Skip to content
  • MySensors
  • OpenHardware.io
  • Categories
  • Recent
  • Tags
  • Popular
Skins
  • Light
  • Brite
  • Cerulean
  • Cosmo
  • Flatly
  • Journal
  • Litera
  • Lumen
  • Lux
  • Materia
  • Minty
  • Morph
  • Pulse
  • Sandstone
  • Simplex
  • Sketchy
  • Spacelab
  • United
  • Yeti
  • Zephyr
  • Dark
  • Cyborg
  • Darkly
  • Quartz
  • Slate
  • Solar
  • Superhero
  • Vapor

  • Default (No Skin)
  • No Skin
Collapse
Brand Logo
  1. Home
  2. Hardware
  3. Safe In-Wall AC to DC Transformers??

Safe In-Wall AC to DC Transformers??

Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved Hardware
431 Posts 71 Posters 457.6k Views 69 Watching
  • Oldest to Newest
  • Newest to Oldest
  • Most Votes
Reply
  • Reply as topic
Log in to reply
This topic has been deleted. Only users with topic management privileges can see it.
  • 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
          1
          • 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

                            1 Reply Last reply
                            0
                            • 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
                                        0
                                        • C ceech

                                          @DrJeff Yes

                                          DrJeffD Offline
                                          DrJeffD Offline
                                          DrJeff
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #240

                                          @ceech Thanks yet again!

                                          1 Reply Last reply
                                          0
                                          Reply
                                          • Reply as topic
                                          Log in to reply
                                          • Oldest to Newest
                                          • Newest to Oldest
                                          • Most Votes


                                          13

                                          Online

                                          11.7k

                                          Users

                                          11.2k

                                          Topics

                                          113.0k

                                          Posts


                                          Copyright 2019 TBD   |   Forum Guidelines   |   Privacy Policy   |   Terms of Service
                                          • Login

                                          • Don't have an account? Register

                                          • Login or register to search.
                                          • First post
                                            Last post
                                          0
                                          • MySensors
                                          • OpenHardware.io
                                          • Categories
                                          • Recent
                                          • Tags
                                          • Popular