Inside a cheap waterproof power supply (with safety issues) @bigclivedotcom
Inside a cheap waterproof power supply (with safety issues)  @bigclivedotcom
Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
I'd call this power supply "weather resilient", but not quite waterproof. It may find applications inside signage for powering a low 12V load of 1A or less, but it starts pulsing after a while if pushed to the full stated 2A. Note that it does not comply with any safety standard with regard to human contact, and should only be considered as a novelty for the technically inclined.

The circuitry is almost a perfect copy of the datasheet for the DK1203 control IC. Noting that the datasheet does state a maximum power rating of 12W in this configuration, so the usual rules of using grey import power supplies at half their quoted rating is valid here.

The PCB electrical separation is tolerable (but the transformer separation isn't), and they do seem to have used a real class Y filter capacitor.

The transformer is wound with an inner primary winding of 49 turns, a middle secondary winding of 12 turns of two parallel wires and an outer primary winding of 25 turns. There is a single turn of tape between layers, and the secondary winding is in contact with the primary winding at the ends.
So not a power supply that is suited for safe human contact with the output. In fault conditions the 12V output could still be 12V, but referenced to the mains supply.

The short supply cable was very thin copper coated steel and the output cable was copper coated aluminium.

As usual with these things, they could have made a safe and acceptable unit for very little extra cost.

If you want one as a novelty then here's a link to the item on AliExpress (not a sponsor).
This is an affiliate link, but that will not affect the price you pay.
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3gVxULT

Interesting unit, but definitely not something for use in a commercial product that carried liability.



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Inside a cheap "waterproof" power supply (with safety issues)

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