I changed two controllers/transformers earlier for a friend. I was there to do six. I connected the first two and well, they blew up .
I changed two controllers/transformers earlier for a friend. I was there to do six. I connected the first two and well, they blew up .
I’ve bought heaps of 240VAC rated items from AliExpress and not had a problem. They’re definitely cheaply made for the most part, and I generally give them a once over to identify any glaring issues… but I’ve got heaps of stuff out there working just fine.
Is it possible you got the wired mains to the low voltage side? I remember a box of LED drivers I bought came with the 240V side using red+black, and the low voltage side using brown+blue that looked awfully similar. Had one go pop before we busted it open and realised the version that came on the unit had the wiring colours the exact opposite. What made life even harder is that the top cover was symmetrical and had been put on back to front… so 240V was on the “correct” colour side.
Fourth reply. I’m seriously doubting myself now.
Third reply. Ok I can see the L and N and also the + and - symbols on the board. I’m currently having trouble remembering which way around I went. But I did pull the first one apart before connecting the second one. I’m “rather” sure I had it the correct way around.
Second reply mate. Having had a quick look, one would assume that the transformer would be at the 240 end in my mind anyway. But I really don’t know.
Nah mate. The transformer is usually used as an inductor for the switch mode conversion.
It looks like you have it right though. The big brown cap should be rated for 250v + and will be on the mains AC side.
The DC side will have lower voltage rated smoothing caps.
Post the link to the device or better photos and I’ll have a closer look for you.
I’m seriously thinking that I got it backwards. I connected it according to the writing on the enclosure. But as TRK said, he has had them back to front due to the same thing. The guts can be placed into the enclosure either way and I reckon that’s what’s happened.
I left them at my friends house also.
@DiaDeLosMuertos @Dimand
The L and N are for Live and Neutral - the 240V end. The small black chip is a bridge rectifier with its big brown capacitor.
Oh I hear you mate. The thing is that the unit was closed up with the markings for mains and output clearly marked on the casing. After reading TRK 's input, I think that the guts were placed the wrong way around.
Basically I connected the 240 to the DC output terminals.
I contacted my friend earlier to explain this. I admitted that it was my error even though I followed the markings on the casing.
She’s ok about it and has thrown them all away.
@DiaDeLosMuertos
Bugger! I would never have considered opening the device to check the internal connection before hooking it up. Ouch. You had a word with the supplier?
The lady that purchased them made a complaint straight away on Saturday morning. I messaged her yesterday to confess that it was possibly and partially my mistake. She said not to worry as she considers them a fire risk anyway. I asked her to keep them so I could have another look but she’s thrown them in the bin. Off to Bunnings for her next.
Hmmmm. Yes quite possible I suppose. I didn’t investigate any further. It’s a love job and my second visit already. I thought it was going to be a simple swap over, but some of the existing lights were 240 v AC. That’s when I told her to order the controllers, and then they came without 240 v plugs. So it was all annoying to be honest. She’s going to Bunnings to buy new stuff.
I wonder if we can tell from the photo if it is indeed the wrong way around.