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Could a socket splitter from China be dangerous? Missing PE wiring

p.kaczmarek2 3018 46

TL;DR

  • A SmartLED 8150 socket splitter from Smart/Tomic promises two 230 V sockets, three USB ports, and a lamp for PLN25.
  • Inside, the Schuko earth path is missing: continuity testing found no PE wiring, and the ground plate seems disconnected from the plug.
  • The USB supply uses a simple PSR flyback on a PL3378 IC with integrated switch, while the USB-C output stays at 5 V and 2.1 A.
  • The unit drew 2 A in testing, but the grounding is only for show, so it is judged a dangerous product.
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  • Black power splitter with two Schuko outlets, three USB ports, and a top LED light
    The distinctive orange and black box immediately caught my eye, but I was only convinced by the manufacturer information - Smart from Tomic (according to the packaging). The price isn't so bad either, just PLN25, so it's probably worth a try. It would be a pity if it turned out again that this product does not have a ground connection....
    Package of Smart LED “Socket Splitter” with 2×230V outlets and a 3× USB charger.
    The distributor offers two 230 V sockets and 3 USB sockets, including one C socket. In addition, it has a light. The packaging lists the model name (SmartLED 8150) and the parameters of the sockets, although I am puzzled by the description of the USB 'charger' - only 5 V and 2.1 A. Does this also apply to this C socket? Is there no quick charge, a standard that supports higher voltages? However, let's not judge in advance. The main thing is that in big letters there is text about the manufacturer from Tomic.
    Orange-and-black “Socket Splitter” package showing specs table and index number 8150
    Orange Smart LED package with device icons and the text “INDEX: 8150”. Orange-and-black SMART LED box labeled “Socket Splitter” with “2x230V” and “3x USB Charger”
    We take a look inside and this is where the first crush occurs. It wasn't on the packaging, but on the product itself it says "Made in China". Just below it next to it is information about the manufacturer from Tomic. Am I clinging, or is this information somewhat in conflict? Perhaps they meant "importer"? Would a typical non-technical person, after reading the information from the packaging, understand that this is Chinese equipment, or would they think it was manufactured in Poland?
    Back of a black power adapter with Schuko plug and labels “PORTABLE SOCKET” and “MADE IN CHINA”
    Black power splitter with 2 Schuko sockets, 3 USB ports, and a small LED light with a green button
    The sockets are Schuko standard, but as long as the plugs have matching earthing then there is no problem.... Exactly, grounding?
    Hand tests a power splitter with Schuko outlets, three USB ports and an LED light using a multimeter.
    The continuity test shows no earth! Time to look inside and see what's going on there.
    Opened power strip interior with wires and a PCB; removed cover and screws nearby
    Deadly product - no earthing, earthing is just for show. You can't see the option of how it could have been pulled.
    Opened power strip showing plug, wiring, contacts, and a small PCB inside a black housing
    The diameter of the wires and the ugly solders are not encouraging either:
    Inside a power strip: green PCB, red and blue wires, and two green socket modules in a black housing
    I can't even see a potential connection to the rest of the circuit on the ground plate from the plug:
    Close-up of a disassembled plug with a loose wire and a blue cable held in a hand
    That leaves the power supply module:
    Power supply PCB with transformer and USB ports: one USB‑C and two USB‑A, held between fingers Close-up of a PCB with capacitors, an SMD component, and wires, held between fingers Close-up of a PCB with transformer, capacitor, and PL3378 IC, held against a finger Close-up of a PCB showing PL3378 IC, capacitors, and “USB5V” marking.
    The power supply is the simplest flyback with feedback taken from the primary side (PSR - Primary Side Regulation). The whole on a single IC with integrated keying transistor - PL3378. Minimum of external components. It also supplies USB C - no chance of a higher voltage supply.
    Datasheet page for PL3378C showing features, applications, CC/CV curve, and pin configuration
    Block diagram of a flyback switching power supply with transformer and primary-side feedback
    I guess the only positive aspect is that synchronous rectifier on the secondary side. I'm seeing these more and more. They replace the Schottky diode. Here we have the MT6704.
    Close-up of a PCB showing a large capacitor, yellow transformer, MT6704 IC, and USB port housings
    Example schematic with a similar circuit:
    Two flyback power supply schematics with MT6706BL and DC OUT output
    What's left is the lamp - it's simply the LEDs behind the rectifier bridge and current limiting resistors:
    Close-up of a PCB with two LEDs, a push button, and red and blue wires Close-up of a PCB with two LED chips, a black push button, and “DY-047” marking, held between fingers
    You can even see her flashing on the phone:



    I also checked the power supply - you can indeed draw up to 2 A.
    Close-up of a PCB module with LED display showing “0.0.0.A” and an ON-OFF button

    In summary , here we have another deadly product. Plus this USB power supply isn't of much use these days, I don't know what the USB C socket is there for, probably just for show. I probably do not even need to mention the origin of the product itself, it is a pity that the manufacturer from Tomic did not ensure that it complies with basic safety requirements. In short - made in China.
    Do you also come across this type of gadget? Do you have tried-and-tested brands that you buy to avoid surprises like the one in the topic?

    Cool? Ranking DIY
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    About Author
    p.kaczmarek2
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    p.kaczmarek2 wrote 14393 posts with rating 12313, helped 650 times. Been with us since 2014 year.
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  • #2 21857994
    James596
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    I'm already overlooking the lack of earthing, but... who normally buys such a thing, seeing at first glance that the sockets do not have the obligatory grounding in our country, only Schuko?
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  • #3 21858019
    speedy9
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    James596 wrote:
    the sockets do not have the applicable grounding in our country, only Schuko?

    The average power eater has no idea of the current standards. And by the way, there are rather few products these days that have plugs in the Polish standard. Most are in the Schuko + pin connector standard. And this has been the case for a long time.
  • #4 21858022
    sigwa18
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    I wonder if this thing would handle the claimed 10A of current? On/off operation for several hours.
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  • #5 21858047
    marcheweczka1
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    From the Polish manufacturer it is only the box, the splitter itself bears the inscription MADE IN CHINA.
  • #6 21858049
    p.kaczmarek2
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    @James596 in my experience it is more like @speedy9 wrote , the average person is not even aware of the existence of different standards and does not look at something like this

    @sigwa18 there is a test planned like this, in conjunction with checking the heating InfiRay P2 PRO

    @marchewhee1 of course, by the way I highlighted this both at the unpacking stage and at the summary. Only thing that puzzles me is how the average person buying this product is supposed to detect this, when there is information on the packaging as you can see in the pics.
    Helpful post? Buy me a coffee.
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  • #7 21858053
    speedy9
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    sigwa18 wrote:
    I wonder if this thing would handle the claimed 10A of current?

    Judging by the diameter of the wires, I think it would. Only the soldering is questionable.
    1mm2 for 10A is enough.
  • #8 21858067
    pan_pp
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    p.kaczmarek2 wrote:
    Lethal product - no earthing, earthing is just for show. You can't see the option of how it could have been pulled.

    The issue is deeper than earthing just for show - the pictogram on the nameplate clearly states the presence of earthing. Case for PIH and the Consumer Federation, the product is for immediate recall.
  • #9 21858104
    clubber84
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    pan_pp wrote:
    Case for PIH and the Consumer Federation, the product is for immediate withdrawal from the market.

    ...and the distributor should receive a severe penalty for introducing a dangerous product for sale.

    Greetings
  • #10 21858121
    speedy9
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    p.kaczmarek2 wrote:
    Do you have any tried and tested brands that you buy to avoid surprises like the one in the topic?

    I recently bought Legrand thieves. O takie: https://www.tim.pl/helmo-rozgaleznik-3x2p-z-f...owe-bialyjasnoszary-049433/p/0001-00016-82460
    I haven't taken them apart, but I trust them. I might have a look out of curiosity, just need to check they're not riveted by accident. Continuity of zeroing though I will check.
  • #11 21858126
    Mateusz_konstruktor
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    speedy9 wrote:
    And by the way, there are rather few products these days that have plugs in Polish standard. Most are Schuko + pin connector standard. And this has been the case for a long time.

    Where does the Colleague see this "+ connector to pin" here...?
  • #12 21858129
    speedy9
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    @Mateusz_konstruktor perhaps I expressed myself awkwardly ;) The point is:

    White power plug with two round pins; a red arrow points to a metal grounding contact

    So a typical Uni-Schuko plug
  • #13 21858149
    Mateusz_konstruktor
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    @speedy9
    With plugs the issue is simple, but what about sockets?
  • #14 21858192
    speedy9
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    I was referring to the fact that sockets in the Schuko standard are not really a big problem, because most plugs in Poland are in the uni-Schuko standard anyway, so the lack of a pin in them is a limited problem to some old devices. All in all, I don't know if devices with Schuko sockets can be sold in Poland without a problem. Is there a "paragraph" on this?
  • #15 21858320
    Mateusz_konstruktor
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    speedy9 wrote:
    I was referring to the fact that sockets in Schuko standard are actually not a big problem, because most plugs in Poland are in uni-Schuko standard anyway, so the lack of a pin in them is a limited problem to some old devices.

    The electric shock protection must be provided for all devices in the Polish standard, undeniably including those described by the colleague as old.
    At the same time, this is still a valid standard for Poland, the so-called protection pin must be.
  • #16 21858733
    stomat
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    Mateusz_konstruktor wrote:
    Shock protection must be provided for all devices in the Polish standard, undeniably including those described by the colleague as old.
    At the same time this is still a valid standard for Poland, the so-called protection pin must be.

    Well you can see from the attached picture how much it "must be". It must be but if it is not there .... nothing.
  • #17 21858810
    kris8888
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    speedy9 wrote:
    Judging by the diameter of the wires, I think so. Only the soldering is questionable.
    1mm2 for 10A is enough.

    It's not just that soldering but also those switches that don't inspire confidence.

    This company has quite a few different extension cords and splitters on offer, most of which are probably made in the same factory in China. How many of them do you think meet safety standards?😉
    https://smartled.com.pl/elektryka-elektronika-i-akcesoria/przedluzacze
  • #19 21858832
    kris8888
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    clubber84 wrote:
    sells only via the internet

    Probably not only via the internet because there are pictures available on the internet from the stationary lighting showroom of this company. I suppose you can also buy (and check on site) these distributors there.

    I wonder what it would be like to pop in there with a multimeter and show that these distributors have no circuit continuity at the protective contact. The salesman's face would be priceless.
    And if it were to be added that the matter would be reported to the Polish Chamber of Commerce (PIH) and the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK), it would get even hotter...
  • #20 21858833
    clubber84
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    kris8888 wrote:
    lighting sales showroom

    Lighting.
    I doubt if similar rubbish to the topic is in stock there.
  • #21 21858841
    kris8888
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    They may not be in stock, but they also offer personal collection of these distributors in Wadowice or Tomice, at least according to the shop's terms and conditions, available on their website.
  • #22 21858913
    stomat
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    kris8888 wrote:
    I wonder what it would be like to pop in there with a multimeter and show that these distributors have no circuit continuity on the protective contact. The salesman's face would be priceless.
    And if we add the fact that the matter will be reported to the Polish Chamber of Commerce and the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK), it would get even hotter...

    Well, then get in. What are you waiting for? Surely the seller would rot in Sztum :)
  • #23 21858930
    kris8888
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    >>21858913
    I'm a bit far away unfortunately...
    From the context of your post I infer that you think that this makes no sense and that in our reality there is no beat for such companies? That they will continue to trade such faulty goods anyway?

    Perhaps you are right, even if a company withdraws such goods, there will soon be another one selling similar goods. All that matters to the customer is price, appearance and "functionality".

    Unfortunately, it seems that quality control and consumer protection in Poland are still weak.
  • #24 21858984
    stomat
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    That is what I think. Remember road salt? Remember carrion screwed into sausages? Baptised fuel? Technical cereals? Somehow, the matter is always "spread around the bones", we do not find out who exactly was selling the fake products, despite initial assurances. This is the case irrespective of which political option is currently in power. I think that even if the faulty splitters found publicity, nothing would come out of it.
  • #25 21858993
    kris8888
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    stomat wrote:
    I think that even if the faulty splitters found publicity nothing would come of it.

    Probably so, until someone is electrocuted or there is a fire because of it. This is unlikely to happen soon and even if it did, proving that it was not the user's fault or caused by something other than this splitter will be quite difficult.

    So, as before, the customer must follow his intuition or his own experience and count on luck that he got a good "bargain" and bought a great product for not much money.
    p.kaczmarek2 wrote:
    The power supply is the simplest flyback with feedback taken from the primary side (PSR - Primary Side Regulation). The whole on a single IC with integrated keying transistor - PL3378. Minimum external components

    Am I right in seeing that the separation of the primary and secondary sides of this power supply is almost non-existent there and the components at the mains potential are dangerously close to the USB socket housing ?
  • #26 21859005
    James596
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    Unfortunately, with us, action is only taken when something happens. Then there is media hype for a while to keep up the appearance of action, and still later everything goes back to normal.
    What happened after the fire at the electric scooter repair shop? They started hanging cards everywhere banning electronics in basements. And what is it today? Well, exactly.

    As for the abysmal quality of the products themselves, I think the problem lies in the mentality of our people and the tendency to be guided mainly by price when making a purchase. This is, of course, a generalisation, but if you visit any market or bazaar, you will unfortunately see how strongly the stalls selling the cheapest Chinese goods are besieged.
  • #27 21859013
    clubber84
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    James596 wrote:
    This is of course a generalisation, but during visits to any market or bazaar you can unfortunately see how heavily besieged the stalls with the cheapest Chinese goods are.

    But you know that example always comes from the top and if tenders are set not for quality but for cheapness, what do you think - will people at the bottom think differently?
    I doubt it.

    Greetings
  • #28 21859018
    kris8888
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    James596 wrote:
    This is of course a generalisation, but during visits to any market or bazaar you can unfortunately see how heavily besieged the stalls with the cheapest Chinese goods are.

    Because even if a small percentage of these goods are worthy of attention and meet certain standards, and the rest is electro-waste, customers will still take the risk and buy. Because if they happen to find a good product. And since everything is cheap, the risk of losing a lot of money is small.
  • #29 21859176
    szeryf3
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    A Polish manufacturer, which means I would buy blind, because it's our Polish, which means it's good and solid.
    But I would be surprised.
  • #30 21859186
    clubber84
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    "Portable socket" on the case explains that the grounding is also "portable". 😂

    Greetings
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