repairable

Repairable is an adjective describing a device, component, or system that can be repaired after failure or wear, rather than discarded. A repairable product can usually be restored to working condition through replacement or repair of parts, with attention to safety, cost, and the availability of spare components and service documentation.

Repairability is influenced by design choices such as modular construction, standard fasteners, accessible enclosures, and documented repair procedures. It also depends on the availability of spare parts, diagnostic tools, and repair manuals, as well as warranties that permit or encourage servicing by independent technicians.

Several jurisdictions have introduced repairability metrics to help consumers compare products and to incentivize manufacturers to extend service life. France introduced a Repairability Index for consumer electronics in 2021, and some European Union rules address the availability of spare parts and repair information as part of broader sustainability standards.

Advocacy groups and policymakers promote repairability through the Right to Repair movement, arguing that access to parts, tools, and information reduces waste, lowers lifetime costs, and preserves user autonomy. Industry groups emphasize safety, intellectual property, and the need for affordable repair pathways.

Repairable design can reduce environmental impact by extending product lifetimes and decreasing e-waste, but it may raise upfront costs or complicate manufacturing. Economic effects include growing repair services, secondary markets for parts, and shifts in consumer behavior toward maintenance over replacement.

Common examples include consumer electronics, appliances, and vehicles, where repairability ratings or certifications appear in marketing or regulatory contexts. The term "repairable" remains a general descriptor for systems whose maintenance and restoration are feasible in practice.