How to Find the Right Replacement for an LED Driver

The LED driver in a light fitting is faulty – but the original model is no longer available.
This problem occurs very frequently with LED lighting.

The good news:
In many cases, you do not need to use exactly the same driver. The technical specifications are what matter.

This guide explains, step by step, what is important when replacing an LED driver.

Why Original LED Drivers are Often No Longer Available

Many LED luminaires remain in use for much longer than the original drivers are manufactured.

The following are particularly often affected:

• Kitchen and furniture lighting
• Designer lights
• Office and commercial lighting
• Older LED systems

Often, the original power supply or driver was discontinued years ago.

What Information is Important?

The specifications of the old driver are crucial for finding a suitable replacement.

The most important details are usually found directly on the type plate.

1. Constant Current [CC] or Constant Voltage [CV]?

First, you need to determine which type of driver is being used. (More information on constant current and constant voltage can be found here)

Constant current (CC)

Examples:

• 350 mA
• 500 mA
• 700 mA

The voltage is usually specified as a range.

Constant voltage (CV)

Typical specifications:

• 12 V DC
• 24 V DC

2. Check the Output Specifications

Important for constant-current drivers:

• Output current (mA)
• Voltage range

Example:

700 mA, 18–42 V DC

Important for constant-voltage drivers:

• Output voltage

Example:

24 V DC

3. Compare Power Rating

The power rating should also be taken into account.

Typical specifications:

• 15 W
• 30 W
• 60 W

The replacement unit should provide sufficient power for the connected devices (lights).

4. Check the Dimming Function

Not every LED driver is dimmable.

If the light is dimmed, you should check:

• whether the old driver was dimmable
• which dimming method is used

For example:

• ‘3-step push-button dimming’
• ‘Stepless dimming with a switch’

5. Check the Dsign and Connections

Space is often limited, particularly with furniture or compact lights.

Therefore, it is important to:

• Compare dimensions
• Check the connection type
• Take the installation situation into account

Does the Replacement Model Have to be Identical?

No – usually not.

The key thing is that the electrical specifications are compatible!

Alternative models can often be used if:

• the current or voltage is correct
• the wattage is sufficient
• the design is suitable

Common Mistakes when Replacing

Frequent problems arise due to:

• incorrect output current
• incorrect voltage
• lack of dimming compatibility
• insufficient wattage

That is why the technical specifications should always be checked carefully!

Finding Replacement Drivers by Model Number or Specifications

Using the search function in our driver tool, you can search for:

• model numbers (for ANWAY models)
• technical data or characteristic values

.

This often makes it possible to find a suitable replacement, particularly for older or discontinued LED drivers.

Conclusion

Even if the original LED driver is no longer available, there are often suitable alternatives.

It is not the exact model number that matters, but rather that the relevant electrical specifications match.