Fake Chinese Power Supplies on Market Causing Power Consumption Problems

[PeteHopton]

Hi Guys, Letting you know.

 

There has been a growing problem with cheap and fake supplies coming out of China, which can cause excess energy consumption and potentially even safety problems.

 

EU regulations (known as EuP) state that a computer in off mode sold after 2010 should consume less than 1.7W in standby/OFF mode (with wake on LAN enabled).

 

Although this is hard to measure, a cheap power meter should provide you with an idea if the computer is 'out of the ball park'

PlugIn Mains Power and Energy Monitor : Power and Energy Monitors : Maplin

 

One big issue has been with unsafe 'universal' or 'replacement' Laptop power bricks, if you have a power brick, check that it states the manufacturer, model number and bears the CE mark. Many of these fakes just display CE, voiding the 'manufacturer' of any responsibility. Check the brick has some weight to it, the cheap fakes feel really light.

 

Often these fake parts also contain materials banned from import into the EU for safety reasons under the RoHS directive.

[AngryTechnician]

Interesting, though sadly not that surprising. Has there been any media coverage of this, it's the first I've heard of it?

[PeteHopton]

There was some stuff on 'Fake Power Cords and Cables' the other day on a BBC program. Most of these will fail a PAT test.