This fairly common power supply has a very silly flaw involving the choice of assembly hardware. It also has what I would describe as just-acceptable separation of tracks with no anti-tracking slots.
These power supplies are the type normally seen lying loose in shop windows connected to badly installed LED tape and with their open live terminals perilously close to random metal junk in the vicinity and the aluminium window frame.
The hot diode issue is why I always recommend under-running these power supplies for a much longer lifespan.
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12 thoughts on “Inside a cheap ebay led power supply. with arcing flaw.”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Olav P. says:

    Hello!
    It's amazing how the Chinese manage to create really simple running systems!
    That was also once in the West, until ???
    Good analysis!
    Thanks

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars carlu bambi says:

    Let's keep feeding the algorithm

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars halbvoll1 says:

    Thanks that you have tried to measure the Voltage-drop through the diode and explained why it didn't work, I did the same fail and couldn't figure out why until now

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars PS4 Custom Gamer says:

    Is there a reason there’s no safety caps or varistor other than budget?

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jules Anderson says:

    How do these CRAP products earn a CE mark???
    Is the CE mark in fact meaningless???

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Graham Stevenson says:

    The steel is electrolytically galvanised and the the surface is phosphate treated to provide an 'anti-fingerprint' effect. It's not at all reliable therefore for a connection unlike British Steel's *Zintec*(tm) which provides an excellent conductive surface. In Asia they seem to be really keen on the phosphated stuff which is a pig if you want a decent chassis earth.

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mayank Bhardwaj says:

    I want copy this driver please help

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mayank Bhardwaj says:

    I need this pcb data chart with all smd component

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars tundramanq says:

    Odd that the input rating does not just state 85-240 VAC. Splitting the ratings implies to me that there is a selection that needs to be set inside. Would be interesting to see what it does with the low AC voltage input – might work?

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Matt Addison says:

    I had one of those go bang on me, the legs of the 470uf smoothing cap went thru the isolation in the case

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Anthony Tidey says:

    Clive
    It has the European CE to Chinese Export mark so it should be safe Ho Ho.
    Use to visit an large switch mode power supply manufacturer in the South West for two diffrent standards company's.
    The quality manager fully tested all rebaged power supplies and their own to check they met either IT or other standard, usually international ISO/EN.
    You would have had a field day there.
    The dielectric test's on amps was intresting especially when they failed, reminded me of ElectroBoom.
    There approvals lab had 4 permanent staff, he would sign/pass anything unless it passed all tests, not the CE one.
    It now is part of a large Japanese coperation.
    If the products do not meet the standards, main one is crepages and clearance between mains and secondary circuits and earrthing ect you should send it to your local Trading Standards.
    As some one is going to be or has been hurt, killed or have a fire or both.
    Thanks for your very technical and entertaining videos, love your cap.

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tardigrade Hatchling says:

    I nearly burnt my place down forgetting about a cheap Chinese water heating element with zero cut off or thermostat, hope everyone's proud of me. It boiled away huge pan of water then started melting and was on fire when I got back to it! Genius!

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