SMPS - Can they all handle wide range of Input Voltage?

[ketone]

Hello Forum - See I got this SMPS Module!....its sourced from a US device and I'm in Australia.

As we know Supply voltages in Australia 240v Versus 120V US.

The Model of the SMPS is EAX39561401 and is used in LG and JVC DVD/VCR Player/Recorders...same model is used in both Australia and US...but perhaps they have differences??

What's the chances I can use it in Australia - plugging it in to 240v instead of its origin country at 120v?

Is it expected that most SMPS in such devices would handle between 100-240V by default?

How can I be sure it will not go Boom!

TIA

[eccerr0r]

Re: SMPS - Can they all handle wide range of Input Voltage?

NO, it's not safe to assume that it will work at both voltages.

A lot can but it's not guaranteed. Companies that target multiple countries tend to make units that are wide input just to reduce the number of SKUs for cost.

Sometimes cheaper capacitors are used in low voltage areas but this depends on whether the IC/inductors are sufficient to begin with for wide-voltage.

[ketone]

Re: SMPS - Can they all handle wide range of Input Voltage?

eccerr0r thanks for your thoughts!

Is it possible in anyway to ascertain if the module is able to handle a wide range input voltage or not?

FWIW here is the Circuit from an SM....it does not say specifically unfortunately.!

EDIT
I noted from the Schematic it states C103 can be either 100uF 'WIDE', 150uF 'NARROW', and 63uF 'S.AFRICA, INDO, CIS' - wondering what 'WIDE' is referring to.
At the moment C103 is a 150uF so its NARROW.

Voltage in S.AFRICA, INDO, CIS' is 230v

[Per Hansson]

Re: SMPS - Can they all handle wide range of Input Voltage?

You must check that capacitor C103 is really rated for 450v as the schematic shows.
A quick Google search shows it is commonly rated for 250v only (cost cutting option for 115VAC countries...)
There could be more differences too...

[ketone]

Re: SMPS - Can they all handle wide range of Input Voltage?

You must check that capacitor C103 is really rated for 450v as the schematic shows.
A quick Google search shows it is commonly rated for 250v only (cost cutting option for 115VAC countries...)
There could be more differences too...

Thanks Per

Yes currently C103 is a 250v 150uF - so "NARROW' and lower voltage.

I could change it easily for a 450V 100uf 'WIDE'
or 63uF 450V cap..
Not sure what 'WIDE' gives me as in what input range it then allows.
the 63uF is meant for S.AFRICA so I know its supply voltage is 230V...pretty close to Australia's 240V supply.

Then as you say there could be differences not listed in the Schematic...

[ketone]

Re: SMPS - Can they all handle wide range of Input Voltage?

I just spotted that Australia uses the 63uF 450v for the same module - spotted from a picture of one on sale in Australia - ebay.

Still hard to ascertain if any other differences from a picture.

[CapLeaker]

Re: SMPS - Can they all handle wide range of Input Voltage?

Shouldn’t that info be on the sticker on the unit? It should state the voltage and amps.

[Per Hansson]

Re: SMPS - Can they all handle wide range of Input Voltage?

Thanks Per

Yes currently C103 is a 250v 150uF - so "NARROW' and lower voltage.

I could change it easily for a 450V 100uf 'WIDE'
or 63uF 450V cap..
Not sure what 'WIDE' gives me as in what input range it then allows.

Narrow and wide might actually just be the two different footprint rings on the board...
Only one way to found out: mount a 450v cap and see if it explodes when you connect it to mains

[stj]

Re: SMPS - Can they all handle wide range of Input Voltage?

dont forget to change the fuse to half it's current value
no pun intended.

[ketone]

Re: SMPS - Can they all handle wide range of Input Voltage?

Narrow and wide might actually just be the two different footprint rings on the board...
Only one way to found out: mount a 450v cap and see if it explodes when you connect it to mains

Well yep I think so.... will rig up a 25/50watt dim bulb/load lamps in series with the power supply. Still Im not sure that would save any damage...maybe less smoke !

[ketone]

Re: SMPS - Can they all handle wide range of Input Voltage?

Shouldn't that info be on the sticker on the unit? It should state the voltage and amps.

No stickers - the model is EAX39561401 and they use the same Model number for use across different countries and different Electrical Devices its used in...so not very helpful..perhaps thats hinting that they are all basically the same but who knows!

The schematic I posted highlights the different Capacitor C103 as a difference between locations.

Will see how she blows! I mean goes after changing the Cap.

[ketone]

Re: SMPS - Can they all handle wide range of Input Voltage?

For Ref
Uploaded pictures of a 240v EAX39561401 board
and a 120V EAX39561401 Board for visual comparison.

Physical size of Cap C103 looks the same between the two boards...so perhaps the terms 'NARROW' and 'WIDE' seen on the Schematic do refer to Input Voltage ranges?!

[stj]

Re: SMPS - Can they all handle wide range of Input Voltage?

remove or upgrade the varistor V101 if you dont want a dramatic explosion!

[CapLeaker]

Re: SMPS - Can they all handle wide range of Input Voltage?

That varistor cording to schematic is a 681d14. Since it is 680V rated, it should be good.

[stj]

Re: SMPS - Can they all handle wide range of Input Voltage?

if it's not different for 120v

[ketone]

Re: SMPS - Can they all handle wide range of Input Voltage?

if it's not different for 120v

Thanks for questioning!
I just checked the Varistor V101 and it is the 650V as per Schematic...and this correlates with the one version of the part as seen in the Parts list.

.. been looking over the Parts listed for this SMPS.
Cant see any further gotchas wrt to Voltages as far as I can see.....so once the 450v Cap turns up and installed will test with wooden stick and Dim Bulb.

[CapLeaker]

Re: SMPS - Can they all handle wide range of Input Voltage?

You don’t need both, but either or. Lol

[stj]

Re: SMPS - Can they all handle wide range of Input Voltage?

and a new fuse.
the current flow at 220v is only half that of 110v

[CapLeaker]

Re: SMPS - Can they all handle wide range of Input Voltage?

that's a valid point right there!

[ketone]

Re: SMPS - Can they all handle wide range of Input Voltage?

and a new fuse.
the current flow at 220v is only half that of 110v

Good thought - will put in a 750ma fuse