As an electrician , don’t ever argue with a customer that shows you one of these, that has saved them hundreds of pounds.
@ryanpeck33773 күн бұрын
Plus the one in their car Saves fuel AND boosts Horsepower ... they've saved thousands of dollars/pounds between the 2
@cdnron7515 күн бұрын
It pains me to see these mass produced e-waste electronics. Our Earth has limited resources and these shady Chinese companies go and produce junk like this.
@MTGeomancer15 күн бұрын
Only because people keep buying them. The world would be a better place if marketplaces could be held responsible for what's sold on their stores (like Ebay/Amazon/etc), but instead they get blanket immunity. As an example, these things are all over Amazon, hundreds of listings, and not a one with under 4 stars in reviews from the bots. Amazon allows it all knowingly, after all the more that sell the more in commission they get. Stopping scams is literally a money loosing venture.
@fooshards15 күн бұрын
These outfits aren't producing products, they're producing dollars - created out of the idiocy of the desperate consumer For someone to have ordered this product, they were using the technology that could have informed them it was fake garbage. It's ignorance plain and simple
@feynthefallen15 күн бұрын
Where there's weakness or stupidity, there's those exploiting it. These people are the parasites of the modern world. Remember, parasites play an important role in an ecosystem. In this case, they are leeching the money out of the rich western idiots to provide a living for Chinese workers. And on the subject of the ecological balance, every non-intelligent species on earth reproduces and depletes its environment until the death rate matches the rate of reproduction. Given that humans are essentially glorified apes that evolved to scream at the monkeys two trees over, I don't see why it would surprise anybody that they act the same way.
@sivoltage15 күн бұрын
What saddens me more is the ignorance of the consumer
@Liz0rdX8015 күн бұрын
It's wasteful thanks to people that just go consoooom without checking it
@peterdupont755915 күн бұрын
Thanks Clive. I just love advert videos: "Two Danish engineers wanted to cut down their electric bill and invented this cheap device, It took years to develop but is finally here. It even heat your whole house, help you if you have diarrhea, rodents or leaking in your drains".
@naysmith527215 күн бұрын
“…and now the whole industry is mad at him!”
@GFY_FOAD15 күн бұрын
Thats just ridiculous - it causes diarrhea.
@theoztreecrasher264715 күн бұрын
All nations (with the exception of the Good Ole United States of JohnWaynesville with its Constitutional "Protection"!) have the ability to put an immediate stop to all these scams and scam ads - ALL platforms on which they appear are blocked until the rubbish is completely and permanently removed. That'd at least give us a comparison as to the amount of cash leeched from the rest of the world via tax havens as against the amount that these scams net the platforms by allowing them free rein (in the land of the mental giants.)
@davidclift598914 күн бұрын
I thopught it was two English engineers, Ah maybe that's a better product :)
@RonDLite13 күн бұрын
@@peterdupont7559 ..its been used by NASA but they don't want the public to know about it
@Nonzerotonin15 күн бұрын
My grandfather got me one of these for Christmas, swears by it. Didn't have the heart to tell him :(
@crusaderanimation696715 күн бұрын
It's might be better to take a hit and tell him he's wrong than to let him in pain of ignorance.
@theoztreecrasher264715 күн бұрын
@@crusaderanimation6967 Yes. After all, it's not likely that, with that level of intelligence, he's going to have anything left to leave you in his will! 😱😵💫
@kutter_ttl678615 күн бұрын
Just send him this video and see what he says.
@mernokimuvek14 күн бұрын
If he does't know anything about physics you should tell him he's dumb.
@aerogfs14 күн бұрын
@@theoztreecrasher2647 You should not be surprised on the number of intelligence deprived rich people...
@Cenentury094115 күн бұрын
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the world a cartel is searching for their shipment of "capacitors".
@DavidFrankland15 күн бұрын
👃🍬
@hapskie15 күн бұрын
While having a bad day you had me chuckle, thanks :)
@maurice_walker15 күн бұрын
Gives "releasing the magic smoke" a whole new meaning.
@andymouse15 күн бұрын
Yeah ! but honestly it could be true, it is certainly an effective way to get white powder to The Isle of Mann.
@gavincurtis15 күн бұрын
A missing order of crackpacitors? 🤔
@chrishartley1210Ай бұрын
Oh look, there's the sand they could have used in the fake clone fuses.
@MrKillerno115 күн бұрын
Are you sure it is sand? it is white, it might be sugar or 'sugar' (snif-snif) 😉
@TheSpotify9515 күн бұрын
Have you been time traveling? Video out 1 hour ago, comment from 3 weeks ago?!
@AndyGadget15 күн бұрын
That's not sand, that's magical power-saving unicorn dandruff!
@ernstoud15 күн бұрын
@@TheSpotify95The phenomenon is called Patreon.
@SwiftyShaft15 күн бұрын
How is this a 3w old comment on a 3h old video? I'm guessing the Google analytics are messing up there...
@mechanoid573915 күн бұрын
This is where we find out that you have uncovered a class a white powder smuggling scam!
@theoztreecrasher264715 күн бұрын
My thoughts exactly! Surely this hasn't passed the research crew for the Won Hung Lo crime syndicate?
@tomgeorge372614 күн бұрын
Sounds like the joke about the guy who worked at a factory and the guard thought he was smuggling things out, so each night he left work the guard would search the sand he had in his wheel barrow. For ten years of this he found nothing. The guy finally retired and as he left for the last time the guard asked the guy to level with him, he knew he was pilfering but could work out what. As the guy departed he simply said "wheelbarrows".
@theoztreecrasher264714 күн бұрын
@@tomgeorge3726 If he "could work out what" why would he need to ask? Surely he would only need to ask if he couldn't work it out? (It's a "rhetorical" question! 😉) I'm always just amused by the number of people who probably have been right through an American Education system to degree level, but can't even get the simple use of the negative correct yet.
@MrMbdies14 күн бұрын
Scammed by sand.
@jayzo14 күн бұрын
@@theoztreecrasher2647 Do all of the Won Hung Lo members have to be well-endowed?
@sarkybugger500915 күн бұрын
I wonder why they bother with the circuit board at all? Just solder an LED and a resistor across the mains pins, and be done with it.
@TheCatherineCC15 күн бұрын
Right? They even included a fuse.
@thebunz715 күн бұрын
Probably in case the DiY guy wanted to open it up and see what’s going on in there, same with sand for illusion of quality via weight. Most will be deterred once seeing a circuit board vs a single resistor and 2 leds glued into some plastic.
@kenmore0114 күн бұрын
@@TheCatherineCC Well, that's for safety. I mean they're not monsters.
@wtmayhew13 күн бұрын
@@thebunz7 I suspect the average purchaser of this thing is pretty unlikely to ever open it up. If somehow the spheres aligned and the purchaser happened to open it, I suspect it wouldn’t matter what was inside.
@ryanpeck33773 күн бұрын
Sometimes some of these parts are left over from actual products. Real but now unused circuit boards from some old products you can use to wire in an led, The plastic shell are often from an old product. Like this could have originally been an actual plug-in airfreshner device shell that after they got done making a million for a company and they change the design you sell the mold to another company who makes these (or they buy a big lot of unused shells etc) Though the amount of newly designed and manufactured parts for scam products is crazy, shows just how cheap manufacturing can be.
@KrzysztofC-115 күн бұрын
"Intelligent Energy Saver" - when will they figure out that it will sell even better when they mention AI?
@youdontknowme596915 күн бұрын
LOL! pro ultra max+ with AI
@fuzziestlumpkin14 күн бұрын
Maybe not, I've heard that consumers are a bit fatigued with all the "AI" stuff and are actually put off by seeing it rather than drawn in. Not that this will stop marketing departments trying to force it down everyones throats for another couple of years.
@youtubehandlesux12 күн бұрын
@@fuzziestlumpkinNot people who would fall for stuff like this unfortunately
@lostjohnny900015 күн бұрын
The capacitor is actually connected in series via a 4th dimensional superconducting money printer (in China)
@MikeB_UK13 күн бұрын
I have real, UK certified, energy saving devices all round my house... they are called switches. They save me quite a bit when I have whatever is connected turned off. I do feel sad for the people who don't understand much and get conned by all these devices. Sadly they won't be watching your excellent channel. Keep up the great work.
@DavePoo215 күн бұрын
This certainly does save electricity. It saves electricity from being consumed by something useful.
@theotherdave801315 күн бұрын
my mom bought a 4 pack of these, and swears the green light saves her power. I informed her all shes doing is wasting power by powering little led lights. LIke, shes 75, very smart, loads more common sense that i have (hah) im doing all i can to educate her thats just..nothing but a scam. She just wont listen. *sigh*
@chrissavage596615 күн бұрын
Why listen to her son who likely has facts and science to bring to bear, when she can believe some random BS she saw on antisocial media?? The sooner Farcebook, Twix and all the other scam supporting platforms get banned, the better.
@BillyTheCat12815 күн бұрын
I've noticed that a lot with some people (especially older parents whom you'd think would know better). I don't know why that is.
@PeterEdin15 күн бұрын
Mom's are like that. My mom still thinks there are people inside her TV 😂
@dave_n8pu15 күн бұрын
Show her this video.
@fallenstard15 күн бұрын
Might be better to explain that it's a fire hazard, so even if it IS saving power, it's very dangerous because of the poor quality circuits and thin wires.
@steveoddlers969615 күн бұрын
2:25 I love how you briefly argued with yourself, and then both of you were right
@bobs_ya_runkle14 күн бұрын
🤣Whenever I argue with myself, both of me are usually wrong.
@mikebowers716115 күн бұрын
The really frustrating thing is, there are no consequences for these low life’s! They just come out with more scams, con old people of their money and move on to the next one. It’s absolutely disgusting
@grantrennieАй бұрын
Just got this, been sleepless for 4 days with a bad bug,thanks clive for the good videos, always de stresses 👍
@bigclivedotcomАй бұрын
Hope you feel better soon.
@mxslick5015 күн бұрын
I sympathize, I spent the holidays sick.
@ralfvandeven315515 күн бұрын
Can I interest you in my not at all fake virus repellent, it may or may not resemble a certain power saver.
@alexlail748115 күн бұрын
I find it valuable when you do teardowns of scam items for two reasons one is generally have a pretty good idea that they are before hand but it's nice to have confirmation from someone who has far more knowledge than me on the electronics/electrical end. The second is I have referred friends/ relatives to your channel before when they're talking about get one of these type items and they scoff abit, I can say hey go watch his teardown video he even explains the fake bits.... not sure how many have followed up but I know a couple have cause they found it interesting.... Personally I think you have a good variety of topics though I have allows been most intrigued by pre-70's/80's electrical items (the earlier the better) .... before they really learned to annoy electrons on the microscopic level.... they always seem to have some innovative solutions for stuff that's now on a simple chip...😊
@worawatli895215 күн бұрын
It's 2025 and these things still have a market, humanity is doomed.
@UhOhUmm15 күн бұрын
The worst part is that this isn't even the worst scam that exists.
@Liz0rdX8015 күн бұрын
Fake welcome phones and stuffs:
@tubastuff15 күн бұрын
@@UhOhUmm Yes, just look at some of the products being trotted out at this year's CES...
@johnodell531013 күн бұрын
Whenever you think you have reached the bottom of the intelligence level of humans, you find there's a lot further to go!
@howardsimpson4896 күн бұрын
This is only a little bit of the evidence that humanity is doomed. Perhaps AI will have better survival skills.
@adrianflower323015 күн бұрын
Fake capacitor sand now highlights our favourite Bench Damage 👍
@oldbatwit510215 күн бұрын
I plugged this into the aerial socket of my Tv and got hundreds of sports channels from all over the world.
@thebunz715 күн бұрын
I plugged mine into a potato and now I can power a small village.
@tncorgi9215 күн бұрын
If I buy a dozen and connect them all over the house will they protect me from 5G?
@theoztreecrasher264715 күн бұрын
@@tncorgi92 Yes, but the poisonous gases from chemtrails will continually destroy them so you will have to replace them regularly to maintain the full benefit.
@Liz0rdX8015 күн бұрын
I think you can intercept military connections with that
@mauricevandoeselaar12 күн бұрын
I plugged one in the socket next to my microwave, food is not getting hot anymore, so it protects me from radiation. Bummer is lights in the kitchen is also dead.
@curtw882715 күн бұрын
Sand or asbestos? Taking that screw out voided the warranty.
@DavidJohns9103915 күн бұрын
What warranty? Ali express does not give warranty ever tried to use it????
@redpheonix100015 күн бұрын
@@DavidJohns91039I'm pretty sure that what he said is most commonly known as a joke
@doughunt517515 күн бұрын
Did you ever think that all those extra components may be some factories way of scamming the scammers?
@mernokimuvek14 күн бұрын
I did think about that maybe they don't know that the capacitor is fake but the seller of the capacitor is a scammer scamming the power saver maker scammers.
@NerdyMeathead15 күн бұрын
The sand in it for weight is like the white van speaker scams with concrete in the speakers. Lets get some of those white van scam tear downs sir
@mxslick5015 күн бұрын
I don't think Isle of Man has white van scams, shipping goods there is terribly expensive. I had shipped two boxes from IoM to the US, it cost me around $250.00 for about 12kg of weight.
@chinanorthairguns15 күн бұрын
Dave has done them.
@NeilPartridge-x3q14 күн бұрын
For those people thinking the white van thing is a myth... I was actually approached by a van trying to flog speakers... Obviously typos/pikeys... This was 25 years ago.... I think now they have switched to selling net zero and statins 😂
@whoam42a114 күн бұрын
The sand is to fill it up so there is less potting compoud used
@mxslick5014 күн бұрын
@@whoam42a1 I bet your really fun at parties. Or sarcasm isn't one of your strong points. ;)
@veraxis996115 күн бұрын
You know, if you are buying things on Aliexpress, a category I have had some fun taking apart are fake USB power supplies/chargers. Claims that they support Power Delivery standards (they don't), dubious wattage claims, random chunks of metal to add weight, fake UL markings, even one with a little LED display which did measure the current but added a 1.5x fudge factor to make it seem like it was putting out more juice than it actually was, all sorts of fun. You might give some of them a look. Ironically, there are some genuine ones with seemingly real Intertek safety database numbers and PD support for only a few dollars more in the $5-15 range.
@redpheonix100015 күн бұрын
DiodeGoneWild actually does analysis on many of these! They're as crap as you would expect.
@TheSpotify9515 күн бұрын
@@redpheonix1000Hehe, I always watch those videos! The worst ones have shockingly poor isolation on the board and even worse isolation in the transformer!
@dashcamandy224215 күн бұрын
@@TheSpotify95 "Super Dodgyyyyy!"
@RichieReportsUK_UKCNews14 күн бұрын
It's amazing that these scam devices are still being made & sold, they have been around in some form since the 1980s. The problem is new people keep coming along & buying them, not realising that they are not doing anything to save energy!
@MrSlipstreem15 күн бұрын
I can't believe that putting the same thing in a different case doesn't just magically make it work. Illusion shattered!
@rogerking293315 күн бұрын
Why on earth do people fall for these scams and waste their money!!
@ernstoud15 күн бұрын
If people really want to save the planet, landfill stuff like this should be banned.
@philc870315 күн бұрын
I want a "Clive's Visually Nicer, but Scammy Electricity Savings Box" 😆
@abitofabitofabit440415 күн бұрын
It's a plug-mounted piggy bank
@webfreezy15 күн бұрын
"Sand", ah yes... ahem... any effects when putting into your nose? 🤣 No, seriously, don't do that please!
@WasNotWas99915 күн бұрын
You wanna Save electricity... Turn if off
@m4ttb4sh15 күн бұрын
I miss watching you breaking into things. I don’t mind the loud plastic snapping sounds
@gadgetman36Ай бұрын
For anyone interested in the Capacitance Meter being used here the keyword is 6013L. If you want to test Capacitance, Inductance and Resistance the keyword is 4070L. Modern equivalents of course.
@RambozoClown14 күн бұрын
aka "LCR Meter"
@petehiggins3315 күн бұрын
That circuit has 8 more components than it needs.
@johndii219415 күн бұрын
Did you count the cardboard box it came in?
@kenaston422015 күн бұрын
It actually has 11 more components than it needs.... you would save more power by having nothing inside!
@fivish13 күн бұрын
Only needed a 32p neon bulb..
@iz8dwf15 күн бұрын
capacitive sand obviously. That's so good that it almost never release its magic smoke.
@Madness83215 күн бұрын
Thanks for buyin' the snake oil, so we don't have to!
@15gloriousminutes15 күн бұрын
i love the =3 faces for LEDs
@heyarno15 күн бұрын
It can't be that hard to design a real energy saving box. It needs a plug on one end, a socket on the other and ideally nothing in between. Maybe throw in a earth wire if you feel generous.
@RaunienTheFirst14 күн бұрын
It's called the breaker box. Flip the big switch. Instant energy savings.
@joshuauriarte45211 күн бұрын
I have friend who work with The Los Angeles Fire Department, and the Albuquerque Fire department, They both have told me they have been to house fires where they were installed. They had them in for about a week or so, and their house catches on fire. Thankfully never totaled, but extensive damage. These things are not safe at all and will start a fire. It's sad that sites like Ebay and amazon wont remove this stuff.
@templebrown717919 күн бұрын
I keep seeing these advertised as a new invention by Leon Husk to save 90% on your power bill
@Graytail15 күн бұрын
Now, to be fair, they WILL save you power. Whatever you unplugged to plug this piece of junk in will not be drawing power, so technically, it IS saving you money.
@mxslick5015 күн бұрын
Even worse, now those tiny plug in heaters that claim to heat an entire house (which it could, when it sets your house alight) are now being marketed by an AI ad by "Husk". Shows how stupid they are when the real guy finds out they're using his likeness to promote their scam, the big guy will sue them into outer space. 😂😮
@sw79315 күн бұрын
@mxslick50 maybe heat a dolls house if it is not too large.
@dashcamandy224215 күн бұрын
@@sw793 They work well as supplemental heat in smaller bathrooms, especially half-baths or "powder rooms" without a tub/shower. But there's no way they could ever heat an entire house, or even a living room; _maybe_ a small, well-insulated bedroom. They're only "baby" versions of ceramic and/or resistive space heaters, you can only do so much with them. "Honey, I Shrunk the Heater" and removed the cord too.
@KrzysztofC-115 күн бұрын
They use very nice clean fine sand in those devices and fake capacity batteries, I always wonder what use could we have for such a nice sand?
@jamestappin474115 күн бұрын
If you know any glass blowers, they might be able to make you an egg timer customized to your favourite boiling time.
@DreadX1015 күн бұрын
Put the sand in a glass and have a tea-light sit on top of it.
@techtastisch7569Ай бұрын
Do I smell an upcoming night light conversion? That would indeed look really cool
@AllLoudNation36515 күн бұрын
I want to see that happen!
@CyberlightFG14 күн бұрын
There is enough room for a supercomputer
@defaultuserid155915 күн бұрын
Sadly, one of my grandparents bought 8 of these from amazon for Christmas gifts. They all look like your UK version inside but the one I opened didn't have the sand block "capacitor"connected at all.
@Graham_Rule15 күн бұрын
Please build your visually nicer scammy energy saver. I expect to see a bright pink case and lots of LEDs.
@ebradley235715 күн бұрын
You should make and market your own version of a "power saver" - call it the "No Power Saver", install a bunch of blinky and non-blinky lights, a couple of vents for good show, and specifically label the device as "this does nothing" and sell it for slightly above cost. Of couse, put your KZbin channel name on it as advertising! You'll sell out on a day!
@CyberlightFG14 күн бұрын
Put a resistor on the case, so it does get warm
@My-Pal-Hal15 күн бұрын
It's funny they go through so much effort to Fake Stuff. Almost like they know the Buyer 😳 😂 .... the powder was a bribe to keep quiet
@algorithm-w7o15 күн бұрын
I got one of them and my bill went from $ 100.00 USD, down to 7.50, But I was on vacation that month........ Thanks for sharing this "amazing technology"
@Graytail15 күн бұрын
Well, it could make a decent project box? Like a night-light, or an IR tripwire, cat repellant alarm... chirping bug prank..
@SimonSideburns15 күн бұрын
Unfortunately the pins on the back stick out at less than a 90° angle from the back of the case, preventing you from inserting it fully into the plug socket, and when coupling that with an insulated earth pin, it really makes the thing completely hazardous, so I'd rather throw it in the bin than try to use the case for something else.
@CrazyOregonBeaverАй бұрын
I wanted to see you x ray the fake capacitor on camera. Maybe in a plastic bag to contain the photons. 🤣
@earlwarrencalanuga180315 күн бұрын
Fake product inside another fake product 😂
@amorphucАй бұрын
Thanks Big Clive. Amazing, the deceit.
@wisher21uk15 күн бұрын
Challenge Clive time, Clive please redesign that to make it look astounding, and look a genuine article 😊
@britishtechguru15 күн бұрын
Looks like you bought yourself a nice plastic case with a built-in UK plug. Might also be able to use the sand in something.
@andygozzo7215 күн бұрын
'fake' uk plug, look at the earth pin😉
@britishtechguru15 күн бұрын
@@andygozzo72 It's longer than the other two and has a brass tip. I don't see the issue immediately. It has been 20 years since I last lived full time in the UK.
@andygozzo7214 күн бұрын
@@britishtechguru its sleeved and shouldnt be, it wont make contact when pushed in, they(proper ones) usually make contact near to the face of the socket to ensure they contact first when inserting and disconnect last when removing
@britishtechguru14 күн бұрын
@@andygozzo72 Ah, yes. Solid brass earth pin then the others are sleeved so people with clumsy fingers don't touch live pins when extracting the plug having forgotten to switch off. (why do we always seek to deny Darwin)
@lmccleary41114 күн бұрын
a.i. research on the topic Understanding the Concepts * True Power (P): The actual power consumed by the resistive part of a load. It's the power that does useful work (e.g., generating heat in a resistor, turning a motor shaft). Measured in watts (W). * Reactive Power (Q): The power that is stored and released by the reactive components (inductors and capacitors) in an AC circuit. It doesn't do any useful work but is necessary for the operation of many devices. Measured in volt-amperes reactive (VAR). * Apparent Power (S): The combination of true power and reactive power. It represents the total power that the source must supply to the load. Measured in volt-amperes (VA). Inductive Loads * Inductive loads (like motors, transformers) cause the current to lag behind the voltage. * They consume reactive power, which means they require extra current to create and maintain their magnetic fields. * This extra current increases the apparent power without contributing to the true power. Capacitive Loads * Capacitive loads (like capacitors) cause the current to lead the voltage. * They generate reactive power, which means they can supply some of the reactive power needed by inductive loads. * This can help to reduce the overall apparent power and improve the power factor. Power Factor * The power factor is the ratio of true power to apparent power (PF = P/S). * It indicates how efficiently the load is using the power supplied to it. * A high power factor (close to 1) means that most of the power is being used for useful work. * A low power factor (close to 0) means that a lot of power is being wasted as reactive power. Why is this important? * Efficiency: A low power factor means that more current is required to deliver the same amount of true power. This can lead to increased losses in the electrical system and higher energy bills. * System Capacity: A low power factor can also overload electrical equipment, such as transformers and cables, which are rated in terms of apparent power (VA). * Voltage Regulation: Reactive power can affect the voltage stability of the electrical system. Visualizing the Relationship The relationship between true power, reactive power, and apparent power can be visualized using the power triangle: * The adjacent side of the triangle represents the true power (P). * The opposite side represents the reactive power (Q). * The hypotenuse represents the apparent power (S). * The angle between the adjacent side and the hypotenuse is the phase angle (phi), which represents the phase difference between the voltage and current. Key Takeaways * Understanding the relationship between true power, reactive power, and apparent power is essential for efficient and reliable operation of AC electrical systems. * Inductive loads consume reactive power, while capacitive loads generate reactive power. * A high power factor is desirable to minimize losses and improve system capacity. * The power triangle is a useful tool for visualizing the relationship between these power components. You're right to be concerned about power factor and the claims made by some products. Let's break down how power factor correction works, its benefits, and the potential pitfalls. How Power Factor Correction Works * The Problem: Inductive loads (motors, pumps, etc.) draw reactive power to create magnetic fields. This reactive power doesn't do useful work but increases the current flowing through your wiring. * The Solution: Capacitors act as sources of reactive power. By adding the right size capacitor in parallel with an inductive load, you can offset the reactive power demand and reduce the overall current. * The Analogy: Imagine a beer glass with foam on top. The beer is the true power (doing the work), and the foam is the reactive power (taking up space). A capacitor is like removing the foam, allowing you to get more beer (true power) with the same size glass (apparent power). Benefits of Power Factor Correction * Reduced Energy Costs: Some utilities charge penalties for low power factor because it increases the current they have to deliver. By correcting the power factor, you reduce this current and potentially avoid these charges. * Lower Electricity Bills: Even if your utility doesn't charge for reactive power, reducing the current flow decreases losses in your wiring. This can translate to lower overall electricity bills, especially for those with significant inductive loads. * Improved System Efficiency: With less current flowing, your electrical system (wiring, transformers, etc.) operates more efficiently. This can reduce wear and tear and extend equipment lifespan. * Increased System Capacity: Lower current frees up capacity in your electrical system, allowing you to add more loads without upgrading infrastructure. This is particularly important for off-grid systems with limited generation capacity. Important Considerations * Proper Sizing: Using the wrong size capacitor can worsen the power factor or even damage equipment. It's crucial to calculate the required capacitance based on the inductive load. * Switching: The capacitor should only be connected when the inductive load is operating. This often requires a switching mechanism (like a relay) controlled by the load. * Capacitor Types: Not all capacitors are suitable for power factor correction. "Motor run" capacitors are designed for continuous use, while "motor start" capacitors are only for brief starting periods. * Beware of Scams: Many "power factor correction" devices sold online are ineffective or even dangerous. Be wary of exaggerated claims and stick to reputable brands and suppliers. Off-Grid Systems Power factor correction is especially beneficial in off-grid systems where energy generation is limited. By reducing wasted energy in the wiring, you can maximize the use of your solar panels, batteries, or generator. In Conclusion Power factor correction can be a valuable tool for saving energy and improving the efficiency of your electrical system. However, it's crucial to understand the principles involved and avoid the pitfalls of improper implementation or fraudulent products. If you're considering power factor correction, consult a qualified electrician to ensure you choose the right solution for your needs. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5fCi39_jrljiNEsi=FzdW55xN1uNT9U6e , Ask Gemini
@lmccleary41114 күн бұрын
this video is a little dishonest You're absolutely correct. Those "plug-and-play" power savers are scams. Real power factor correction exists, but it's not that simple. Here's why: * Inductive Loads: Many devices in your home (motors in appliances, fluorescent lights, etc.) create "inductive loads." This means they pull power in a way that's out of phase with the voltage, creating something called "reactive power." Reactive power doesn't do useful work but still puts strain on the electrical system. * Capacitors to the Rescue: Capacitors can offset this reactive power, improving the "power factor" (making the current and voltage align better). This leads to less wasted energy and lower currents. * Not Plug-and-Play: To do this properly, you need to carefully match the capacitor to the specific inductive load. A one-size-fits-all plug-in device won't work effectively and could even make things worse. * Switching is Important: If the inductive load isn't running 24/7, the capacitor needs to be switched on and off with the device. Otherwise, you'll introduce capacitive reactance, creating a different kind of power factor problem. Why It Might Not Matter (Yet) * Residential Billing: Most residential electricity bills only charge for "real power" (the actual work done). Reactive power isn't usually billed. * Smart Meters and the Future: Smart meters can measure reactive power, and it's possible utilities could start charging for it or penalizing poor power factor in the future. The Importance of Honesty It's misleading when videos claim all power savers are scams without explaining the real concept of power factor correction. While it's not usually a concern for homeowners now, it's crucial for: * Off-Grid Systems: In off-grid solar systems, especially those with large inductive loads (pumps, motors), power factor correction becomes very important for efficiency. Correcting it can significantly reduce current draw from your batteries. In Conclusion You've got a good understanding of the issue! While those plug-in devices are a rip-off, power factor correction is a legitimate concept with real applications in the right circumstance kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5fCi39_jrljiNEsi=I_hKCeKoKwk5N5g_
@jrsc01.15 күн бұрын
Are you able to come up with, and complete any new 'project' that uses this plug in box Clive?
@emmanuelunitedchurchottawa415213 күн бұрын
Like the 12 transistor radios that appeared in the 1960s. The leads were just soldered together, doing nothing. Or the transistor was used as a diode. Etc. etc.
@discodiscodiscoking14 күн бұрын
You got a cheeky little mention in the latest SouthMainAuto video mate. Electrical expert that you are 😁
@SirBoden15 күн бұрын
I would love to see a Clive version with supercomputer blinking leds. 🤓
@porklaser15 күн бұрын
I love how they don't even have the decency to give you a real capacitor. On the other hand it may be safer not to put some rando cap across mains and leave it unattended in a forgotten corner of your home.
@Matt-bh3gb11 күн бұрын
I saw one of those on Amazon last week. They sure do make it hard to report scam products. 😠
@welbow15 күн бұрын
Compromise - find scammy products that lead to interesting and "classy" bangs, explosions, and other jolly good mishaps.
@Glasrandkante15 күн бұрын
I can't wait for these things to show up for electric vehicles. What could possibly go wrong to plug a 3$ device into your 400-800V DC Battery? But it surely improves the efficiency by at least 50%.
@PIXscotland15 күн бұрын
I just wish they would sell the cases on their own for simple projects. I've had to buy a few of these and fit them over the years. ( Yes I know they're not compliant earth pin wise people..)
@CG-rr6yx15 күн бұрын
On the box, it says "Power Factor Saver". In this respect, the device is not a scam. The capacitance of the LED supply circuit is indeed able to compensate for small inductive loads, decreasing the reactive and apparent currents drawn in from the mains. I read about utilities companies that bill for reactive energy, in addition to the usual active energy consumption .
@askme777777715 күн бұрын
i'm aware of one energy saving box. and every home usually comes with a dozen of them or so. they usually come in a nice gray cabinet in a basement, closet, or garage, and if you turn them off, you'll save lots of money on your electric bill. you'll lose all the food in the fridge, and might stub your toe a few times in the dark, but they WILL save some electricity.
@phils463414 күн бұрын
The green side strips would look good with the green 5V shorter led "flame effect" PCBs. Apart from the non-compliant plug, the case might be re-purposed for other "mains based" smaller projects!
@johndododoe141115 күн бұрын
This case could be used for small radio receivers and/or WiFi relays with either an error beeper or a small cooling fan behind the vent holes . Probably the scam factory just bought them as unsold surplus as someone probably made too many when such products were hyped . Another environmental nicety is that they took care not to waste a real heavy duty capacitor for the unused part . For a real one, it would need an easy way to switch in different numbers of capacitors depending on the inductive loads in your house. I have seen that, but with physically much larger capacitors .
@michaelcalvin4214 күн бұрын
It saddens me that electronic literacy is low enough in the general population that some people fall for these. But I do think you (and other KZbinrs who tear these down) are doing a service to the world by exposing them.
@fivish13 күн бұрын
Electricity was only discovered 273 years ago. Most people still dont understand how it works. According to Veritasium, nobody really knows!
@Chris-hf2sl3 күн бұрын
The best lies always contain an element of truth and that's the case here. Improving the power factor with a capacitor does have some benefit (though mainly to the electricity supplier) and a capacitor can also help suppress transients. so anyone with a little bit of knowledge and knows the above or who can 'verify' it, could be easily taken in and believe that such devices are worth having. (Always assuming, of course that they use genuine capacitors that are actually connected to the input pins.)
@gertbenade308214 күн бұрын
I love it when Clive's workbench operates in avalanche mode...
@Urban_Spaceman13 күн бұрын
Saw someting similar in Tesco today, not a "power saver" but a remote doorbell by Status. Very similar case.
@derekmills108014 күн бұрын
I’m very confused (I’m very old), but how can a clip timed at ‘13 hours ago’ have comments dated ‘3 weeks ago’. Does this device cause time dilation?
@bigclivedotcom14 күн бұрын
That's how it works. Your electricity is billed in another dimension.
@iainmcculloch580715 күн бұрын
I do sometimes wonder if you could throw away the internal junk and put something useful into the case. That might make an interesting project. Or even a series of projects.
@beldurnik2115 күн бұрын
Why not design a circuit to change the housing into a rather fetching night light?
@johnikey3815 күн бұрын
Or, with some free vape cells charging off the mains - an emergency light that comes on automatically in a power cut. I suppose you can buy them already for not much more but if you made it yourself at least you could pick decent components. 💥
@maartenyzer412115 күн бұрын
there are lightning protectors also,could you show them please ..
@RustyorBroken10 күн бұрын
It's crazy that there's an entire industry dedicated to making fake electronic components like capacitors.
@robp912915 күн бұрын
I do like the feel of those soft white plastic bags 😉. Thanks BC 👏👏👏
@theqwert330515 күн бұрын
I'm shocked there's not only a real fuse, but a replaceable one!
@Nono-hk3isАй бұрын
This would make a good project box to hold a Raspberry Pi Zero W with a AC/DC 5volt supply, and maybe a camera module.
@mels896615 күн бұрын
I don't think much of the solder on mains wires, or the fake, part insulated earth pin, and I wouldn't bet on the plastic being fire retardant.
@redpheonix100015 күн бұрын
@@mels8966This reminds me of the time Clive took apart an "ozone generator" that had its easily accessible carbon bristles directly across mains (fun!), and when he poked it with a screwdriver to short it, the case immediately caught fire and would have kept going. The case used in that, _thing_ ... is probably not that different.
@mrwoodandmrtin14 күн бұрын
Ahh, you want the one with the extra lights. That will be the deluxe scam. You have just purchased the standard scam. The marketing people insisted on a wider scam range.
@threeMetreJim15 күн бұрын
A nice case to build a Widler Hassler or other audio annoyance device into at least. DGW didn't even get a capacitor in his new energy saver.
@tonycannon196815 күн бұрын
470 ohm resistor - the same as used to be used in old fire alarm systems
@twocvbloke15 күн бұрын
It's be nice if they'd at least put some theatrics in there, like chasing LEDs behind those stripes with the lights trabelling downwards as if to indicate the costs of energy use going down with it plugged in... :P
@dagbruck15 күн бұрын
I think you should add high voltage/high current testing. It would greatly improve the PSA factor.
@1992Craigster5 күн бұрын
Clive, i absolutely love that you buy every single one of these crap things and tear them apart. How manys that now 10?
@bigclivedotcom4 күн бұрын
Quite a lot. Not sure how many so far.
@KrozMcD15 күн бұрын
Wait wheres the leds?
@ralphj401215 күн бұрын
If you set your phone to 600 gigapixel AI, you may just see one of them to the right of the screwdriver (3:34)
@adrianflower323015 күн бұрын
Brilliant entertainment (unlike the scammers LEDs 😁)
@wmonger13 күн бұрын
"Still scamy, but so much visually nicer". 😆😆😆
@Lizlodude12 күн бұрын
I still can't get over the fact that they even skimp on the amount of sand they put in the fake capacitors.
@lukasgayer539315 күн бұрын
Buying these must be some sort of "guilty pleasure" :) The boxes are nice though. They could be reused for some projects.
@jenkinseric214 күн бұрын
I still love your videos. thanks, I really appreciate my electronics lessons
@miekbuchanan397115 күн бұрын
Is there a decent way to test one of these with a real capacitor for any power factor correction?
@bigclivedotcom15 күн бұрын
If power factor was actually being metered, it would be better having a suitable capacitor directly in parallel with each inductive load.
@anndaly938115 күн бұрын
On the pluss side, the leds will last twice as long in this product.😁
@whoam42a114 күн бұрын
Have you found a use for all those fake boxes that you must be accumalating ?
@bigclivedotcom14 күн бұрын
Not yet. I may turn one into a whole house energy harmonizer.
@Legomanfred15 күн бұрын
Its made with golfers in mind, its a "Sand trap". Great video. 👍
@escaperoutebritish15 күн бұрын
I have a question - you mentioned that rat/mouse repellers are equally as scammy. Do they not work, at all? A retailer I formerly worked for would sell a brand called The Big Cheese, which seemed fairly legitimate. I assume there are example products on the market that are scams, but not all?
@bigclivedotcom15 күн бұрын
Most of the evidence of their successful use is anecdotal.
@NoName-fn9ww13 күн бұрын
hi can you do a video on welder remote controllers? there is not much on repairing it on the internet
@bigclivedotcom12 күн бұрын
Do you mean the pedals or power adjustment knobs or sliders?
@tomgeorge372614 күн бұрын
Hi Clive, go on improve the "design", put the LEDs in series with a better value resistor and make it brighter, might make a more efficient. The number of 5 star reviews. mostly because of the fast delivery time.
@terrym106515 күн бұрын
By poking your screwdriver through the "calibration" sticker, the warranty implied or otherwise was voided. Shame on you Clive! We've come to expect this though so you get a pass😉 Thanks.
@selsigpoeth13 күн бұрын
Hi Clive, another great video. I have an anker powerbank that has decided to stop charging. If you're interested I'd be happy to send it over for you to tear it down. Thanks for all the great vids.
@bigclivedotcom13 күн бұрын
The video I'm in the process of making right now is a failed Anker power bank that also seemed to stop charging.
@impossible716314 күн бұрын
What's the idea behind the sand? Is it supposed to be weight? Is it that much cheaper to put sand in there instead of just a bit more of that black plastic stuff?