LED driver fault

[andyeww]

Hi guys
I am an electrician and have came across an issue of LED drivers blowing fuses and burning out . The fault appears t be across the live connection and earth with component C3 looking damaged.
So question is , is this a component failure /wear and tear or is this caused by a surge or spike on the mains supply ?
History I maintain these lights in multiple communal areas and have noticed about 6 failures like this where it blows the internal 3amp fuse of the light.

I replaced the driver and the LEDs are working ok
The light fitting is a 10watt 50,000 LED light fitting has been installed for 7 years with 28,000 hours run switched via an astro clock

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

Could be either, but replacing C3 and repairing the damaged PCB tracks could well repair it - it's worth a try.

 

[andyeww]

Ah ok Nigel thanks for your help . I'm not going to replace the components as I am just trying to track the cause down. I was thinking of fitting MOVs at the control box but not sure type and size to protect the astro clock and lights on the same circuit

 

[Floyale]

I've had similar issues with LED drivers blowing fuses and burning out. In my experience, it’s usually a surge or spike problem, especially if you've seen a bunch of these failures. Given that you’ve got multiple lights installed in communal areas and have had 6 failures, it’s worth checking for any electrical issues or installing surge protectors. The fact that the lights have been running for a long time and the fittings are older could also be contributing to the problem.

 

[andyeww]

Many thanks for your help and advise . I have noticed that the manufacturer has changed the driver and fitted a MOV across the L & N . Plus the original driver has an earth. (See pics)
Both driver and led strip are Tridonic with driver life 50,000 hours and led life 75,000
Also due to electrical supplies being less stable I have started to fit a mains filter back at the main breaker. Basically I have copied one by fitting 3 MOV14D431K.
I am assuming the light manufacturer is aware of an issue hence the change

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

Many thanks for your help and advise . I have noticed that the manufacturer has changed the driver and fitted a MOV across the L & N . Plus the original driver has an earth. (See pics)
Both driver and led strip are Tridonic with driver life 50,000 hours and led life 75,000

Those will just be imaginary life times

In any case, it's only 5.7 years.