Supply 230V/5V for node ? Mini Pro, NRF24L01, ams1117

[skywatch]

@evb The last 2 photos on this thread show those cheap crappy Chinese power converters that wouldn't likely pass electrical safety checks in many countries (they can get away with it as it is not a finished product and is not subject to electrical safety inspection in your country before you get it).

Power supplies are not an area you want to scrimp on!

Make sure that they are properly isolated with a large gap (preferably an air gap) for the high voltage side along with fuses, filters and mov's.

The most important things with power is safety (your life and other peoples).
Fire risk (would your home insurance pay out if one of these was found to be the cause of a fire?).
Heat. All power converters generate heat of some sort. It needs to go somewhere or the life of the components will be shortened and the risk of fire increases.
Lets also not forget that the fewer components on a power board will usually make the output electrically 'noisier' and can cause thier own problems with the radio side of things or other equipment.

[evb]

@Jmarcusse, I agree totally with @skywatch
That's the reason why I use a simple power adapter where it is possible. For example an USB power adapter from an old smarthphone or adapter from a known manufacturer like the PSSE0910BN from Velleman (very well know in Belgium). The latter are more expensive, but safer!

If you still want to incorporate the 220V convertor module in your design, consider the proposal of @skywatch ==> an air gap between them ==> make two PCB's, one with only the 220V power module and one with the low voltage components...

[skywatch]

@evb An air gap can be a slot cut out of the pcb around the live/neutral/earth and also between the high voltage side and the low voltage side. It helps reduce 'flash over' in the event of a surge, nearby lightning strike or even humid conditions.

I have a collection of power supplies from China that I simply won't use due to safety concerns.

I even once bought some 'finished' (in a sealed case) 12v power supplies. I ordered 4 of them. All had the same markings, same case, same CE logo.

Opening them up I find 3 different boards that had been chopped out of other equipment (with the original 240V input wires twisted and simply cut off and left flaping around in the breeze. I had to do some work on them before I'd even plug them in!!!

Also, be warned that there are plenty of fake/counterfeit power supplies out there.

[Didou]

@Jmarcusse
ON my side i do use many modules over 230 AC power without difficulties, but i'm always using Hi-Link modules for either 5v or 3.3v. I'm using different Arduino flavors (SAMD, NRF52, ...) no issues

[skywatch]

@Didou I hope you got genuine Hi-Link modules and not the fake ones! ;)

[cabat]

I am using the same power supply in one of my device (dimmer for aqua LED lamp)- it work good..

[skywatch]

@cabat OMG - what is the colour coding in your country for live and neutral?

I'd love to know why blue turning into brown is acceptable practice :)

[cabat]

@skywatch Don't worry - in my case it doesn't matter, because the plug can be inserted into the socket on both sides :)

[Didou]

@skywatch Get them from ali, there are fake one's ? any security issues with tem ? . Some of them are working well till 2 years at least.

[Didou]

@skywatch For me always blue for Neutral and black or red or brown for phase

[Didou]

@skywatch on my side I do alway add air gaps to be sure on the module as well on relay or other main supply related components

[skywatch]

Sorry for late reply I was away for Chtistmas.

Good to see you use good practice. Trouble is that there are many that don't and the fakers are only after moeny and don't care about you or your property.

Yes there are fake Hi-link modules being sold. Name is no guarantee as Meanwell have also been faked. In your case you would have to destroy one to see if it were genuine. Ali is notorious for scammers to sell fake goods. But ebay, banggood and Amazon are not free of this type of thing...

Yout best bet is to pay extra and get from a repuatble electronics supplier, yes it's more money, but you will sleep knowing you have genuine safe powersupplies in your home.

[Didou]

@skywatch Good advise, I was also on the price. There is some time huge price difference in Europ between regular suppliers en Chiness market, especially when you order low quantities, items are expensive and you do incure transportation cots in addition ... So for the time being I do limit that to the things I can't find on chines market !

But your call is also important, as ensuring safety !

[skywatch]

@Didou I know that cheap price is attractive, but in the long run it may not be the wisest path to take, especially with things connected to high voltages.

When I mentioned the 4 'fake' power supplies back up this thread the thing that alerted me to be concerned was the fact that the power cables sent with them broke THREE electrical safety regulations in the UK. People are importing dangerous items and using them unawares. Its frightning really as there was even a case of a child being killed by a fake games console bad power supply. The risks are real.

If you understand spoken English there is a TV program called 'Fake Britain' which i believe is on the web too. It follows investigations into all sorts of fake and dangerous items that get into the country. It's a very enlightening watch.