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Safe In-Wall AC to DC Transformers??

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  • P Offline
    P Offline
    Pete357
    wrote on last edited by
    #390

    Hi all,

    I have used MEAN WELL IRM-10-5, 5V/2A/10W for some of my projects, since they were available in my local store. They are ok, robust, good quality.
    But as they are much bigger, 10W and cost me 7,5 EUR per piece I wanted to try HLKs for some projects.
    This was my 1st order of HLKs. As I had no experience and wanted to avoid fakes I used ebay link from Power Sources at MySensors Store, this one:
    http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5574962087&toolid=10001&campid=5337834143&customid=nodebb&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2F261985573055
    BTW it is the same seller and store as mentioned by some other members here on forum.

    I was impatiently waiting for them. Finally yeasterday (after 3 weeks) I found the package on my desk. First look when I unpacked it indicates something is not ok. Came back to this thread to see how to check the fakes ... unpleasant findings ... poor enclosure, thinner pins, every at different lenghts, non blocking mechanism on pins, no quality labels, no bar codes, no dot mark on top, different markings on top...
    These ones look much worse as I could even expect from fakes:
    0_1510045901431_IMG_7587-001.jpg
    3_1510045929288_IMG_7585-001.jpg 2_1510045929288_IMG_7584-001.jpg 1_1510045929288_IMG_7583-001.jpg 0_1510045929288_IMG_7579-001.jpg

    Please can somebody more experienced with HLKs recommend really reliable source where to buy the right modules?

    Thanks
    Pete

    ferroF dbemowskD 2 Replies Last reply
    1
    • P Pete357

      Hi all,

      I have used MEAN WELL IRM-10-5, 5V/2A/10W for some of my projects, since they were available in my local store. They are ok, robust, good quality.
      But as they are much bigger, 10W and cost me 7,5 EUR per piece I wanted to try HLKs for some projects.
      This was my 1st order of HLKs. As I had no experience and wanted to avoid fakes I used ebay link from Power Sources at MySensors Store, this one:
      http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5574962087&toolid=10001&campid=5337834143&customid=nodebb&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2F261985573055
      BTW it is the same seller and store as mentioned by some other members here on forum.

      I was impatiently waiting for them. Finally yeasterday (after 3 weeks) I found the package on my desk. First look when I unpacked it indicates something is not ok. Came back to this thread to see how to check the fakes ... unpleasant findings ... poor enclosure, thinner pins, every at different lenghts, non blocking mechanism on pins, no quality labels, no bar codes, no dot mark on top, different markings on top...
      These ones look much worse as I could even expect from fakes:
      0_1510045901431_IMG_7587-001.jpg
      3_1510045929288_IMG_7585-001.jpg 2_1510045929288_IMG_7584-001.jpg 1_1510045929288_IMG_7583-001.jpg 0_1510045929288_IMG_7579-001.jpg

      Please can somebody more experienced with HLKs recommend really reliable source where to buy the right modules?

      Thanks
      Pete

      ferroF Offline
      ferroF Offline
      ferro
      wrote on last edited by
      #391

      @Pete357 said in Safe In-Wall AC to DC Transformers??:

      Please can somebody more experienced with HLKs recommend really reliable source where to buy the right modules?

      To be sure you get genuine module buy it directly from the vendor:
      http://www.hlktech.net/product.php?CateId=10

      P 1 Reply Last reply
      0
      • ferroF ferro

        @Pete357 said in Safe In-Wall AC to DC Transformers??:

        Please can somebody more experienced with HLKs recommend really reliable source where to buy the right modules?

        To be sure you get genuine module buy it directly from the vendor:
        http://www.hlktech.net/product.php?CateId=10

        P Offline
        P Offline
        Pete357
        wrote on last edited by
        #392

        @ferro Thank you, didnt know they have own eshop. I should have been looking for it before.
        I suggest to put this link into MySensors Store instead of that ebay link, for others looking where to buy it and not to make the same mistake as I did.

        Thanks
        Pete

        Nca78N 1 Reply Last reply
        1
        • P Pete357

          @ferro Thank you, didnt know they have own eshop. I should have been looking for it before.
          I suggest to put this link into MySensors Store instead of that ebay link, for others looking where to buy it and not to make the same mistake as I did.

          Thanks
          Pete

          Nca78N Offline
          Nca78N Offline
          Nca78
          Hardware Contributor
          wrote on last edited by
          #393

          Very ugly modules indeed, I'm not familiar with ebay but you should have some sort of buyer protection ?
          I could easily get money back on Aliexpress with mines that were looking better, so on ebay it should not be a problem.

          1 Reply Last reply
          0
          • P Pete357

            Hi all,

            I have used MEAN WELL IRM-10-5, 5V/2A/10W for some of my projects, since they were available in my local store. They are ok, robust, good quality.
            But as they are much bigger, 10W and cost me 7,5 EUR per piece I wanted to try HLKs for some projects.
            This was my 1st order of HLKs. As I had no experience and wanted to avoid fakes I used ebay link from Power Sources at MySensors Store, this one:
            http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5574962087&toolid=10001&campid=5337834143&customid=nodebb&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2F261985573055
            BTW it is the same seller and store as mentioned by some other members here on forum.

            I was impatiently waiting for them. Finally yeasterday (after 3 weeks) I found the package on my desk. First look when I unpacked it indicates something is not ok. Came back to this thread to see how to check the fakes ... unpleasant findings ... poor enclosure, thinner pins, every at different lenghts, non blocking mechanism on pins, no quality labels, no bar codes, no dot mark on top, different markings on top...
            These ones look much worse as I could even expect from fakes:
            0_1510045901431_IMG_7587-001.jpg
            3_1510045929288_IMG_7585-001.jpg 2_1510045929288_IMG_7584-001.jpg 1_1510045929288_IMG_7583-001.jpg 0_1510045929288_IMG_7579-001.jpg

            Please can somebody more experienced with HLKs recommend really reliable source where to buy the right modules?

            Thanks
            Pete

            dbemowskD Offline
            dbemowskD Offline
            dbemowsk
            wrote on last edited by
            #394

            @Pete357 I had an issue with some modules that I bought that were not packed well. When they arrived, I had one or two that had at least one pin bent nearly all the way over. Some had case damage that was slight, but still usable. I contacted the seller and got half my money back. I tested all the modules and they all functioned properly. I use MOVs and fuses on the input power, so I figure I should be pretty protected in the event of a failure. I am not pushing them anywhere near the limits either. Do what you feel is necessary for your case though.

            Vera Plus running UI7 with MySensors, Sonoffs and 1-Wire devices
            Visit my website for more Bits, Bytes and Ramblings from me: http://dan.bemowski.info/

            1 Reply Last reply
            0
            • hekH Online
              hekH Online
              hek
              Admin
              wrote on last edited by
              #395

              Ok, removed the ebay link from the buying guide. If someone finds an alternative ebay seller with genuine modules, let me know.

              1 Reply Last reply
              0
              • dbemowskD Offline
                dbemowskD Offline
                dbemowsk
                wrote on last edited by
                #396

                Sorry, I didn't mean to imply that I bought them from that link. Never the less, it sounds like those are not genuine.

                Vera Plus running UI7 with MySensors, Sonoffs and 1-Wire devices
                Visit my website for more Bits, Bytes and Ramblings from me: http://dan.bemowski.info/

                1 Reply Last reply
                0
                • M Offline
                  M Offline
                  matz
                  wrote on last edited by matz
                  #397

                  Hi Guys,

                  What a huge topic :)

                  Has anyone tested this 3,2 $ module ? Do you think it is safe to put it in the wall socket ?

                  AC-DC Isolated AC 110V / 220V To DC 5V 600mA Constant Voltage Switch Power Supply Converter Module

                  In the comments on guy disassembled it :

                  alt text

                  alt text
                  Regards

                  Matz

                  korttomaK 1 Reply Last reply
                  0
                  • M matz

                    Hi Guys,

                    What a huge topic :)

                    Has anyone tested this 3,2 $ module ? Do you think it is safe to put it in the wall socket ?

                    AC-DC Isolated AC 110V / 220V To DC 5V 600mA Constant Voltage Switch Power Supply Converter Module

                    In the comments on guy disassembled it :

                    alt text

                    alt text
                    Regards

                    Matz

                    korttomaK Offline
                    korttomaK Offline
                    korttoma
                    Hero Member
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #398

                    @matz why not use the HLK-PM01 that is known to be safe?

                    http://www.hlktech.net/product_detail.php?ProId=54

                    • Tomas
                    1 Reply Last reply
                    1
                    • M Offline
                      M Offline
                      matz
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #399

                      Hi

                      I understood that the HLK-PM01 can not be directly used out of the box, and that we need to solder it to a pcb with Varistor etc. but i may be wrong

                      I dont have the skills to do that for something potentially dangerous. I need something that can be used out of the box and connect it directly to a wemos mini d1

                      Nca78N 1 Reply Last reply
                      1
                      • M matz

                        Hi

                        I understood that the HLK-PM01 can not be directly used out of the box, and that we need to solder it to a pcb with Varistor etc. but i may be wrong

                        I dont have the skills to do that for something potentially dangerous. I need something that can be used out of the box and connect it directly to a wemos mini d1

                        Nca78N Offline
                        Nca78N Offline
                        Nca78
                        Hardware Contributor
                        wrote on last edited by Nca78
                        #400

                        @matz said in Safe In-Wall AC to DC Transformers??:

                        Hi

                        I understood that the HLK-PM01 can not be directly used out of the box, and that we need to solder it to a pcb with Varistor etc. but i may be wrong

                        I dont have the skills to do that for something potentially dangerous. I need something that can be used out of the box and connect it directly to a wemos mini d1

                        But from the pictures, it doesn't look like this is safer than an HLK... much more like the opposite.

                        They didn't even bother to make slots to increase creepage, while high voltage and low voltage sides are clearly way too close. You can compare with layout on the HLK here, there's way more distance between the too sides of the board, but still they added a wide slot under the optocoupler (on the side, next to R6) to increase creepage.
                        http://lygte-info.dk/pic/USB PS/P01 Hi-Link HLK-PM01/DSC_1454a.jpg

                        There's also no filling in the enclosure for extra isolation, to even the heat generated and to protect components from environmental pollution. It should be ok for dust because opening is small but not at all for humidity...

                        If you look at the product description of the exact same power supply (without the box) on AliExpress you can see they advise much more extra components than for the HLK: input fuse and at the output: RC filter, extra ceramic capacitor for high frequency noise, TVS diode and Y2 safety capacitor.
                        https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/1PCS-SANMIN-AC220V-to-DC3-3V-600MA-3W-Power-supply-Isolated-switching-power-supply-module-220V/923896_32799372973.html

                        If you don't trust an HLK with extra safety (fuse + MOV) in your wall you shouldn't trust that thing. It doesn't seem to have much consideration for high/low voltage sides isolation and it's just been put in a plastic box like it is a complete and safe power supply, while the safety components advised by the original maker were not added...

                        M 1 Reply Last reply
                        2
                        • Nca78N Nca78

                          @matz said in Safe In-Wall AC to DC Transformers??:

                          Hi

                          I understood that the HLK-PM01 can not be directly used out of the box, and that we need to solder it to a pcb with Varistor etc. but i may be wrong

                          I dont have the skills to do that for something potentially dangerous. I need something that can be used out of the box and connect it directly to a wemos mini d1

                          But from the pictures, it doesn't look like this is safer than an HLK... much more like the opposite.

                          They didn't even bother to make slots to increase creepage, while high voltage and low voltage sides are clearly way too close. You can compare with layout on the HLK here, there's way more distance between the too sides of the board, but still they added a wide slot under the optocoupler (on the side, next to R6) to increase creepage.
                          http://lygte-info.dk/pic/USB PS/P01 Hi-Link HLK-PM01/DSC_1454a.jpg

                          There's also no filling in the enclosure for extra isolation, to even the heat generated and to protect components from environmental pollution. It should be ok for dust because opening is small but not at all for humidity...

                          If you look at the product description of the exact same power supply (without the box) on AliExpress you can see they advise much more extra components than for the HLK: input fuse and at the output: RC filter, extra ceramic capacitor for high frequency noise, TVS diode and Y2 safety capacitor.
                          https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/1PCS-SANMIN-AC220V-to-DC3-3V-600MA-3W-Power-supply-Isolated-switching-power-supply-module-220V/923896_32799372973.html

                          If you don't trust an HLK with extra safety (fuse + MOV) in your wall you shouldn't trust that thing. It doesn't seem to have much consideration for high/low voltage sides isolation and it's just been put in a plastic box like it is a complete and safe power supply, while the safety components advised by the original maker were not added...

                          M Offline
                          M Offline
                          matz
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #401

                          @nca78

                          Thanks a lot for this complete answer. I understand that i should use HLK but put in on a PCB and add varistor and fuse like described in the edit of the first post. The problem is that I really don't know a lot about eletronic. For arduino things in 5v or 3,3v I have no problem to try to do myself, in order to learn, but for 220v i prefer to use a finished product... Is there exist somewhere a finished product with the HLK and all necessary pieces, ready to wire to the 220 v and to the arduino/nodemcu ?

                          Regards

                          Matz

                          sundberg84S 1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • M matz

                            @nca78

                            Thanks a lot for this complete answer. I understand that i should use HLK but put in on a PCB and add varistor and fuse like described in the edit of the first post. The problem is that I really don't know a lot about eletronic. For arduino things in 5v or 3,3v I have no problem to try to do myself, in order to learn, but for 220v i prefer to use a finished product... Is there exist somewhere a finished product with the HLK and all necessary pieces, ready to wire to the 220 v and to the arduino/nodemcu ?

                            Regards

                            Matz

                            sundberg84S Offline
                            sundberg84S Offline
                            sundberg84
                            Hardware Contributor
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #402

                            @matz I have made a breakout board. But using this and the pre-defined components you are on the right track. It's all easy to solder components (temp fuse can be a little tricky) . I don't have much time to source and solder assembled projects but have a look and you might get some ideas.

                            https://www.openhardware.io/view/504/HLK-PM01-breakout-board

                            Controller: Proxmox VM - Home Assistant
                            MySensors GW: Arduino Uno - W5100 Ethernet, Gw Shield Nrf24l01+ 2,4Ghz
                            MySensors GW: Arduino Uno - Gw Shield RFM69, 433mhz
                            RFLink GW - Arduino Mega + RFLink Shield, 433mhz

                            M 1 Reply Last reply
                            1
                            • sundberg84S sundberg84

                              @matz I have made a breakout board. But using this and the pre-defined components you are on the right track. It's all easy to solder components (temp fuse can be a little tricky) . I don't have much time to source and solder assembled projects but have a look and you might get some ideas.

                              https://www.openhardware.io/view/504/HLK-PM01-breakout-board

                              M Offline
                              M Offline
                              matz
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #403

                              @sundberg84

                              Thanks a lot it is very useful and i'm sure i can do it myself with tour board already designed.

                              Juste one question : what are the sizes of the bard in all 3 dimensions ? I need to be sure it will fit in the wall where i need to put it before ordering the components. I could not find these info on the page you sent me.

                              sundberg84S 1 Reply Last reply
                              0
                              • M matz

                                @sundberg84

                                Thanks a lot it is very useful and i'm sure i can do it myself with tour board already designed.

                                Juste one question : what are the sizes of the bard in all 3 dimensions ? I need to be sure it will fit in the wall where i need to put it before ordering the components. I could not find these info on the page you sent me.

                                sundberg84S Offline
                                sundberg84S Offline
                                sundberg84
                                Hardware Contributor
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #404

                                @matz hmm, traveling now so can't measure but 50 long I'm sure. It's probably 35-40mm wide.

                                Controller: Proxmox VM - Home Assistant
                                MySensors GW: Arduino Uno - W5100 Ethernet, Gw Shield Nrf24l01+ 2,4Ghz
                                MySensors GW: Arduino Uno - Gw Shield RFM69, 433mhz
                                RFLink GW - Arduino Mega + RFLink Shield, 433mhz

                                M 1 Reply Last reply
                                0
                                • sundberg84S sundberg84

                                  @matz hmm, traveling now so can't measure but 50 long I'm sure. It's probably 35-40mm wide.

                                  M Offline
                                  M Offline
                                  matz
                                  wrote on last edited by matz
                                  #405

                                  @sundberg84
                                  Quite small, so.

                                  In a link above i've seen a review of the HLK from one guy who seems to know about electronics.

                                  He recommends using the VIGORTRONIX VTX-214-005-105 AC/DC PCB Mount Power Supply . He said "for only a few quid more you win a switch mode PSU that stands a chance of not requiring external components to pass Class B!"

                                  Anyone here has tested the Vigortronix ? Is it better than HLK ?

                                  dbemowskD 1 Reply Last reply
                                  0
                                  • M matz

                                    @sundberg84
                                    Quite small, so.

                                    In a link above i've seen a review of the HLK from one guy who seems to know about electronics.

                                    He recommends using the VIGORTRONIX VTX-214-005-105 AC/DC PCB Mount Power Supply . He said "for only a few quid more you win a switch mode PSU that stands a chance of not requiring external components to pass Class B!"

                                    Anyone here has tested the Vigortronix ? Is it better than HLK ?

                                    dbemowskD Offline
                                    dbemowskD Offline
                                    dbemowsk
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #406

                                    @matz Never tried the Vigortronix, but I tried some from a company called Recom that were pretty good. Quite a bit higher in price though too.

                                    Vera Plus running UI7 with MySensors, Sonoffs and 1-Wire devices
                                    Visit my website for more Bits, Bytes and Ramblings from me: http://dan.bemowski.info/

                                    M 1 Reply Last reply
                                    0
                                    • dbemowskD dbemowsk

                                      @matz Never tried the Vigortronix, but I tried some from a company called Recom that were pretty good. Quite a bit higher in price though too.

                                      M Offline
                                      M Offline
                                      matz
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #407

                                      @dbemowsk
                                      Ok thanks. I will try to build the sundberg84 board but i will try also to find a case built with a 3D printer as i prefer not to let all this stuff unprotected in case someone else than me in the futur open the wall socket

                                      dbemowskD 1 Reply Last reply
                                      0
                                      • M matz

                                        @dbemowsk
                                        Ok thanks. I will try to build the sundberg84 board but i will try also to find a case built with a 3D printer as i prefer not to let all this stuff unprotected in case someone else than me in the futur open the wall socket

                                        dbemowskD Offline
                                        dbemowskD Offline
                                        dbemowsk
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #408

                                        @matz Now that I have had my 3D printer for a year, I don't know why I didn't get one sooner. FOr these very reasons. If I need a case for something, I cad it out and make it.

                                        Vera Plus running UI7 with MySensors, Sonoffs and 1-Wire devices
                                        Visit my website for more Bits, Bytes and Ramblings from me: http://dan.bemowski.info/

                                        M 1 Reply Last reply
                                        0
                                        • dbemowskD dbemowsk

                                          @matz Now that I have had my 3D printer for a year, I don't know why I didn't get one sooner. FOr these very reasons. If I need a case for something, I cad it out and make it.

                                          M Offline
                                          M Offline
                                          matz
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #409

                                          @dbemowsk
                                          I'm planning to buy one, i'm sure there are plenty usage of it (sorry for my bad english i'm french :))

                                          Concerning the PSU, one question : we could just disasemble an iphone charger, the small one is 5cm x 1,5cm x 3 cm, and reuse it in the wall. IMHO it is more safe than build ourselves a PSU. Has anybody tried this ?

                                          dbemowskD sundberg84S 2 Replies Last reply
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