Replacing a Dead LED Driver

John Kimble on 02/04/2024 - 11:56

Hoping for some expert advice!

One of the LED Drivers that runs two undercabinet LED strips in my kitchen has died. When I Googled the part, it has been recalled.

https://www.productsafety.gov.au/recalls/hafele-australia-pt…

I contacted the manufacturer and they responded below that this has been discontinued and I would need to buy the new model and adapters instead, which would cost around $150 (I assume plus shipping) all up.

The replacement is 833.74.55 LOOX5 DRIVER 12V/60W/6-W.DIST.W.SWITCH @ $120.90ea + GST.

You will also need the adapters 833.95.753 ADAPTER 12V/3.5A/SOCKET3.5-PLUG5/BLK to connect the existing LED Strip to the new driver @ $11.69per pack of 6pcs + GST.

My question is do I need to stick with the same brand, or can I somehow convert to a cheaper driver/brand? I'm thinking no based on the connections?

Any recommendations?

Or do I just have to suck it up and stick with Hafele?

TIA

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • jv on 02/04/2024 - 11:57

    Replacing a Dead LED Driver

    The Stig ?

  • c64 on 02/04/2024 - 12:03
    +1

    you can use LED driver with similar specs, ie, 12VDC 60W

    eg https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005715347150.html

    will it burn down your house? i don't know

    • John Kimble on 02/04/2024 - 12:10

      😂

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 02/04/2024 - 12:34

        Just get it from jaycar.
        Amazon still grey area for some cheapies (and even some not cheapies) with no rcm etc

      • geek001 on 02/04/2024 - 12:52
        +1

        My advice for buying stuff from Aliexpress is to get the higher rating driver than the one you need. Aliexpress products tend to be underspec to what the description says. I bought a 2A led driver, which theorectically should be sufficient, but it stopped working after 30 mins. I have to buy a 5A one, which is still working fine now.

        • c64 on 02/04/2024 - 17:39
          +1

          yes, that sounds like sound advise. i wouldn't have reservations about aliexpress ones. i mean even the oem one is being recalled

          the linked one, or one similar, appears to have sockets identical to the original (some sellers refer to them as dupont ports) https://www.aliexpress.com/w/wholesale-LED-Cabinet-Light-Pow…

          alternatively visit a lighting shop and see what they sell

          as always, do your own research

  • apsilon on 02/04/2024 - 12:04

    Is it going to be cheaper and worth the hassle by the time you take the refund for the original off the replacement?

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 02/04/2024 - 12:05
      +1

      I guess this is the other flip side. If op not familiar with low voltage diy, just get the authentic replacement as it will just work and is designed to be plug and play

    • John Kimble on 02/04/2024 - 12:07

      What refund? Or do you just mean the hassle of me converting it connect to a new driver vs the price of replacing with the same brand?

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 02/04/2024 - 12:47

        I guess the other thing is hafele design to their credit is nice and low profile, most other options such as wall wart style and others are typically larger. Could be something to consider depending on where the transformer located.

        • John Kimble on 02/04/2024 - 12:59

          Yeah, they are just sitting in the kitchen cabinets behind items, so do take up some room.

      • apsilon on 02/04/2024 - 15:06

        Refund on the ones that were recalled.

        • John Kimble on 02/04/2024 - 15:13

          I didn't get a refund/not entitled to one I don't think.

          • apsilon on 02/04/2024 - 15:16

            @John Kimble: You said the product was recalled. They have to either replace it or refund you. Age/warranty is unimportant. The item should never have been sold as it's unsafe and is why it's been recalled.

            • John Kimble on 02/04/2024 - 15:38

              @apsilon: I agree, but when I emailed the manufacturer explaining that it died and I noticed it was recalled (with the link I posted), they responded it has been discontinued and provided me the details of the replacement model and price.

              Do I really have to go all ACCC/threaten them to ask for a refund or free replacement?

              What makes it a bit of a grey area I thought was that I didn't directly buy it from them, it was bought and installed by the company or contractors that renovated my kitchen 5+ years ago.

              • apsilon on 02/04/2024 - 15:53
                +1

                @John Kimble: AFAIK you will need to show some kind of proof of purchase so that may make it harder.

                You should probably contact the company that did your reno and see what they say but yes, you may need to go to fair trading to force the issue or you can just decide it's not worth your time and pay.

              • sumyungguy on 02/04/2024 - 17:50
                +1

                @John Kimble: The recall says the product was sold to trade customers. I concur with @apsilon, you should at least be able to get some goodwill from Hafele. Never hurts to ask. You would have been corresponding with a customer service person who perhaps doesn't know anything about recalls.

                • John Kimble on 15/04/2024 - 10:15
                  +2

                  @sumyungguy: Thank you for your advice @apsilon and @sumyungguy!

                  After a bit of back and forth they have advised they are sending me free replacements. 😬

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 02/04/2024 - 12:04
    +1

    Looks to be pretty standard 12vdc 60w constant voltage transformer to me. If you are handy with low voltage concepts and wiring you can just piss off the old connector and hardwire back to low voltage output.

    • John Kimble on 02/04/2024 - 12:07

      Not really had to do anything like this before, but willing to learn if it will save me $100 or more maybe? haha

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 02/04/2024 - 12:36
        +1

        Very straight forward- whether or not you have the right tools is another thing

        You will want ideally
        Cable strippers
        Something to cut the cable
        (A $15 trojan side cutter tool will do both fine)

        Ideally some solder to solder over twisted cable and heat shrink for insulation.

        Otherwise single terminal block or similar. My personal favourite is wago brand connectors.

        Polarity will matter

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