KanLux LED inverter repair and failure analysis

Repairing consumer electronics often is not economic. In the case of the KanLux LED inverters which gang failed on me recently, however, I could not resist to bring out the big repair tools - and also wanted to talk a little bit about why electrolytic capacitors have a bad rep.

[ivangutowski]

So fascinating, thank you.

Also loved your voice imitation at 7:13 ha ha

[platin]

I‘m still amazed that they still use Transformers..

[michaelterrell]

Capacitors are the weak link in all of Electronics. You have to trade lifetime for practical costs. Also, in some circuits, the LV electrolytics have to be as close as possible to the major load. I've had 'genius' types argue that the electrolytics on computer mother boards all be grouped to a corner of the board, to stay away from the CPU's heat. They can't grasp that the CPU is very low voltage and can draw over 100Amps. Long power rails destroy both voltage regulation and reduce noise immunity. One thing that bothers me is when boards are laid out for extra capacitors in this type circuit, but they use just barely enough to make the boards work. This puts a higher ripple current through each remaining capacitor. That generates mot I/R losses, which destroys the capacitor much faster.
You and I have both worked with well designed, industrial grade Switch Mode power supplies. Great regulation, low ripple at the output, and designed to run 24/7 for at least a decade. To saw a dollar or two in manufacturing, consumer grade designs only give a couple years service, on average.