The Shed – September-October 2019

instructions are very good, while

others may not even include any. All

electronics produce heat and while

the lamp itself produces some, the

conversion from 230V produces heat

as well.

Having insulation blocking the heat

path is not a sensible idea, so follow

the instructions or at the very least

make sure the top and the heatsink are

not covered.

Common faults

Many times you replace the lamp

because it’s not working, and shortly

after it stops, or like one of mine,

ÁLFNHUVDIWHUÀYHPLQXWHV

I’ve repaired a number of transformers

because the solder connection on the

output terminal has come apart. This

looks like a crack or has black marks

around it. Some have movement and

others may be hard to spot. When you

changed the lamp it moved the wire

YHU\VOLJKWO\KHQFHZK\LWVHHPHGWRÀ[

the initial problem.

Electronic transformers are built

to meet worldwide standards.

The soldering process uses lead-free

Above: Multi-LED torch v. COB style. Both are similar prices
Below: Beyond repair

Electronic transformer showing

cracked solder joint on the

output terminal

Lamp connector with cooked connection