Is this chinese power supply reliable? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: redgear
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 02, 2020, 06:07:28 pm
content: I designed my circuit to use a Meanwell IRM-10-05 psu. But now, i have some problems with its delivery. A local supplier says he has HLK-10M05 psu which is a replacement. The product datasheet says it meets the UL and CE standards but I am still not sure if it's reliable to use. I am attaching the datasheet with this post. Would like to know your suggestions on the PSU and the typical circuit given in the datasheet.Thanks

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 02, 2020, 06:43:48 pm
content: That's impossible to answer unless you define "reliable". How many hours without failure? Under what load? Which environmental conditions?Generally speaking Meanwell is a decent brand making good quality supplies (even you picked the original supply from them). Ah, the replacementisn't Meanwell.UL certification means that someone has actually checked the supply for safety issues, you should be able to find the test results online on the UL's website. That doesn't say much about the reliability of the supply, though, only that it likely won't kill you or set your house on fire. However, the datasheet doesn't say this was actually certified - only that it complies with requirements and that any UL/CE certification is up to the customer. Which isn't quite the same thing.The typical circuit in the datasheet is just a bog standard fuse + mains filter arrangement required to comply with safety and EMC regulations.

author: ledtester
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 02, 2020, 06:56:50 pm
content: You might be interested in this power supply if it suits your purpose (Recom RAC05-K):https://recom-power.com/pdf/Powerline_AC-DC/RAC05-K_C14.pdfReview and teardown:https://youtu.be/_qdTVKohC-o

author: viperidae
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 02, 2020, 07:51:45 pm
content: Your local supplier is pulling your leg.The "replacement" is significantly cheaper, from a random Chinese brand. Meanwell is quite well regarded.

author: redgear
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 03, 2020, 04:36:17 am
content: Quote from: janoc on September 02, 2020, 06:43:48 pmThank you.Atleast 10k hours without failure. What concerns me most is the safety, I don't want anyone to be electrocuted or burn down the house because of this. This will only be used in first few units until the meanwell supplies are back on stock.Quote from: ledtester on September 02, 2020, 06:56:50 pmThank you. I looked at this one too, but unfortunately the LT are higher for these too.Quote from: viperidae on September 02, 2020, 07:51:45 pmI will checkout what Mouser and Digikey have in stock

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 03, 2020, 05:38:33 am
content: Ahh... the old bait and switch. The alternate PSU will have cheapola electrolytic capacitors and a few parts that run hot, as well as no formal safety approvals. But for $2.80 it's dilemma for someI'd find an alternate supplier, with a decent manufacturer. I did go through all the drama of these cheap chinese SMPS and found they can be too cheap compared to Taiwan or high end products. You really have to test one and tear it apart to see.

author: redgear
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 03, 2020, 06:20:24 am
content: Quote from: floobydust on September 03, 2020, 05:38:33 amThanksI'd better wait than having to go through these troubles then.

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 03, 2020, 01:41:56 pm
content: Quote from: redgear on September 03, 2020, 04:36:17 amThen look for brand name supplies that are actually UL certified (and not only "compliant" with the certification being up to you). Cheap, China and mains are pretty much a deadly combination.OTOH, I have seen some good reviews of these Hi-Link modules, also LCSC is selling them (https://lcsc.com/product-detail/Power-Module-AC-DC_HI-LINK-HLK-10M05_C403745.html) , so it likely isn't a complete bottom of the barrel thing. But if you want to be sure and safety matters for you then you need to pay for it - a $3 module when the comparable Meanwell (and that is Chinese/Taiwanese brand too!) costs more than double should tell you something already.

author: redgear
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 03, 2020, 02:58:44 pm
content: Quote from: blueskull on September 03, 2020, 01:51:59 pmThanks a lot. Just checked out Mornsun. They cost almost the same as the Meanwell and the supplier has them on stock. Would you recommend choosing it over Meanwell?

author: redgear
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 03, 2020, 03:42:58 pm
content: Quote from: blueskull on September 03, 2020, 03:34:54 pmAlright, Thanks!