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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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  • petewillP Offline
    petewillP Offline
    petewill
    Admin
    wrote on last edited by
    #17

    Thanks for the quick replies! I am torn. The ones @Didi posted look great but they are large and expensive. The ones @Moshe-Livne and @scalz ordered look appealing because of cost and size but I don't want to sacrifice safety for cost. It looks like they have temperature protection but I don't know enough about electronics to test for safety. Hmm...

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

    BulldogLowellB 1 Reply Last reply
    0
    • petewillP petewill

      Thanks for the quick replies! I am torn. The ones @Didi posted look great but they are large and expensive. The ones @Moshe-Livne and @scalz ordered look appealing because of cost and size but I don't want to sacrifice safety for cost. It looks like they have temperature protection but I don't know enough about electronics to test for safety. Hmm...

      BulldogLowellB Offline
      BulldogLowellB Offline
      BulldogLowell
      Contest Winner
      wrote on last edited by
      #18

      @petewill

      I wonder if you could open one of these and solder to the USB power leads...

      petewillP 1 Reply Last reply
      0
      • BulldogLowellB BulldogLowell

        @petewill

        I wonder if you could open one of these and solder to the USB power leads...

        petewillP Offline
        petewillP Offline
        petewill
        Admin
        wrote on last edited by
        #19

        @BulldogLowell Yeah I was thinking about that too. I'm really trying to keep costs down though. When I hit the $25 price point it's almost as much as a standard z-wave switch when all the other parts and time are included.

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

        1 Reply Last reply
        0
        • RJ_MakeR Offline
          RJ_MakeR Offline
          RJ_Make
          Hero Member
          wrote on last edited by
          #20

          My only recommendation; (if you are going to put this in side a utility box, in the wall) might want to find a solution that has the 3 standard safety features. (OTP, OVP, SCP)

          These work well, but you need to follow the data-sheet for noise and ripple control.

          RJ_Make

          petewillP 1 Reply Last reply
          0
          • RJ_MakeR RJ_Make

            My only recommendation; (if you are going to put this in side a utility box, in the wall) might want to find a solution that has the 3 standard safety features. (OTP, OVP, SCP)

            These work well, but you need to follow the data-sheet for noise and ripple control.

            petewillP Offline
            petewillP Offline
            petewill
            Admin
            wrote on last edited by
            #21

            @ServiceXp Thanks! I wonder if I can steal one of those from an existing device. Any idea what those would be used on?

            (OTP, OVP, SCP)

            Also, is that Over Temp Protection, Over Voltage Protection and Short Circuit Protection??

            These say they are certified and have temp, voltage and short circuit protection. Think it can be trusted?
            http://www.ebay.com/itm/351418782712?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

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

            Moshe LivneM RJ_MakeR 2 Replies Last reply
            0
            • sundberg84S Offline
              sundberg84S Offline
              sundberg84
              Hardware Contributor
              wrote on last edited by sundberg84
              #22
              This post is deleted!
              1 Reply Last reply
              0
              • petewillP petewill

                @ServiceXp Thanks! I wonder if I can steal one of those from an existing device. Any idea what those would be used on?

                (OTP, OVP, SCP)

                Also, is that Over Temp Protection, Over Voltage Protection and Short Circuit Protection??

                These say they are certified and have temp, voltage and short circuit protection. Think it can be trusted?
                http://www.ebay.com/itm/351418782712?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

                Moshe LivneM Offline
                Moshe LivneM Offline
                Moshe Livne
                Hero Member
                wrote on last edited by
                #23

                @petewill @ServiceXp here is the datasheet http://www.hlktech.net/product_detail.php?ProId=54

                it seems to have SCP and OCP but the OTP part seems to be left to the elements. I don't see OVP. I understand nothing of this.... Again, these looks well made, none of the crude soldering and flimsy elements you can see in the other converters (including the ones you get from wall warts). However, it being fully enclosed hides most of the details.

                DidiD 1 Reply Last reply
                0
                • Moshe LivneM Moshe Livne

                  @petewill @ServiceXp here is the datasheet http://www.hlktech.net/product_detail.php?ProId=54

                  it seems to have SCP and OCP but the OTP part seems to be left to the elements. I don't see OVP. I understand nothing of this.... Again, these looks well made, none of the crude soldering and flimsy elements you can see in the other converters (including the ones you get from wall warts). However, it being fully enclosed hides most of the details.

                  DidiD Offline
                  DidiD Offline
                  Didi
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #24

                  @Moshe-Livne said:

                  @petewill @ServiceXp here is the datasheet http://www.hlktech.net/product_detail.php?ProId=54

                  I will give them a try and order some for testing in a flush box.

                  if (knowledge == 0) { use BRAIN; use GOOGLE;use SEARCH; } else {make POST;}

                  Moshe LivneM 1 Reply Last reply
                  0
                  • DidiD Didi

                    @Moshe-Livne said:

                    @petewill @ServiceXp here is the datasheet http://www.hlktech.net/product_detail.php?ProId=54

                    I will give them a try and order some for testing in a flush box.

                    Moshe LivneM Offline
                    Moshe LivneM Offline
                    Moshe Livne
                    Hero Member
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #25

                    @Didi Shame you won't be able to get them for the 4th of July :-)

                    1 Reply Last reply
                    0
                    • petewillP Offline
                      petewillP Offline
                      petewill
                      Admin
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #26

                      @Didi said:

                      I will give them a try and order some for testing in a flush box.

                      Great! Let us know what you find. Thanks for doing this!

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

                      1 Reply Last reply
                      0
                      • petewillP petewill

                        @ServiceXp Thanks! I wonder if I can steal one of those from an existing device. Any idea what those would be used on?

                        (OTP, OVP, SCP)

                        Also, is that Over Temp Protection, Over Voltage Protection and Short Circuit Protection??

                        These say they are certified and have temp, voltage and short circuit protection. Think it can be trusted?
                        http://www.ebay.com/itm/351418782712?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

                        RJ_MakeR Offline
                        RJ_MakeR Offline
                        RJ_Make
                        Hero Member
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #27

                        @petewill said:

                        @ServiceXp Thanks! I wonder if I can steal one of those from an existing device. Any idea what those would be used on?

                        (OTP, OVP, SCP)

                        Also, is that Over Temp Protection, Over Voltage Protection and Short Circuit Protection??

                        These say they are certified and have temp, voltage and short circuit protection. Think it can be trusted?
                        http://www.ebay.com/itm/351418782712?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

                        Yes that is correct, and I don't think the HLK-OM01 has OTP, so for me, it's out. You looking for a 1 off transformer, or do you have some projects in mind?

                        RJ_Make

                        petewillP 1 Reply Last reply
                        0
                        • RJ_MakeR RJ_Make

                          @petewill said:

                          @ServiceXp Thanks! I wonder if I can steal one of those from an existing device. Any idea what those would be used on?

                          (OTP, OVP, SCP)

                          Also, is that Over Temp Protection, Over Voltage Protection and Short Circuit Protection??

                          These say they are certified and have temp, voltage and short circuit protection. Think it can be trusted?
                          http://www.ebay.com/itm/351418782712?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

                          Yes that is correct, and I don't think the HLK-OM01 has OTP, so for me, it's out. You looking for a 1 off transformer, or do you have some projects in mind?

                          petewillP Offline
                          petewillP Offline
                          petewill
                          Admin
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #28

                          @ServiceXp I was thinking about replacing a wall switch. So far all my projects have been outside a wall and I want to make sure I don't do anything stupid with this one. So, one off for now but I may make more in the future.

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

                          1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • DrJeffD Offline
                            DrJeffD Offline
                            DrJeff
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #29

                            I'm seriously thinking it skipping all of these and build a transformerless circuit directly to the board like a true in wall switch, Pete do you want to share this project. I've been playing with this for a little while but haven't had time to put it all together. I can point you to all the places but a board will need to be designed for the switch, that's almost where I'm at! 😀

                            petewillP 1 Reply Last reply
                            0
                            • sundberg84S Offline
                              sundberg84S Offline
                              sundberg84
                              Hardware Contributor
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #30

                              Just à thought... I have these cheap 1$ 240 to 5 v USB power adapters charging 5-6 different equipments every day. These was sent with the equipment as standard so why are they not be safe?

                              Moshe LivneM 1 Reply Last reply
                              0
                              • tbowmoT Offline
                                tbowmoT Offline
                                tbowmo
                                Admin
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #31

                                @sundberg84

                                Some of the aftermarket wallwarts on ebay are very flimsy builds.. Lot's of teardown videos around, describing the different problems with them (like isolation distances not being kept at correct sizes etc).

                                Moshe LivneM 1 Reply Last reply
                                0
                                • tbowmoT tbowmo

                                  @sundberg84

                                  Some of the aftermarket wallwarts on ebay are very flimsy builds.. Lot's of teardown videos around, describing the different problems with them (like isolation distances not being kept at correct sizes etc).

                                  Moshe LivneM Offline
                                  Moshe LivneM Offline
                                  Moshe Livne
                                  Hero Member
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #32

                                  @tbowmo @petewill @didi @ServiceXp I think I found the perfect one!!!!
                                  http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10001_10001_2155823_-1
                                  http://www.mouser.com/ds/2/260/GS05U-USB-spec-33533.pdf

                                  it is made by meanwell, so not flimsy. has all protections. 8$ at jameco and mouser and I am sure my meanwell supplier on aliexpress can get it for me at half price... it is a shame that they do not sell the inside separately but nothing is perfect.
                                  the only problem might be breaking it apart. Meanwell really make sturdy enclosures.
                                  let me know what you think...

                                  petewillP RJ_MakeR 3 Replies Last reply
                                  0
                                  • sundberg84S sundberg84

                                    Just à thought... I have these cheap 1$ 240 to 5 v USB power adapters charging 5-6 different equipments every day. These was sent with the equipment as standard so why are they not be safe?

                                    Moshe LivneM Offline
                                    Moshe LivneM Offline
                                    Moshe Livne
                                    Hero Member
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #33

                                    @sundberg84 I am using these as well, but not enclosed in a box or in the wall. Big difference.... when enclosed, the temp builds up and all the warning signs are hidden so its too late when you see smoke coming out of the wall. If a wall-wart combust on the outside of the wall chances are nothing serious will happen. If it does that inside the wall, with wooden frame nearby its a bit of a worry.

                                    1 Reply Last reply
                                    0
                                    • sundberg84S Offline
                                      sundberg84S Offline
                                      sundberg84
                                      Hardware Contributor
                                      wrote on last edited by sundberg84
                                      #34

                                      @tbowmo @Moshe-Livne Thx - good points.
                                      Might be a good idea not to use them at all then... since you are not always home and can detect the smoke before its to late.
                                      Hope this HLK-PM01 can be any good use... i dont want to pay 30$ and use z-wave in all in wall switches if i can do it cool and safe with mysensors... then you can play around with motion, light at the same time in the wall socket :)

                                      Moshe LivneM 1 Reply Last reply
                                      0
                                      • sundberg84S sundberg84

                                        @tbowmo @Moshe-Livne Thx - good points.
                                        Might be a good idea not to use them at all then... since you are not always home and can detect the smoke before its to late.
                                        Hope this HLK-PM01 can be any good use... i dont want to pay 30$ and use z-wave in all in wall switches if i can do it cool and safe with mysensors... then you can play around with motion, light at the same time in the wall socket :)

                                        Moshe LivneM Offline
                                        Moshe LivneM Offline
                                        Moshe Livne
                                        Hero Member
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #35

                                        @sundberg84 everything is a trade off... you take calculated risks all the time, weather you know it or not. With good external ventilation and not being overloaded I think these are safe enough. The meanwell wall wart is probably far superior but I am not sure I want to replace all my zillion wall warts. especially since it only comes with US plug i think and remains to be seen how easy it is to open.

                                        1 Reply Last reply
                                        0
                                        • sundberg84S Offline
                                          sundberg84S Offline
                                          sundberg84
                                          Hardware Contributor
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #36

                                          Well, at the moment im building a relay much like the one in petewills video.
                                          I used one of these cheap EU plugs from ebay/China.

                                          Unforntually i got profe of how things can go if you do it wrong (and also proved my point above wrong). I removed the tiny cables to 240v and replaced it with thicker and longer cables... just in case. I must have used to much solder and got to close to another solder because when i powered it up - the plug lit ut like a blue firework for half a second before my main fuse couldnt take it anymore. :(

                                          Well i was at a safe distance, and this is nothing to be proud of... but as a warning and "be safe"...
                                          Even if this error for surtain was a man-made error I dont think i will be the last to try cheap wall wart plugs - so if we can find a satisfying "easy-to-use" converted that will be fine.

                                          150705-DSC_0078.JPG

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