A Complete Breakdown of PCB Repair Cost for Different PCB Types
Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are the heart of almost every electronic device, from air conditioners and industrial machinery to home appliances. In the UAE, where both residential and commercial sectors rely heavily on advanced electronics, the demand for PCB repair services has grown significantly. Whether you’re dealing with a malfunctioning AC unit or a piece of factory equipment, understanding the cost structure of PCB repairs can help you make smarter maintenance and budgeting decisions.
In this blog, we’ll break down the pricing factors, what influences the cost, and what to expect when seeking professional PCB repair services in the UAE.
Average PCB Repair Cost in the UAE
The price for repairing a PCB in the UAE varies based on the complexity of the board and the extent of the damage. On average, you can expect to pay around AED 300 to AED 800 for most standard repair jobs. Here’s a general breakdown of what you might expect
| Type of PCB Repair | Estimated Cost Range (AED) |
|---|---|
| Basic PCB Repair (consumer items) | 100 – 200 |
| Medium Complexity Repairs | 200 – 400 |
| High Complexity/Industrial Boards | 500 – 1500+ |
These are approximate figures and may vary depending on the repair center, location, and urgency of service.
AC PCB Repair Cost in UAE
When it comes to air conditioners, the PCB board plays a crucial role in controlling compressor operations, fan speed, temperature regulation, and more. If your AC isn’t functioning properly, the PCB could be the culprit.
The ac pcb board repair cost in the UAE generally ranges between AED 150 to AED 600, depending on several factors. This variation is due to multiple elements, including
- Brand and model of the AC
- Availability of replacement parts
- Type of fault (e.g., power issues vs. sensor errors)
- Whether it’s a window, split, or ducted unit
Factors That Influence PCB Repair Pricing
Understanding what determines the cost of PCB repair in the UAE can help you anticipate charges and make informed service decisions. From the type of board to the level of urgency, several factors come into play. Let’s take a closer look at the major elements that affect pricing
1. Type of PCB
The design and structure of the PCB significantly impact the cost of repair. Not all boards are created equal—some are simple, while others are highly complex.
- Single-layer boards, typically found in small electronics like remote controls or basic appliances, are relatively easy and affordable to repair. These boards have components on only one side and minimal circuitry, making diagnostics and replacements straightforward.
- Double-layer or multilayer boards are commonly used in advanced devices, especially in industrial machinery, HVAC systems, and control panels. These boards have multiple layers of circuitry and intricate connections and often house microcontrollers or programmable logic. Repairing them demands specialized tools, precise techniques, and a deep understanding of the board’s architecture, which increases the service charges.
The more complex the board, the more time and resources are required to restore it, resulting in higher overall pricing.
2. Extent and Type of Damage
Not all PCB faults are equal—some are minor and easily fixable, while others may require extensive work. The nature and severity of the damage play a key role in pricing.
- Minor repairs include fixing broken solder joints, replacing faulty resistors or capacitors, or cleaning corrosion. These jobs are relatively inexpensive and often completed quickly.
- Moderate to major faults may involve burnt traces, short circuits, broken ICs (integrated circuits), or damaged microcontrollers. In such cases, the technician may need to perform advanced diagnostics, use microscopes or thermal cameras to trace the fault, and carry out intricate soldering or reprogramming. This adds time, complexity, and cost to the process.
Sometimes, if a PCB has sustained heavy physical or electrical damage, the repair might require full reworking or reconstruction, pushing the costs toward the higher end of the spectrum.
3. Component Availability
Another crucial cost determinant is whether the faulty components are readily available in the market.
- Common parts such as generic capacitors, transistors, or relays are usually in stock and inexpensive, making the repair more affordable.
- Rare, obsolete, or brand-specific components, especially those used in older or imported systems, may be hard to find or have to be specially ordered. This delays the repair process and increases the cost due to sourcing, shipping, or compatibility testing.
In cases where a specific part is no longer manufactured, technicians may need to find a workaround or use salvaged components, which can affect both the turnaround time and pricing.
4. Labour and Expertise
The skill level of the technician directly affects both the quality and cost of repair.
- Standard service providers may offer lower prices but might lack the expertise to handle high-precision jobs or specialised PCBs.
- Expert technicians, particularly those at certified repair centers like Horizon Elect Devices, undergo advanced training and use professional-grade tools for diagnostics, rework, and testing. Their pricing reflects the quality, reliability, and long-term assurance they provide.
Additionally, highly skilled professionals can often salvage boards that other technicians deem irreparable—so while their service may cost more upfront, they may save you the price of a full replacement.
5. Turnaround Time and Urgency
Time-sensitive repairs usually come with a higher price tag.
- If your business operations rely on a functioning device or machine, you might opt for express or same-day service. This premium service involves prioritizing your job, possibly working outside regular hours, and using expedited testing and parts procurement—factors that all contribute to increased pricing.
- On the other hand, non-urgent repairs scheduled in advance or during off-peak periods can be more affordable. Planning maintenance or diagnostics before a failure occurs not only reduces downtime but also helps manage repair expenses more effectively.
Making Cost-Effective PCB Repair Decisions
Understanding the cost of PCB repairs in the UAE can help you plan better, whether you’re a homeowner fixing an AC unit or an industrial manager maintaining factory operations. The price varies based on board complexity, damage level, component availability, and technician expertise.
On average, basic PCB repairs start as low as AED 100, while more complex or urgent jobs can go up to AED 1500 or more. For air conditioners specifically, the ac pcb repair price usually remains more affordable than full board replacement, making it a cost-effective solution in most cases.
When quality, speed, and trust matter, opt for experienced industrial electronics repair centers like Horizon Elect Devices, where your electronics are handled with precision and care.
