LED Luminaire Design Change May Hamper Repairability

Separating the AC/DC driver from the LED load in a lamp fixture brings new freedom in design, but also may greatly reduce the possibility of repairing the unit many years later. It’s not news that LED-based bulbs are replacing the venerable incandescent bulb. In many jurisdictions, the basic incandescent bulb (especially for higher wattages) can no longer be sold; only “specialty” versions are still allowed. The basic bulb has served us well for over 100 years, with the standard “Edison” A19 base in the U.S. and similar versions in the rest of the world (there are other standard bases in use, as well, such as the smaller candelabra).