Build quality? C-Tick? I doubt that this is compliant.... - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Synthtech
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2022, 03:20:52 am
content: I opened up a locally purchased Autotransformer as the front section was loose and after I removed the two M3 screws that were all that was in between me and mains voltage I was disappointed to see just how poorly assembled it is. Tack soldered mains wires when the tabs have slots, awful soldering on the fuse holder... How does this pass any competent compliance safety inspection?And if I were to re-terminate the the wires properly by passing them through the holes in the lugs and fixing the sub-standard solder joints I would be technically "modifying" the device which makes it non-compliant. You couldn't make it up.

author: xrunner
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2022, 03:25:52 am
content: Oh yea ... I got a similar thing a few years ago. Horrible quality. Pro Tip: Check how ground continuity gets to the various metal case parts. Hint - the paint might be in the way ...

author: MrMobodies
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2022, 06:37:07 am
content: That bottom one with the two wires seem to be a it loose at the bottom like it is hanging off a bit with the strands sticking out.I wonder is it in the solder ball or stuck on the side waiting to fall off one day and just I see two blue cables not one and a brown one underneath that.

author: Circlotron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2022, 07:28:04 am
content: C-Tick is for EMC compliance, not for electrical safety as far as I know.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2022, 12:54:29 pm
content: The price you pay for low cost oriental products like that is that you should expect for 'finish' them for the manufacturer. Use the wiring as an indication of where the connections need to go and then re-work them with proper mechanical connections, heatshrink etc.Pay particular attention to quality and security of the case ground, strain relief and the quality of the switch and fuseholder. Also ensure (and add if necessary) that there is a fuse in the output line from the wiper - this is critical to avoiding destruction if you accidentally overload it at low voltage settings.If you are prepared to do the above, they are still good value.

author: Synthtech
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2022, 09:59:59 am
content: Quote from: Gyro on March 09, 2022, 12:54:29 pmGood advice, thanks!

author: SL4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2022, 08:20:55 am
content: But the manufacturer said“You complain too much! It looks exactly like the one we copied.”

author: jonpaul
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2022, 11:20:07 am
content: Chinese junk, no safety or qualityGet a refund, buy American ,EU or UKj

author: CaptDon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2022, 06:42:09 pm
content: So sad that this chinese piss poor quality house fire starting garbage still gets imported and filling our landfills and insurance claims!!! I hate seeing this crap at flea markets, hamfests and such. Pure trash!!!