In the event of the failure to comply with the general safety instructions of K2, as well as the installation or removal of competitors’ components, K2 accepts no liability for any defects or damage resulting from this.

 

Operation only for its intended purpose

The K2 Buddy may only be used for its intended purpose, otherwise this can lead to property damage and/or personal injury. In particular, it is prohibited to open the housing or to remove or install components. The intended use is determined by the assembly instructions for the K2 Buddy and the installation and operating instructions for the K2 Buddy. Any other use of the devices is prohibited and is considered improper use. The snow-weighing function of the K2 Buddy can only be guaranteed if it has been installed correctly in accordance with the instructions.

 

Requirements for the proper functioning of the K2 Buddy at a glance:

General requirements:

  • The assembly instructions as well as the installation and operating instructions for the K2 Buddy, i.e. both the mechanical construction and the electrical installation, have been observed.
  • The end customer has a functioning Internet connection; only then can the K2 Buddy take any measurements and collect data.
  • Adequate security of the end customer’s network is guaranteed (e.g. corresponding firewall).
  • There is a permanent power supply.
  • There is no external access (whether by third parties or animals) to the system, for which the end customer is responsible.
  • No damage to the system due to unforeseen bad weather events (e.g. flood disasters, high tides, hurricanes, etc.).
  • The PV system is protected against lightning (lightning protection recommendations are observed).
  • The IoT platform server has not experienced a failure.
  • All firewalls, for example, of the router or the internal company network, allow access to the servers of the IoT platform. The required ports are released.

Special requirements for the system setup:

  • The snow-weighing units are correctly calibrated in accordance with the K2 Buddy installation and operating instructions.
  • The requested data required for measurements is entered correctly when the app is set up.

Requirements for notifications:

  • The device used must have Internet access and be online to receive messages.
  • The pop-up function on the device used must be activated/active.
  • Notifications must be activated.
  • System notifications about the offline status of the devices are taken into account and appropriate actions or measures are taken.
  • The warning messages and recommendations concerning the removal of snow are taken into account and corresponding actions or measures are taken.

Version 1.0 (Status: 19.12.2023)