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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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  • P 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

    S Offline
    S 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

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    • S 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

      P Offline
      P 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

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      • P 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!

        S Offline
        S 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

        P 1 Reply Last reply
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        • S 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

          P Offline
          P 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

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          • 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
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            • 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
              • R Offline
                R 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.

                  P 1 Reply Last reply
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                  • Cliff KarlssonC Cliff Karlsson

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

                    P Offline
                    P 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

                        P 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
                              • M MartinP

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

                                P Offline
                                P Offline
                                petewill
                                Admin
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #241

                                @MartinP Based on my limited knowledge, yes, that should work. Maybe someone else can chime in to confirm?

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

                                S 1 Reply Last reply
                                0
                                • F Offline
                                  F Offline
                                  Fabien
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #242

                                  thank you @ceech

                                  1 Reply Last reply
                                  0
                                  • P petewill

                                    @MartinP Based on my limited knowledge, yes, that should work. Maybe someone else can chime in to confirm?

                                    S Offline
                                    S Offline
                                    Sparkman
                                    Hero Member
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #243

                                    @petewill said:

                                    @MartinP Based on my limited knowledge, yes, that should work. Maybe someone else can chime in to confirm?

                                    I would personally go with a higher voltage rating. Something like 15-20% higher than your normal voltage otherwise you may get regular nuisance trips. So for a 240 VAC system, I would use something close to 290V.

                                    Cheers
                                    Al

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                                    0
                                    • S Sparkman

                                      @petewill said:

                                      @MartinP Based on my limited knowledge, yes, that should work. Maybe someone else can chime in to confirm?

                                      I would personally go with a higher voltage rating. Something like 15-20% higher than your normal voltage otherwise you may get regular nuisance trips. So for a 240 VAC system, I would use something close to 290V.

                                      Cheers
                                      Al

                                      P Offline
                                      P Offline
                                      petewill
                                      Admin
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #244

                                      @Sparkman Thanks!

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

                                      1 Reply Last reply
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                                        RJ_Make
                                        Hero Member
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #245

                                        20150929_193752.jpg :stuck_out_tongue:

                                        RJ_Make

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                                        • R RJ_Make

                                          20150929_193752.jpg :stuck_out_tongue:

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                                          Yveaux
                                          Mod
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #246

                                          @ServiceXp :+1: long evening ahead :satisfied:

                                          http://yveaux.blogspot.nl

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