Safe In-Wall AC to DC Transformers??



  • I did not finish the automated power tester, but I put an HLK with a DS18B20 temp sensor in a closed flush box(is that the English word for the box in the wall, used for domestic wiring?).
    A simple resistor acts as a load and draws a 800 mA from the power supply. That is 33% more than the max continuous value. Voltage across the leads is 4.96. That is 5.08 without load. Not too bad. At 600 mA (100% load) the voltage is also 5.00.
    The Dallas says that the surface temperature at the HLK is 48.19 c ( F: 118.74).
    Also do not forget to mount adequate capacitors to reduce ripple.

    @petewill and @rvendrame ... Every country has directives regarding flammability. I cannot say which one is valid. I have seen some testing in the past. They put a burner under the device under test and waited to see what happened after removal of the source. In general (without any warranty whatsoever) when there are no flames or when they extinguish autonomic is good. If there is no hot material dripping from the DUT, that is also good. The test I carried out is described above. No dripping en self extinguishing. So I am satisfied.
    Sorry, I cannot be more specific. I do not have the knowledge.

    @rvendrame: yes the fuse in series in the mains live wire en the varistor in parallel with the primary side of the HLK.
    With respect to the varistor ... see the sheet below:
    Take a value that is well above the normal AC tension of your mains power, but below the max input voltage of the HLK. so in Netherlands 250 volts will do.

    link text



  • Now for the million dollar question ... would I mount a HLK in a flush box?
    Well ... when equipped with varistor and fuse and with the load on the safe side ...
    Yes, I would.


  • Hero Member

    @Bertb, thanks again. I got a bit confused, do you mean put the varistor + fuse into the PSU input (AC Mains)? I was more thinking in over voltage protection on output. So a low-volt varistor together with a fuse/ptc, both on the 5V output.

    My concern is having something wrong into the PSU-PWM control, and somehow the AC mains leaking to the low-volt side, cause arduino+friends burn/flaming. But I'm a hobbyist, so maybe I'm guessing wrong here.

    Maybe to be on safest side --- varistor + fuse/ptc on both AC mains and 5V rails?



  • My initial safety is always toward the biggest danger ... mains in this case.
    For the secondary part a simple semiconductor fuse and a zener (transzorb) will do.


  • Hero Member

    @Bertb that is actually a very good surface temp for overload from what I saw in the other tests. Very promising.



  • At 535 mA, the temperature stabilizes at 39.81c /F 103.66


  • Hero Member

    From what I researched at internet, the most important safety measure is the isolation part. Most countries have similar standards. From the pictures above I see the PCB tracks from high and low voltage are clearly separated by at least 0.5cm , which I think is also a requirement in EU.

    Maybe if we figure out a way to provide something between 7.5Kv and 10Kv into the its AC input for some seconds/minutes, and see what happens. This is the worst-case scenario --- A lightning event into the AC line during a electrical storm.

    Despite it may (and will) burn inside completely, any high voltage should never be present at output, as well as no significant flame that may propagate fire should occur.

    This of course requires costly and sofisticated lab equipment.



  • The specs of the unit states that it resilient to high voltages. I tested it with 250 VDC across input and output.
    As stated before in this threat, the specs are ok, it only lacks the stamps.
    From what I have seen so far, the module is good for me.

    From the specs:
    4.Safety Characteristics:
    4.1Products designed to meet UL, CE safety certification requirements.
    4.2Safety and electromagnetic compatibility
    Designed with the input of 0.5A UL certified insurance;
    PCB board using double-sided copper clad plate production, material for the 94-V0 fire rating level;
    Safety standards: Compliance with UL1012, EN60950, UL60950
    Insulation voltage: I / P-O / P: 2500VAC
    Insulation resistance :I / PO / P> 100M Ohms / 500VDC 25 ℃ 70% RH
    Conduction and radiation :comply with EN55011, EN55022 (CISPR22)
    Electrostatic discharge :IEC / EN 61000-4-2 level 4 8kV / 15kV
    RF radiation Immunity: IEC / EN 61000-4-3 See Application Note
    4.3 Temperature safety design
    At room temperature,the capacitors of this power , the inner surface of the main converter maximum temperature does not exceed 90 ℃;
    Shell maximum surface temperature does not exceed 60 ℃


  • Hero Member

    Overall that looks like a pretty good AC/DC trans. The isolation boundary looks massive.


  • Hero Member

    @rvendrame @Bertb this guy detail his methods here http://lygte-info.dk/info/usbPowerSupplyTestHow UK.html

    he has some kind of gadget that produce 2500v to 5000v.

    Anyway, I am convinced that this is safe (or at least MUCH safer then what people here have been using). If one of the electrical wizards can detail the circuit with extra fuses, diodes and varistor (what is that???) I think it can help us all.


  • Hero Member

    @Moshe Livne, yes I think I saw that website. The list of equipment there is surely respectable, at least. I just wrote to the info@ there, asking if perhaps he would like to test one of this HLK PSU. I can send one or two of my lot, lets see if we get some reply.

    The varistor is a device widely used for protection. It is connected in parallel with the AC mains. It will short the circuit in case the voltage exceeds its pre-determined value. The ideia is to use it burn an internal fuse, or trigger the house circuit breaker in case of over voltage. A 20K-250V varistor will short the circuit if voltage is above 250V, and it supports voltages up to 20KV without produce any flame.

    Using a varistor in conjunction with a PTC fuse (a fuse that automatically resets after some time) creates a very good protection for over voltage, with small cost and footprint.

    I do agree with @Bertb and @ServiceXp , this HLK PSU looks good and safe for what we intend to use. Surely it is better than a phone charger. But as in any DIY, each one of us must know where to step on, assuming the involved risks.



  • @Bertb I live in the Netherlands just like you. If you're interested i can make some thermal images of the disassembled HLK unit if you send it to me. I expect my FLIR One (Android) to arrive probably next week.



  • Just to be sure everybody understands the schematic, hereunder a schematic.
    I am not a fan of blowing mains fuses ...

    Draft schematic



  • @ThinkPad I am not sure it is still safe to operate.



  • @Bertb The idea was to put it on my desk (with a mains cord soldered to it) running a resistor load, and then shoot some thermal pics of it
    . I wasn't planning to touch the unit with my bare hands while it is powered hahaha



  • @ThinkPad Well its your desk, so its fine with me.
    Is there a way to get your address without shouting it from the rooftops?



  • Don't suppose anyone could tell me what components (values) need to be purchased for 230v (UK)? I have bought 10 of these and wish to make them as safe as I can.



  • @Bertb Have sent you a chat, see the chat balloon top right corner.



  • @Atomfire I will come back to that tomorrow.


  • Admin

    @Bertb Once again, thank you for all your work with this! I can't wait to start building with this! This will be so helpful to have a safer method instead of just dismantling old phone chargers and rolling the dice.

    I couldn't open the schematic. What is the file extension? Also, would you mind posting the required parts for 110v if they are any different than what you will be providing @Atomfire?

    Thanks!

    Pete


  • Hero Member

    Hey guys, I wrote to the owner of the site suggested by @Moshe-Livne. He replied saying that he can test the HLK.

    He mentioned that usually he takes at least two units (so if one burn he can continue the testing). I will send one from my lot, perhaps we have a brave guy to gave up one more? (a sacrifice of few to save many ) 😉 Let me know and I will share the address via PM (Denmark).


  • Hero Member

    @rvendrame Considering cost of postage and logistics involved it would probably be cheapest to just order two units from Ali to him? its 8$ including shipping if i remember correctly



  • @petewill The schematic is just a simple draft. It can be seen with IE.


  • Hero Member

    @Bertb I tried adding "html" suffix to it but it didn't work.


  • Hero Member

    One option is to click on the link and download the file. After the file is completely downloaded, just add the extention .jpg to it.

    The result is as following:
    1438251516188-draft-schematic.jpg



  • Something went wrong with uploading the file, I think.
    Herewith a new schematic with a suggested bill of material.
    It is highly experimental still, but I ordered the components yesterday.

    I am specially interested in working with the PTC fuse.

    I hope the proposed circuit works for you. Please keep the maximim continuous output power in mind. It is only 3 Watts (600 mA).
    In some cases you might need to add C1's (rule of thump 1 per chip or chip VCC) and/or need to increase the value of C2. This depends on the fluctuations in the power demand.

    With the proposed values for C1 and C2, the ripple remained below 50 mV at 500 mA.
    Also keep in mind that a remaining oscillation frequency residue appears in the output of some 60kHz.. If capacitors are not able to filter that out, a small coil might be needed.

    Well it is experimenting that makes this fun, isn't it?

    Draft schematic2.jpg



  • @rvendrame said:

    Hey guys, I wrote to the owner of the site suggested by @Moshe-Livne. He replied saying that he can test the HLK.

    He mentioned that usually he takes at least two units (so if one burn he can continue the testing). I will send one from my lot, perhaps we have a brave guy to gave up one more? (a sacrifice of few to save many ) 😉 Let me know and I will share the address via PM (Denmark).

    I am in for this.



  • @rvendrame said:

    Let me know and I will share the address via PM (Denmark).

    I will send him a powersupply too. 😜


  • Hero Member

    @Bertb can now see the scheme! thanks. But can't see the BOM



  • ... it must be friday ...

    voeding.doc



  • @Bertb said:

    voeding.doc

    can you make a pdf, i have no microsoft office



  • As you please ...

    voeding.pdf



  • @Bertb said:

    As you please ...

    thank you



  • I managed to borrow a Megger (high voltage resistance measurement device). This weekend I will test the insulation of the MLK.
    The only drawback is that the Megger reaches to 1000 Volt.


  • Hero Member

    @Moshe-Livne said:

    @rvendrame Considering cost of postage and logistics involved it would probably be cheapest to just order two units from Ali to him? its 8$ including shipping if i remember correctly

    Yes, it makes all sense. The only downside is that if we buy all at same time probably he will get all from the same lot, but in my opinion it by far doesn't invalidate the testing.

    So, myself, @Bertb , @Didi = 3 PSUs, better than 2. I will share with you both the ship-to address ok? Thanks a lot!



  • @rvendrame said:

    So, myself, @Bertb , @Didi = 3 PSUs, better than 2. I will share with you both the ship-to address ok? Thanks a lot!

    👍


  • Hero Member

    I'm really happy to hear that these HLK power modules are considered to be safe. I've been using them for a few weeks already, but didn't have a clue what was inside (and whether they were ACTUALLY safe).

    One question regarding the varistor and PTC fuses though:
    Any reason (or specifications) why you chose those specific components? I've been looking for myself as well, but came up with slightly different components.

    Fuse1 and 2: PTC Resettable Fuses 250V 1A TRF250-1000

    Varistor1: [10D391K 10K391 390V varistor diameter 10mm AC 250V DC 320V]
    (http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Varistor-10D391K-10D-391K-VDR-10K391-Metal-voltage-dependent-resistor-50pcs-bag/1912418587.html)

    Varistor2: [5.5V Varistor original Varistor resistor]
    (http://www.aliexpress.com/item/SMD-1206-5-5V-Varistor-original-Varistor-resistor-100pcs-lot/32243046238.html)

    If anyone with a bit more experience could have some feedback on these components, that would be really really appreciated!!



  • @rvendrame said:

    @Moshe-Livne said:

    @rvendrame Considering cost of postage and logistics involved it would probably be cheapest to just order two units from Ali to him? its 8$ including shipping if i remember correctly

    Yes, it makes all sense. The only downside is that if we buy all at same time probably he will get all from the same lot, but in my opinion it by far doesn't invalidate the testing.

    So, myself, @Bertb , @Didi = 3 PSUs, better than 2. I will share with you both the ship-to address ok? Thanks a lot!

    👍



  • @aproxx I would say that the 50 mA fuse is too weak. The HLK draws between 0.1 and 0.2 Amp and can surge 10 Amp. So, I think the 1A version is good for both situations input and output. The varistor is only good for the output.
    One thing to consider though. This is also chinese stuff ... is it really safe or are we introducing a new problem? 😄


  • Hero Member

    @Bertb Aaah yes now I see. It does seem to draw much more peak current than I expected! Then I'll just use the same component as I'm using for Fuse 2.
    What do you mean by "The varistor is only good for the output."? You're using one as input and one as output in your diagram as well or am I missing something?

    And yes, I know this is Chinese stuff again.. But single (chinese) components never failed on me (until now). 😃



  • @aproxx The only varistor I see in your list is 5.5 Volt.


  • Hero Member

    @Bertb I see what is getting both of us confused.
    Apparently something was wrong in the link of my previous post, resulting in the 2nd varistor not being listed. So now your comment about the varistor only being good for the output makes sense as well. 😃
    I've fixed the link of my post above!



  • @aproxx This is a different kind of notation, but when I look the device up in de Bourns catalog, I see it is rated for 250 Vac. That should be good.

    link text



  • Short update ... yesterday I asked or Chinese friends from Alie to send a HLK module to our test friend.
    I also did an insulation test with 1000 Volt. The test shows more than 1000 MOhm between ac and dc. So far so good.



  • Not a big fan of soldering SMD components and I cannot find standard components, how essential is the 2nd fuse and varistor on the 5v side?


  • Hero Member

    @Bertb said:

    Short update ... yesterday I asked or Chinese friends from Alie to send a HLK module to our test friend.
    I also did an insulation test with 1000 Volt. The test shows more than 1000 MOhm between ac and dc. So far so good.

    👍


  • Hero Member

    @Atomfire said:

    Not a big fan of soldering SMD components and I cannot find standard components, how essential is the 2nd fuse and varistor on the 5v side?

    We are trying to make it as safer as possible... Assuming such modules will stay in a wall box, very close to wires and/or other potential fireable materials, we should try to mitigate risks as much as possible.

    As I mentioned above --- This is DIY, also means 'risk it yourself'. Don't tell your insurance company 😉



  • @rvendrame said:

    @Atomfire said:

    Not a big fan of soldering SMD components and I cannot find standard components, how essential is the 2nd fuse and varistor on the 5v side?

    We are trying to make it as safer as possible... Assuming such modules will stay in a wall box, very close to wires and/or other potential fireable materials, we should try to mitigate risks as much as possible.

    As I mentioned above --- This is DIY, also means 'risk it yourself'. Don't tell your insurance company 😉

    That is why I prefer to use fuses that blow, like the ones I mentioned earlier.
    The resettable fuses also get warm. Can't wait for the package from Conrad to arrive. I am dying to do some further testing.

    With respect to the brave HLK ... it is on for some three days and it is stable.


  • Hero Member

    @Bertb said:

    That is why I prefer to use fuses that blow,

    In the other hand, you have to disassemble the wall box in order to reach regular fuses that eventually blow. So I tend to prefer PPTCs, at least for this 'discovery' phase.

    But it is just my personal preference.


  • Admin

    Thanks everyone for the help! I don't know much about this stuff and I am grateful to you for all your contributions!

    I am starting to look at ebay for parts but I was wondering if it would be wise to wait a little longer before I order and more testing is performed? I am excited to start building but I don't want to do anything until it's safe. I know safe is a relative term so I guess I should say safe enough for you all to use in your houses. 🙂

    Thanks again!

    Pete



  • @petewill I think this is a wise decision.
    I liked the discussion on this thread, so I have to thank you too.

    Now it is waiting time. Waiting until the hlk-s arrive at the lab of the test guy.
    My Chinese friend said, the package is on its way.


  • Hero Member

    Mine is on the way too.


  • Admin

    @Bertb thanks, will do. The waiting is the hardest part 🙂


  • Hero Member

    Just a heads up. Yesterday I blew up this module, which I bought some time ago (before we invest into the HLK analysis).

    I really don't know what happened, it simply exploded without any further notice (and very near my face, like 30cm or so). I was calibrating the power sensor. Dummy I was, trying to find why it was measuring 10W while the PSU is rated 3W...

    The sensor is based on a current transformer TA12-100 , measuring itself on ACMains.

    Perhaps some old-school guy can tell me if I violated some some basic rule? I want to believe that some scrap wire or metal has shortened some track, but how to prove it?

    Well after that, I measured the arduino + radio + measurement circuit and it never crossed 30mA... I also replaced the damaged PSU (by one identical), and now the power sensor measures 4W (instead the previous 10W), and despite some noising capacitor, no heat or instability after 12 hours or so on.

    Pictures of the occurrence:
    2015-08-07 10.49.17.jpg
    2015-08-07 10.50.28.jpg

    Botton one is the damaged one:
    2015-08-07 10.45.31.jpg
    2015-08-07 10.47.28.jpg


  • Hero Member

    @rvendrame Whatever happened (looks like something went to ground; were you probing with a scope?), that MB6S was the source, because that rectifier is blow out.

    I don't think you will be able to buff that one out... 😛


  • Hero Member

    @ServiceXp , no


  • Hero Member

    @ServiceXp , no oscilloscope. I was Cheking why the power sensor was measuring 10w instead 3w or less.

    The CT sensor was around the mains phase wire, and the psu was powering the sensor. I didn't change anything , just multimeter readings on DC side. Didn't touch the ac mains except to insert the current transformer around it.

    I also connected a light bulb on same wire, in order to generate some load. The sensor was measuring the bulb correctly, however when the bulb was disconnected it read 10w, away too much for only an arduino.


  • Mod

    @rvendrame I'm not sure if I really get your setup, but ground loops can be a very nifty cause of all kinds of stuff getting 'too hot' 😬

    Could this be the cause of the problem?

    That 0 ohms resistor also looks like it been fried. What's its use on the board?


  • Hero Member

    @rvendrame Hard to say then, but I'd bet an ice cream sandwich that something went to ground/neutral. It's the high voltage side that is blown out of that rectifier.. You may never know what the cause was.



  • @petewill when you start home automation at that time please share photos wit me.
    how to setup the no. of relay, power supply, arduino, radio etc in WALL box.


  • Admin

    @jemish yes, that's the plan. Once all the geniuses figure out how to do it I plan on making a how to video 🙂



  • Is there any news from the test guy?



  • yes , is there any news


  • Hero Member

    @Didi, did you end up doing horrible things to these? You said something about flashbox?


  • Hero Member

    If the fellow behind http://lygte-info.dk/info/usbPowerSupplyTestHow UK.html posts good results on his website, the supply chain should prepare for a flood of orders! I've seen those tests widely referenced, and I think a lot of people are looking for something safer but still cheap.

    Don't be surprised if a positive review made it to HackaDay and the like as well.

    (Get your ali orders in now, beat the rush - if you think it will come out well)



  • I'm also looking forward about test results. I've seen the module however never totally trusted; until I found this topic. The price and size are perfect for under-socket installation. If further results come out good, I'm eager to see in-wall projects.


  • Hardware Contributor

    This one is not "safe", but it is an In-Wall AC to DC converter. Transformerless. With a 3A Solid state relay:

    2015-08-21T12-11-1.jpg

    2015-08.jpg

    The converter output is 3.3V at 100mA and the solid state relay is a Triac.



  • Looks very nice, but you cannot use it for sensors or actuators that can be touched by hand and do not comply with the insulation standards, since parts of it will be connected to mains.


  • Hardware Contributor

    @Bertb Yes, it shouldn't be touched. It can be used with wall-mounted mains switches, though. Placed behind it.


  • Hardware Contributor

    Did anyone look at the SwitchMote PSU over at LowerPowerLab? More info here. The kit is fairly expensive ($30) but I wonder how much it would be to source the components yourself since someone else has done all the design work.


  • Mod

    @TD22057 I would say the cost of this PSU is dominated by the Recom converter onboard. Farnell charges E14,58 for single pieces (http://nl.farnell.com/recom-power/rac02-05sc/ac-dc-converter-2w-5v-reg/dp/1903060?searchRef=SearchLookAhead).
    Rest of the components will be a few Euro's, and ofcourse the PCB (which contains a number of milled slots for isolation).
    All together you will get fairly close to $30 when building it yourself.



  • @ceech said:

    Yes, it shouldn't be touched

    Nice! just label board !LIVE!

    Not safe due to no fuse? Do share, making your own boards with solder mask?


  • Mod

    @DrJeff the board is not isolated from mains by e.g a transformer. This means traces carry live mains!



  • So basically it is like any other consumer Zwave switch or X10 just box it up (3D printer on stand by) with 2 micro buttons with a rocker face and I want 10. 🙂 But sorry I digressed from the OP in my excitement.


  • Hardware Contributor

    @DrJeff As @Yveaux said the board does not have an insulation transformer. Yes, I make them. And it works fine, placed inside an enclosure is as safe as it could be. Would you make a box for it? I can send you one board if you like, for the measures.



  • @ceech Yes I like the idea of course the board would be housed inside of a box, my idea is to incorporate the box with a daughter board with 2 push buttons on and off like Zwave switches use. Yes please send me, if you are worried I will use safely I was taught to work on all power 120v - 480v as if it is live so that you remain alive!


  • Hardware Contributor

    @DrJeff All right, send me a message with your address and I'll send you one.


  • Hardware Contributor

    Another China iphone plug destroyed.

    This has been working for 2-3 weeks without problems... the plug runs a 5v arduino and a normal 240-5v relay with button and led, standard sketch.

    One day it just didnt started and i opened it up and saw a melted plastic cover and some burned component.
    I have felt the relays a couple of times and noone has been really hot.

    20150826_205836.jpg

    Im getting a bit shaky here... how far from disaster (big fire) is this?


  • Hero Member

    BTW, the review of HLK PSU should be published in 'few days' according to the guy from http://lygte-info.dk . Can't wait for that!


  • Admin

    @sundberg84 Yikes! That is exactly why I started this thread. I don't want to burn my house down...

    @rvendrame Awesome! Can't wait either!


  • Hero Member

    The review of the hlktech's HLK-PM01 is available here!



  • Thank you for the test.


  • Admin

    This is fantastic news!!

    Would anyone be able to provide a parts list and wiring diagram based on the recommendations from the test site (pasted below)?

    "A few notes for using it:
    Electronic wears down faster when warm, especially capacitors, i.e. keep it as cool as possible for long lifetime.
    I would place a fuse or fusible resistor before the converter, the fuse is not supposed to be replaceable, when it blows it is time to replace the converter.
    A MOV accross the mains input would probably also be a good idea."
    http://lygte-info.dk/review/Power Mains to 5V 0.6A Hi-Link HLK-PM01 UK.html

    Once we have a that info I will update the first post so everyone reading this in the future doesn't have to read through 200+ posts to get to the conclusion. Thanks to everyone who helped with this!!!


  • Hero Member

    The wiring is easy to describe.

    Put a fuse in line between the "hot" mains AC input and the power supply module input (the "neutral" can go directly to the power supply). Put a MOV across the power supply input (on the PS side of the fuse).

    For small spikes, the MOV would protect the PS by absorbing most of it. For longer surges, the MOV would cause the fuse to blow, probably sacrificing itself in the process.

    Maybe others can help with component selection (for 120v and 240v mains). I see that in the case of Littelfuse, the fuse is rated by RMS AC voltage, so a 140v MOV would work for a nominal 120VAC mains). http://www.littelfuse.com/~/media/electronics_technical/application_notes/varistors/littelfuse_selecting_a_littelfuse_varistor_application_note.pdf

    I don't know if RMS rating is standard, or if some are rated by their DC voltage conduction threshold, but one would want to be sure of that for the brand they are getting.


  • Hero Member

    Some more thoughts from the guy who analyzed it:

    "Hi Ricardo

    It looks safe enough to me, except I want a fuse or fusible resistor before it. The purpose of the fuse is to blow when the module is worn down and maybe shorts. How fast it wears down will depend on temperature, at very high temperature it might be less than ½ year, at more moderate temperature it might be 10-20 years. The main culprit is the capacitors, their lifetime depends on temperature and quality of the capacitor.
    Second risk for failure is large transients on the mains that may damage the module, again the fuse is there to prevent things getting out of hand if the module breaks down.

    The module can get hot if you pack it into the wall, especially if it is inside a lot of insulation. Doing a few test with a DMM and a temperature probe taped to the module inside the wall might be a good idea when running the module near full load.
    I do not know the stuff used to fill with, but usual it will not easily catch fire."


  • Hardware Contributor

    @rvendrame Thanks for getting this tested - that's a great result. The high temperatures he was testing at are for running at 1A of output but I thought that the 5V line is just for the Arduino and the radio which aren't going to use much current at all right?


  • Hero Member

    @TD22057 , exactly, under regular load (< 600ma), the unit should not get that hot. Once I get some time I will try the suggestion, by gluing a temp sensor on the unit and put it behind the wall switch.

    Perhaps I will add the temp sensor permanently as a extra mySensor on the wall-relay, so I can capture the temp during the upcoming summer days. 😉



  • Well, I must say, I am very happy with the result. Thanks for the testing.
    So, I am already planning to use it in a number of devices. To avoid too high temperatures in confined boxes, it might be a good idea to glue a temperature fuse to it and wire it in series with the live mains wire. When the temperature rises above, lets say 75 degrees celsius, the fuse breaks down.


  • Hardware Contributor

    It would also be good to link that temp sensor into the arduino. Then it could send out a "help my temp is to high" message before it shuts down. It should be possible to implement an overheated mode which would just blink a status LED on the front of the device and shuts everything else down until the temperature drops. Using the tricks of running a battery powered node should let the arduino power stay low enough for the PSU to cool down while still checking the temperature every few minutes and running the LED. The fuse would then be a fail-safe backup to the overheated mode.



  • @rvendrame said:

    Some more thoughts from the guy who analyzed it:

    "Hi Ricardo

    *It looks safe enough to me, except I want a fuse or fusible resistor before it. The purpose of the fuse is to blow when the module is worn down and maybe shorts.

    Would something like this be OK?
    http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/100pcs-LOT-PTC-Resettable-Fuses-TRF250-080-250V-0-08A-80MA-PPTC-Polymeric-PTC-PolySwitch-DIP/1653204_32267664975.html


  • Hero Member

    @mvdarend , I don't have experience to evaluate that. These ones are current-driven, I think it would be nice some fuse that is temperature-driven (despite I don't know even if that exist or what would be the parameters for that...)


  • Admin

    @Zeph Thanks.

    Do you all think a 150v MOV is ok for USA? I found some cheaper than the 140v on ebay but I' like to do it right 🙂

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/LOT-of-10-MAIDA-METAL-OXIDE-VARISTOR-RADIAL-MOV-8mm-Disk-150V-D68ZOV151RA03-/390095815756?hash=item5ad385c44c

    I found these fuses but they are 250v. Do you think that would be OK for 120v normal power or do I need to find 150v fuses?

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Through-Hole-T5A-5A-250V-Radial-Leads-Miniature-Micro-Fuse-20-Pcs-SP-/181623867749?hash=item2a49a04965

    Something like this for the temperature fuse?
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-pcs-New-KSD-9700-70-C-250V-5A-Thermostat-Temperature-BiMetal-Switch-NC-Close-/141752004726?hash=item210113f076

    Is there anything else I'm missing that should be included in the circuit? Like others, I was also thinking that adding a temp sensor to the Arduino would be good so I could tell how hot it is in the box at any time.


  • Hero Member

    More from the 'guru'

    "There is no input fuse, that is the reason I recommend one and it has to be a real fuse that blows, not a fuse that will automatic recover. The only time it is supposed to blow is if the converter blows and then you want the mains permanently disconnected. Probably a 0.2A slow fuse will work."



  • @rvendrame Thanks for the clarification.


  • Hero Member

    And a 250VAC fuse is fine to use on 120VAC (and in fact quite common).


  • Admin

    Ok, how does this look for parts?

    70 degree (Celsius) fuses - http://www.ebay.com/itm/10pcs-Thermal-Cutoffs-SEFUSE-Microtemp-Thermal-TF-Cutoff-NEC-Fuses-73-C-240-C-/221560426284?var=&hash=item339607cf2c

    .75A fuse - They are fast blow not slow like specified above. Does that matter?? http://www.ebay.com/itm/40Pcs-ELECTRIC-FUSE-FAST-BLOW-0-75A-250VAC-35A-IR-THROUGH-HOLE-/271902224922?hash=item3f4ea2b21a

    Same MOVs http://www.ebay.com/itm/LOT-of-10-MAIDA-METAL-OXIDE-VARISTOR-RADIAL-MOV-8mm-Disk-150V-D68ZOV151RA03-/390095815756?hash=item5ad385c44c

    Is there anything else I'm missing? The goal with all this is to make another "how to" video so I want to make sure I'm not giving people bad advice.

    So, it would look something like this (ignore power to radio, didn't have time to wire it):

    Fritzing In-Wall Power.png


  • Hero Member

    @petewill . the MOV goes in parallel with HLK input (and not in series like you did).

    It was suggested to use .2A fuses (instead the .75A). And the Thermal fuse should be glued on HLK top (my guess).


  • Admin

    @rvendrame said:

    @petewill . the MOV goes in parallel with HLK input (and not in series like you did).

    It was suggested to use .2A fuses (instead the .75A). And the Thermal fuse should be glued on HLK top (my guess).

    Dang, totally forgot about all that in my rush to finish the diagram before lunch ended... That's why you guys design the electronics and I make the videos 😉

    How necessary are the .2A fuses? I couldn't find any on ebay at a reasonable price. Is the goal of this fuse to prevent large surges (like lightning) from hitting the MOV, or something else? If it's to prevent large surges would the .75A work ok?

    Also, I was able to find cheaper varistors. I'm thinking 150VAC should work ok because the HLK is designed to handle 240VAC but maybe I'm off on that?
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/5-x-Zinc-Oxide-Varistor-150VAC-15J-1200A-7mm-FREE-SHIPPING-/321024816822?hash=item4abe91f6b6

    How does this look?
    HLK-PM01 Wiring.png


  • Hero Member

    @petewill said:

    Also, I was able to find cheaper varistors. I'm thinking 150VAC should work ok because the HLK is designed to handle 240VAC but maybe I'm off on that?

    As long as you only feed it with 120VAC, there's no issue with that. For those that will feed it with 240VAC, they need to use it with a MOV rated above that.

    Cheers
    Al

    PS Here's an option from Digikey: http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/MOV-10D241K/MOV-10D241K-ND/2407562


  • Hero Member

    @petewill said:

    How necessary are the .2A fuses? I couldn't find any on ebay at a reasonable price. Is the goal of this fuse to prevent large surges (like lightning) from hitting the MOV, or something else? If it's to prevent large surges would the .75A work ok?

    The fuse serves two purposes, one to protect if the current draw of the power supply exceeds its rated capacity and the other to blow if the varistor starts conducting a large amount of current in a spike situation. A .75A will still provide protection, but will take a longer time to blow. You want to make sure the fuse doesn't blow because of the in-rush current at start-up, which a fast-blow fuse may do. Typically you want the fuse to be sized at about 150% max of the rated capacity so I would not exceed .3A.

    Cheers
    Al


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