PlugPack Power Supply AC pins cover
I do a lot of arduino projects and I've found that the little AC power to USB power supplies are a cheap and convenient way to provide 5V dc for the projects. I've made this little cover that goes over the AC input pins. Both PLA and ABS plastics are excellent electrical insulators. I wouldn't use the carbon fibre or flexi filaments.
With regard to the plugpacks, I buy the ones with the US style pins. Then I attach some crimp on tab style connectors. This cover slips over to provide insulation and safety (refer safety notes below).
WARNING : This thing is not weatherproof or designed to provide safety insulation. Only use it INSIDE another enclosure such as a project box.
SAFETY : Don't mess with AC voltage. These little plugpack power supplies are of varying quality and price. Take some simple precautions to keep you and others safe:
- If your device uses AC power, try to design everything so that there are no exposed metal parts that can be touched.
- If you do have metal parts, make sure these are solidly connected to an earth from your power socket.
- Connect the 5V negative (or 0V) to your AC Earth.
- Make sure your house / office has it's power protected by RCDs.
- Some of these little plugpack power supplies can get hot. Don't pack them in a little box. Give them some room for heat dissipation. Only load them to 50% of their rated capacity (e.g. if you have a 5V @ 1A supply, only load it to 1/2A.