Safe In-Wall AC to DC Transformers??
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@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.
@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' :grimacing:
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?
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@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.
@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.
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Does anyone know of any 120V AC to 5V DC transformers that are safe to put in a wall electrical box? I have been using old cell phone chargers for most of my projects but I was recently pondering putting something right in the wall. Since shipping can take so long I thought I'd ask now before I even start on the project.
I did some searching and couldn't find anything so I thought I'd ask the experts here.
Thanks in advance!
EDIT 9/7/2016
Watch out for Fakes! Read more here: https://forum.mysensors.org/topic/1607/safe-in-wall-ac-to-dc-transformers/355
If in doubt you can get them directly from the vendor here: http://www.hlktech.net/product.php?CateId=10EDIT 12/28/2015
After MUCH discussion on this here are the findings of this thread (as of now):Here is the diagram for how things should be wired:

These are the parts I ordered. I haven't tested any of these parts yet as this project has been put on the back burner for now :(. 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.
Also, see these posts for more discussion/ideas if interested:
http://forum.mysensors.org/topic/1540/110v-230v-ac-to-mysensors-pcb-board
http://forum.mysensors.org/topic/2488/in-wall-pcbVaristor 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
Pete
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@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. -
@Didi, did you end up doing horrible things to these? You said something about flashbox?
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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)
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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.
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This one is not "safe", but it is an In-Wall AC to DC converter. Transformerless. With a 3A Solid state relay:


The converter output is 3.3V at 100mA and the solid state relay is a Triac.
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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.
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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.
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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.
@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. -
@Bertb Yes, it shouldn't be touched. It can be used with wall-mounted mains switches, though. Placed behind it.
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@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?
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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.
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@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!
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@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!