[ICanHas]

Like it or not, passive devices are extremely reliable and far more durable and resilient than line voltage power electronics. Power surge damages wasn't as common before everything was infested with extremely fragile electronic front-end that becomes perfectly good to unusable like glass shattering.

I don't have Cable TV right now, because the switch-mode "Efficiency level V" wall wart for the Comcast box failed. I've experienced a handful of power adapters failing. All the failures have been in the recent years and each and every one of them has been China sourced switch mode type with power electronics operating directly across the line.

I've not seen a single old tech 60Hz transformer where no semiconductor parts talk to line side fail that wasn't related to overload on the low-voltage side.

I've had five or six failed power adapters. Each and every one of them China sourced switch-mode with line side power electronic.

Router
Power tool charger
Comcast cable box
Laptop AC adapter
cell phone charger
External USB drive

I've seen incredibly low failure rates in things that DO NOT use power electronics on front-end. In many applications, its all about pushing cheapo China sourced junk. The shipping cost savings is considerable for them vendors.

Semiconductor parts are quite durable in low power applications in that glassware and ceramics theoretically outlasts plastic, because they don't wear out. In the real world, breakage losses dominate glassware loss and "power electronics" crap blows up just like that.

Passive core and coil technology is practically indestructible and failure mechanism is generally by wear or chronic abuse.

The cost of proper replacement wall wart generally far outweighs what the device would have used in electricity in lifetime. For desktop computers and laptops, its an acceptable compromise to use the unreliable technology since the size of power supply unit needed to provide that level of power using passive technology is unreasonable.

Failure rates on electronic embedded ballasts in CFLs as well as high ambient conditions in commercial buildings are quite high. You'll find that when every bulb is out in a commercial building fixture, it is usually due to fried electronic ballasts.

Inverter microwave ovens and front load washing machines using power electronics embedded systems generally have been an epic fail. There are very many consumer complaints involving those power electronics components that wipes out any hopes of savings or take out what you've saved up, then put you far back in the red. The failure rate of inverter type microwave oven is quite high and the repair cost generally means a write off and its all power electronics related. Same with inverter motor drive type washers. If it's out of warranty, the replacement cost of power electronics parts compared to the going price for a comparable used appliance generally means a write off too.

The ECM type motor used in HVACR systems are particularly troublesome as well. The high risk factor from high failure rates and the high cost of service are never justified by what you'll save in "energy savings" and when you do simple pay back calculation on anything that involves energy saving solutions that's power electronics up the wazoo, its about as silly as using "zero breakage loss rate" on glassware expenses. Contactors and relays wear out gradually. Replacement costs aren't bad. When some drive parts in that FOC VFD PID mPIC stuff fails in those third class brand mini splits fail... oh you're at $500 in just parts.

Power electronics.. paving our ways into low durability, high priced, disposable appliances(and generally made in China, or manufactured with... parts mostly from China)