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  1. Home
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  3. Safe In-Wall AC to DC Transformers??

Safe In-Wall AC to DC Transformers??

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  • rvendrameR Offline
    rvendrameR Offline
    rvendrame
    Hero Member
    wrote on last edited by rvendrame
    #220

    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."

    Home Assistant / Vera Plus UI7
    ESP8266 GW + mySensors 2.3.2
    Alexa / Google Home

    M 1 Reply Last reply
    1
    • rvendrameR rvendrame

      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."

      M Offline
      M Offline
      mvdarend
      wrote on last edited by
      #221

      @rvendrame Thanks for the clarification.

      1 Reply Last reply
      0
      • Z Offline
        Z Offline
        Zeph
        Hero Member
        wrote on last edited by
        #222

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

        1 Reply Last reply
        0
        • petewillP Offline
          petewillP Offline
          petewill
          Admin
          wrote on last edited by
          #223

          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

          My "How To" home automation video channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq_Evyh5PQALx4m4CQuxqkA

          1 Reply Last reply
          0
          • rvendrameR Offline
            rvendrameR Offline
            rvendrame
            Hero Member
            wrote on last edited by
            #224

            @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).

            Home Assistant / Vera Plus UI7
            ESP8266 GW + mySensors 2.3.2
            Alexa / Google Home

            1 Reply Last reply
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            • petewillP Offline
              petewillP Offline
              petewill
              Admin
              wrote on last edited by
              #225

              @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

              My "How To" home automation video channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq_Evyh5PQALx4m4CQuxqkA

              SparkmanS 2 Replies Last reply
              0
              • petewillP petewill

                @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

                SparkmanS Offline
                SparkmanS Offline
                Sparkman
                Hero Member
                wrote on last edited by Sparkman
                #226

                @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

                1 Reply Last reply
                0
                • petewillP petewill

                  @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

                  SparkmanS Offline
                  SparkmanS Offline
                  Sparkman
                  Hero Member
                  wrote on last edited by Sparkman
                  #227

                  @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

                  petewillP 1 Reply Last reply
                  0
                  • SparkmanS Sparkman

                    @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

                    petewillP Offline
                    petewillP Offline
                    petewill
                    Admin
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #228

                    @Sparkman

                    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.

                    I am in the USA so I will only be feeding it with 120VAC, but I will make sure to note that anyone using 240VAC will need a different value varistor.

                    the fuse should be after the varistor in the circuit

                    Ok, I'm still a little confused. Are you saying it should be 120VAC -> Varistor -> Fuse -> HLK? Or, 120VAC -> Fuse -> Varistor -> HLK? I thought it was the second one but maybe I misunderstood.

                    Also, I found some fuses that are rated at 300mA! Not a bad price either!
                    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ceramic-Slow-Blow-Fuse-3-6-x-10mm-Axial-Leads-125V-250V-0-1A-6-3A-10-30pcs-/111433875797?var=&hash=item19f1fa0155

                    I think I am almost ready to start ordering parts. I am excited for this build! If anyone else has any feedback please let me know. Thanks!

                    My "How To" home automation video channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq_Evyh5PQALx4m4CQuxqkA

                    SparkmanS 1 Reply Last reply
                    0
                    • petewillP petewill

                      @Sparkman

                      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.

                      I am in the USA so I will only be feeding it with 120VAC, but I will make sure to note that anyone using 240VAC will need a different value varistor.

                      the fuse should be after the varistor in the circuit

                      Ok, I'm still a little confused. Are you saying it should be 120VAC -> Varistor -> Fuse -> HLK? Or, 120VAC -> Fuse -> Varistor -> HLK? I thought it was the second one but maybe I misunderstood.

                      Also, I found some fuses that are rated at 300mA! Not a bad price either!
                      http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ceramic-Slow-Blow-Fuse-3-6-x-10mm-Axial-Leads-125V-250V-0-1A-6-3A-10-30pcs-/111433875797?var=&hash=item19f1fa0155

                      I think I am almost ready to start ordering parts. I am excited for this build! If anyone else has any feedback please let me know. Thanks!

                      SparkmanS Offline
                      SparkmanS Offline
                      Sparkman
                      Hero Member
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #229

                      @petewill said:

                      @Sparkman

                      the fuse should be after the varistor in the circuit

                      Ok, I'm still a little confused. Are you saying it should be 120VAC -> Varistor -> Fuse -> HLK? Or, 120VAC -> Fuse -> Varistor -> HLK? I thought it was the second one but maybe I misunderstood.

                      Sorry, the wording I used was unclear and was based on the 120VAC being on the right in your diagram :-). Yes, it is 120VAC -> Fuse -> Varistor -> HLK.

                      Cheers
                      Al

                      petewillP 1 Reply Last reply
                      0
                      • SparkmanS Sparkman

                        @petewill said:

                        @Sparkman

                        the fuse should be after the varistor in the circuit

                        Ok, I'm still a little confused. Are you saying it should be 120VAC -> Varistor -> Fuse -> HLK? Or, 120VAC -> Fuse -> Varistor -> HLK? I thought it was the second one but maybe I misunderstood.

                        Sorry, the wording I used was unclear and was based on the 120VAC being on the right in your diagram :-). Yes, it is 120VAC -> Fuse -> Varistor -> HLK.

                        Cheers
                        Al

                        petewillP Offline
                        petewillP Offline
                        petewill
                        Admin
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #230

                        @Sparkman Great, thanks! The parts have been ordered. Can't wait!

                        My "How To" home automation video channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq_Evyh5PQALx4m4CQuxqkA

                        1 Reply Last reply
                        0
                        • C ceech

                          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.

                          F Offline
                          F Offline
                          Fabien
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #231

                          @ceech said:

                          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.

                          Do you have some shcematic of this board ? I'd like to adapt it for 2 relays

                          C 1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • Cliff KarlssonC Offline
                            Cliff KarlssonC Offline
                            Cliff Karlsson
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #232

                            Can anyone give me ebay-links to the parts I need to order to use the HLK with 230V.

                            I am getting a little confused about all the links.

                            1 Reply Last reply
                            0
                            • rvendrameR Offline
                              rvendrameR Offline
                              rvendrame
                              Hero Member
                              wrote on last edited by rvendrame
                              #233

                              This is the one I sent to be reviewed:

                              http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-Shipping-1pcs-lot-HLK-PM01-AC-DC-220V-to-5V-mini-power-supply-module-intelligent/32408565688.html

                              Home Assistant / Vera Plus UI7
                              ESP8266 GW + mySensors 2.3.2
                              Alexa / Google Home

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                              • Cliff KarlssonC Offline
                                Cliff KarlssonC Offline
                                Cliff Karlsson
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #234

                                Ok thanks, but I meant the fuses, varistors and stuff.

                                petewillP 1 Reply Last reply
                                0
                                • Cliff KarlssonC Cliff Karlsson

                                  Ok thanks, but I meant the fuses, varistors and stuff.

                                  petewillP Offline
                                  petewillP Offline
                                  petewill
                                  Admin
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #235

                                  @Cliff-Karlsson
                                  I haven't tested any of these parts yet but this is what I ordered. I am in the USA so this is spec'd for 120 VAC. If you're using 240 you will need to change the size of the Varistor but everything else should be fine for 240.

                                  Varistor for 120VAC - http://www.ebay.com/itm/321024816822?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

                                  73°C Thermal Fuse - http://www.ebay.com/itm/221560426284?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&var=520415979885&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

                                  250V 300mA Slow Blow Fuse - http://www.ebay.com/itm/111433875797?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&var=410420838583&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

                                  HLK-PM01 - http://www.ebay.com/itm/351418782712?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

                                  My "How To" home automation video channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq_Evyh5PQALx4m4CQuxqkA

                                  1 Reply Last reply
                                  1
                                  • F Fabien

                                    @ceech said:

                                    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.

                                    Do you have some shcematic of this board ? I'd like to adapt it for 2 relays

                                    C Offline
                                    C Offline
                                    ceech
                                    Hardware Contributor
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #236

                                    @Fabien @DrJeff Here is a link to board and schematic files for the transformerless AC-DC converter:
                                    https://github.com/ceech/AC_SR087

                                    DrJeffD 1 Reply Last reply
                                    2
                                    • M Offline
                                      M Offline
                                      MartinP
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #237

                                      Would this varistor work with 240v?
                                      http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-x-Zinc-Oxide-Varistor-250VAC-60J-2500A-10mm-/260848704608?hash=item3cbbcb5c60

                                      petewillP 1 Reply Last reply
                                      0
                                      • C ceech

                                        @Fabien @DrJeff Here is a link to board and schematic files for the transformerless AC-DC converter:
                                        https://github.com/ceech/AC_SR087

                                        DrJeffD Offline
                                        DrJeffD Offline
                                        DrJeff
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #238

                                        @ceech can't look at the files right now is this a dimmer switch that is transformerless?

                                        C 1 Reply Last reply
                                        0
                                        • DrJeffD DrJeff

                                          @ceech can't look at the files right now is this a dimmer switch that is transformerless?

                                          C Offline
                                          C Offline
                                          ceech
                                          Hardware Contributor
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #239

                                          @DrJeff Yes

                                          DrJeffD 1 Reply Last reply
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