Which LED lights can have their circuit boards or light sources replaced?

4 min Time to read

Published on
June 12, 2025

Welcome to the world of modern LED lighting! Perhaps you have already asked yourself why LED light sources not always replaceable, what you should look out for when buying them or how you can extend the service life of your LED lights extend the life of your LED lights. In this article, we get to the bottom of these and many other questions and provide clarity on the subject of LED lights.

Why are LED lights so special?

LEDs have revolutionized the world of lighting. They are extremely efficient, durable, compact and flexible to use. Compared to conventional light sources such as halogen or energy-saving lamps, they consume significantly less electricity and offer a longer service life.

Advantages of LED lights:

Energy-efficient: Up to 90 % less power consumption
Extremely durable: service life of up to 50,000 hours
Full light output immediately
Wide range of designs possible
Environmentally friendly (mercury-free)

Expert tip from Danielle A.

Lighting designer at skapetze®

Why can't LED light sources always be replaced?

In many modern LED luminaires, the light source is permanently installed. This is because LEDs are very compact and are often merged with the housing or cooling unit of the luminaire to form a single unit.

Reasons for permanently installed LEDs:

Better thermal management
More compact and elegant design
Lower production costs

However, this means that replacement is often not possible in the event of a defect or at the end of its service life. However, this does not mean that you have to sacrifice sustainability - more on this below.

What exactly is an LED board?

The LED board is the "heart" of the LED light. It contains:

The light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
Conductor tracks for the power supply
Heat sink for heat dissipation
Partly also electronic components for control

Depending on the design, this circuit board can be integrated as a replaceable module or permanently connected to the luminaire.

What types of LED lights are there?

We have created a small table to give you a better overview:

LED light type	Changeable light source?	Example applications
LED retrofits	Yes	E27, GU10 spots
Module lights (interchangeable)	Yes	High-quality ceiling lights
Module luminaires (permanently installed)	No	Flat wall and ceiling lights
Panel LEDs	Rare	Office lighting
LED strips	Yes (partially)	Accent lighting

Which type of luminaire is the better choice?

This depends very much on the intended use and the budget:

Luminaires with replaceable LED light sources:

Higher acquisition costs
More sustainable in the long term
Ideal for high-quality interior design
Lower disposal costs as the entire luminaire does not have to be replaced

Luminaires with permanently installed LEDs:

Cheaper to purchase
More compact designs
More suitable for budget or short-term solutions
Still often economical in combination with regular replacement

For bargain hunters: If you have a limited budget, simple LED lights with permanently installed modules offer an attractive entry-level option. Especially with special offers or in the sale you will find many modern designs at a low price - ideal for rental apartments or temporary solutions.

Tip: Pay attention to the service life information and manufacturer's guarantees (e.g. 5 years for s.luce) to ensure high quality despite the low price.

How can I tell whether an LED light is replaceable?

When buying, you should pay attention to the following information:

Product description: Does it say "bulb replaceable"?
Socket type: Classic bases (e.g. E27, GU10) are always interchangeable
Notes from the manufacturer: It is often explicitly stated whether the LED module is replaceable
Accessibility: Can a light source or module be reached?

Our tip: In our online store you will find information on interchangeability in the technical data sheet for each luminaire.

Which lights are particularly easy to replace?

Lights with the socket:
GU10
E27
G9
E14

Here you can decide for yourself which light source to use.

Which LED lights cannot be replaced?

Flat surface-mounted and recessed luminaires with ultra-thin design
Very compact spots or panels (except from s.luce)
Cheap imports without spare parts guarantee

These models are often not designed for a long service life and should therefore be chosen with care.

How can you extend the service life of your LED lights?

Pay attention to good heat dissipation (e.g. aluminum housing)
Use high-quality lights with branded LEDs
Avoid constant switching on and off
Use suitable dimmer (not every dimmer is LED-compatible!)
Clean luminaires regularly to remove dust and dirt

What does the law say about interchangeability?

Since the EU Ecodesign Regulation came into force in 2021:

Manufacturers must design luminaires in such a way that LED modules and electronic ballasts can be replaced by a specialist.

That means for you:

Interchangeability is mandatory
However not for all product groups (e.g. decorative lights)
Replacement must be possible by specialist personnel, not necessarily by laypersons

What should you look out for when buying LED lights?

Interchangeability of light sources or circuit boards
Warranty period (at least 2 years, preferably 5 years)
Brand quality (e.g. s.luce)
light color & color rendering (warm white for living areas, CRI >90)
Dimmability (if desired)
Design and functionality
Sustainability & Repairability
Price-performance ratio - especially decisive for inexpensive models

Conclusion: Buy LED lights with foresight

Even if not every LED light offers a replaceable light source, you can save costs in the long term and live more sustainably by making the right choice. With skapetze we offer you a large selection of high-quality, modular lights as well as competent advice from our lighting experts.