Service life of products
The term ‘service life’ is usually applied to products to indicate the period of time over which they can function as they were intended, giving users the service they expect. So, for instance, the service life of a boiler is the length of time it can function as a boiler ie, providing heating and hot water.
Service life may be thought to begin at the point of sale ie, when the customer buys the product, whether in a shop, online or wherever purchased, to the point it is discarded. Some products however, are discarded before the end of their service life for various reasons, including the arrival of better products on the market, boredom or simply a desire for change.
A product said to have a long service life may suffer the occasional breakdown during that time. However, if it can be maintained and repaired to allow it to function as before, it should not normally interfere with the service life. Poor repairs can however, adversely affect service life.
[edit] What can determine service life?
Factors that can determine the service life of a product include:
- Quality of manufacture
- Materials used
- Flexibility in use
- Intensity of use
- Operating/environment conditions
- Care in distribution and use
- Built-in obsolescence
- Maintenance and repairs
Manufacturers can use tools and calculations (reliability analysis and maintainability, for instance) to determine a product’s expected service life. Specifying a product’s service life represents a commitment on the part of a manufacturer which, if seriously overstated, could have financial implications for them.
For most commercial and consumer products, manufacturers commit cautiously to service life, usually staying within a 2-5-year period. But this can depend on the product in question: motor vehicles may have a service life of 150,000 miles or 15 years of service before they are regarded as at the end of their service life.
[edit] The service life of a building
The Home Quality Mark One, Technical Manual SD239, England, Scotland & Wales, published by BRE in 2018, defines the service life of a building as ‘the period of time after installation during which a building, or its part, meets or exceeds the performance requirements.’ See 'service life' for more information.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.
Heritage staff wellbeing at work survey.
A five minute introduction.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Showcasing the very best electrotechnical and engineering services for half a century.
Welsh government consults on HRBs and reg changes
Seeking feedback on a new regulatory regime and a broad range of issues.