Danger - faulty switchmode power supplies
I recently bought a cheap USB hub from Ebay - Chinese made, ridiculously cheap, and came with a small switch-mode PSU not much bigger than a 13A mains plug. After a couple of weeks use, the PSU emitted a loud bang, and showered bits of hot metal and burning plastic across the room. Closer inspection revealed no CE marking; taking it apart, half of one resistor had vapourised and there was clear signs of overheating on other components, with some local melting of the case.
The label identifies it as 'AC Adaptor Model KS868 Input AC 110 - 140V 50/60Hz Output DC5V +-0.2v DC500mA+-30mA' - output connector is a wired-in circular DC connector plug, not a USB cable.
Pictures at https://picasaweb.google.com/1158460...eat=directlink
If you have one of these, obviously please don't use it!
Please repost this on any appropriate forum and to your Facebook contacts - might stop somebody's house burning down, may even save a life.
Re: Danger - faulty switchmode power supplies
I had a similar problem with the PSU of a USB hub a few years ago, but that just stopped working - no molten lead shower. When disassembled, some bits were obviously burned.
This is a feature of electrical products in a cut-throat economy. I once tried looking for a visibily high quality USB hub, but couldn't find one.
I sometimes pay silly amounts for quality PSUs. Those for my ADSL router and bedside alarm clock cost £34 and £23 from Farnell. I have another 12v Mascot branded PSU for a WRT54G, a 9v for a fibre-copper media converter and an 18v for a firewall, all costing similar amounts. I just don't trust cheap power supplies.
Re: Danger - faulty switchmode power supplies
Quote:
Originally Posted by
greenalien
<---snip
If you have one of these, obviously please don't use it!
Please repost this on any appropriate forum and to your Facebook contacts - might stop somebody's house burning down, may even save a life.
Better still, report it to trading standards, weho may be able to track down the importer, stop any further imports, and get the product recalled.
Also worth reporting it to Ebay.
