What Is An Aircon Printed Circuit Board (PCB)?
A Printed Circuit Board, or PCB for short, is like the motherboard or central processing unit of a computer. These devices perform essential functions that enable a system to operate.
Circuit components such as resistors, capacitors, transistors and others are wired together on a greenish board called a printed circuit board (PCB). Conductive trucks are used to make connections between electronic parts. They are fabricated from a copper layer and covered with a fiberglass silkscreen.
A printed circuit board's major job is to incorporate multiple components that work together to carry out a particular instruction, data transfer or compute the output to manage the alternating current.
What Causes PCB Damages In An Air Conditioner?
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) and other environmental factors may severely damage PCB circuitry. Remember that even a little ESD may cause PCB component damage. The following are other frequent causes of damage to AC PCBs:
During installation, a technician accidentally connects the electrical wiring incorrectly, which results in a higher voltage going into the AC PCB.
Short circuit. This is by far the most common reason why PCBs are damaged. This can also be caused by incorrect installation.
Bugs like ants and cockroaches are small. We all know that bugs like cockroaches like to hang out in warm places. So, they often hide in electrical and electronic devices that generate heat. Because of this, if a bug gets into the circuit board, it may damage it.
For outdoor units, most PCBs get damaged as the system is exposed to heat, moisture and dust.
Age is another common factor that will cause PCBs to break down. Everything in the world has a limited lifespan, and unfortunately, most PCB components do too. Similar to all electrical and electronic components, the lifespan of a PCB can range from a few months to several years.
Should PCB Be Fixed Or Replaced?
PCBs can be fixed. But doing so requires expert diagnostic, repair equipment and technical know-how. Some electronic components, however, need a more controlled environment like a repair lab to be repaired properly. A test of the PCB's functionality after repairs is required. The above makes fixing PCB costly. As such, damaged PCBs are usually replaced rather than repaired.
If a PCB fails, it is best to replace it rather than try to fix it. This is because you run the risk of incurring additional costs associated with the hiring of a qualified professional and the lengthier repair time required as mentioned above.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace An AC PCB?
The cost of replacing a defective PCB is determined by a variety of variables; including the type, brand and year of the AC unit. The cost will also differ depending on whether it is new or used. A PCB of the current model air conditioner unit will cost a few hundred dollars (depending on the above mentioned factors). Due to the costs involved, an alternative will be to explore used PCBs instead. However, do note that used PCBs do not come with warranty. As such you may run the risk of the PCB breaking down soon after its replacement.
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