Weller responds to the magic smoke escaping from their WE1010 soldering station, and the lack of a primary side mains fuse.
Prepare to be awestruck at their commitment to safety!
The Current Source tears down a Weller WEP51 iron: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qo6B1aYUffE
Even the world's cheapest soldering station has a primary side mains fuse: https://youtu.be/0GdV7XBae74?t=8m55s
https://weller-tools.com/we1010na/
Forum: http://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/eevblog-1160-weller-responds/'>http://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/eevblog-1160-weller-responds/
EEVblog Main Web Site: http://www.eevblog.com
The 2nd EEVblog Channel: http://www.youtube.com/EEVblog2
Support the EEVblog through Patreon!
http://www.patreon.com/eevblog
AliExpress Affiliate: http://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/c2LRpe8g
Buy anything through that link and Dave gets a commission at no cost to you.
Stuff I recommend:
https://kit.com/EEVblog/
Donate With Bitcoin & Other Crypto Currencies!
https://www.eevblog.com/crypto-currency/
T-Shirts: http://teespring.com/stores/eevblog
Likecoin – Coins for Likes: https://likecoin.pro/ @eevblog/dil9/hcq3

Hi. In a recent video we took a look at this Weller W/e 1010 soldering iron and how it released the magic smoke when accidentally plugged in to 240 volts for 120 volt unit. and after doing a teardown of this, we discovered that it has no primary side mains fuse and this is insanity. So I asked Weller for an official response and we'll take a look at that in a minute.

but since then Derek over at the current source Channel I'll link it in down below take a look at it. He actually looks at the Waes 51 iron which is another like a like an analog control iron here and he actually takes it apart and unwinds and actually grinds off the transformer and actually opens it up. It's great and surprise surprise no primary side fuse exactly like the W II 10/10 Nothing. not even a thermal fuse inside the transformer in the windings which is quite common.

So yeah, like that's at least two Weller irons, probably more that don't have I Know there are people have been posting examples of their Weller iron that does have a primary side fuse so it's well, is like a lucky dip. You know it's like a spontaneous combustion lucky dip of whether or not your iron has their fuse. So I contacted Weller 11 days ago now and they finally got back to me. I thought oh yeah, they're like internally panicking and they don't know what to do and you know they're coming up with a really good response.

After all this time, let's have a look at what they are. Official responses from none. No one less than the Vice-president of Marketing. This is their response we have.

Dear sir: I'm Dave from the eevblog. Just call me Dave nightly sir. Rubbish. We have seen the video you have posted recently and would like to confirm that the W/e 10/10 has UL C, E and V Da approvals.

As you are suggesting, We appreciate your interest in the Weller products and we would like for you to have the opportunity to further the Weller station. so we'd like to offer you a 230 volt unit. Gee, thanks a lot! It is our understanding that you are now based in Australia I've always been based in Australia Can you please provide us with your detail so we can arrange shipment? We look forward to your next project Revere product review and remain at your disposal for any question you might have about the Weller products Kind regards the Vice-president of or President Vice President I Think of Marketing at Weller That took him 11 days to come up with their response like unbelievable. 11 days to come up with that BS So it's like nothing to see here.

Nothing to see Somebody thought that at least come out with the usual spiel about well are committed to safety and all our irons are. You know we stand behind and believe in all of our irons and we do it for these reasons and we as some have fuses, some don't but it's all part of the standard. Don't worry about it, she'll be right mate. No worries.

And I expected something like that. It's just not. It's got ul approval. bugger off.
You know what are you worried about? Because ultimately, I didn't really expect them to admit it was a problem because that's liability and potential. Like recall territory. But I expected. You know, fair bit more waffle than that.

Um, that's yeah. that response. Pretty pathetic. So let's just have a quick look at the product page for the W/e 1010 and if you search for the word safety, it actually shows up 20 times on the page.

So this must be a really safe eye. and they obviously take safety very seriously. So let's have a look and improve. Enhance power and performance.

Intuitive controls and improved safety features except mains, fuse, safety, rest, cleaning, safety, rest Again, education and Training it. It's easy to use and numerous safety features that will help you prevent incidents in the classroom or on the job. Soldering Training: Too bad if there's like a mains surge or something happens to break down the insulation on the transformer and then it and you know under further use it starts to short out and then there's nothing to protect it. Releasing the magic smoke is there.

So alright. it's only four colleges burns down, no worries. It's also a good entry-level soldering iron kit, so it's even suitable for hobbyists and do-it-yourself in Sue's iasts. It's affordability, ease of use, and safety features make it easy for everyone to use.

With only basic orientation and a review of safety considerations. Safety: the WETA and Tenten has numerous features that will reduce potential hazards throughout your workday. Really reduce hazards. It features a reinforced safety rest blah blah blah.

The unit is also ESD safe and you L&C a certified for electrical safety. Yeah, there's probably some loophole in the standards, which means that you don't have to put a soprano side fuse in, but so all your competition including the one Holy Bay clones I Just just wasting their money putting those primary mains fuses in. You can reduce potential hazards throughout your workday by leaving out that pesky primary fuse power supply of 120 volts. The systems power supply equals 120 volts or 60 Hertz I Just have 120 volts doesn't work on DC Let's plug DC in there.

No worries, right? Because it's optional, it's or the voltage to the low voltage 120 volts. soldering iron system increases safety and reliability while providing the power needed to get the job done. How is this a thing? Why? Like who wrote this rubbish? If you want a powerful yet versatile soldering station at an affordable price point, the W/e 1010 is hard to beat. With top-of-the-line performance, ease of use, safety features, and affordability, it's the perfect soldering solution for a wide range of jobs.

Yeah, right. As for said to be a new Weller iron, Well, thanks, but no thanks. I'm not having some bloody random unprotected mains fireball in my lab. Unbelievable.
Doesn't have a primary side fuse even the cheapest asked one hung low clone rip offs on eBay Soldering irons have primary side fuses it. There's no excuse for it. How're your irons doin Like it looks like a bunch of them don't? Why give us some technical reason? This is the EEV blog. I Think my audience will understand the technical reasons if you tell us.

but no, you just come out with this wank and you want to give me a new iron. Well, this ain't one freaking place at this heap of crap. Any iron. any product really without a primary size side fuse belongs, even if it is does meet the UL certification.

Only one place it belongs and that's shot in the trash transformer. if I toss that in and that's a bit heavy bit. whoa. that wasn't pretty.

The iron - so you know where you can shove this unbelievable catch you next time. Better, as you probably know, is there for quality technology and innovation and we are convinced that this is what we demonstrated once again on the on the exhibition. We have new products available in all of the space of the soldering segment. We've been extremely successful in introducing that to our customers and actually if we look back into 2017, we did a great job in achieving double-digit growth, which is probably two and a half times what happens in the market out there.

So doing great job.

Avatar photo

By YTB

30 thoughts on “Eevblog #1160 – weller responds!”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars visweswara rao kalla says:

    I still don't understand that, how they are able to get UL and VDE certification without keeping basic circuit protection at the mains. damn.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hola! JeepinBoon says:

    Onehunglow user here: My 2016 ZENY 862D+ does indeed have a primary fuse and both hot air and soldering iron still work perfectly after building hundreds of eurorack modules and several drunk forgot to turn the iron off nights. I currently am repairing HP Agilent gear from the 77-90 years range.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars jadesluv says:

    This fuseless primary crap getting a UL approval reminds me of the FAA and Boeing relationship concerning the 737Max MCAS debacle. Underwriters will be too busy to bother looking at the schematic for a fuse, or maybe Apex sent in a schematic with a fuse on the primary. How many labs or houses need to burn up before they need an ECO? Too cheap and maybe to stupid to include a back panel mounted fuse holder.

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars V? c! says:

    Ciao, e da un bel po' di anni che seguo il tuo canale YouTube complimenti per la chiarezza delle tue recensioni, in particolare volevo parlarti di questa stazione saldamente Weller che ho voluto comprare da una nota rete di distribuzione, che ne ha comprate così tante e che non riesce a venderle, la mia mi è arrivata con lo stilo di saldatura bruciato e piegato non ho aperto il resto è ho rispedito tutto indietro per il reso, non sono meravigliato di quello che hai fatto vedere, grazie per le tue recensioni, Simone.V. Italia.

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Edwin Martin says:

    🔥🔥🔥

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Sheppsy says:

    I’m sorry but you’re dumb enough to plug a 110v appliance into 240v socket, you damage the appliance and then they give you a replacement and you carry on like a parrot on acid. Sorry but you deserve a hi five, in the face, with a chair.

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars deezel_fairy says:

    Love it.
    "It meets all standards, have a free one, f@&k off" 😂

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Fernando I says:

    Safe as long as you use for all the intended purposes, such as plugging into a perfect 120V mains line with 0% chance of power surges.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars James Kelleher says:

    So they gave you a free iron even though you messed up and you're still not happy.

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Claude Daoust says:

    Do you run all of your electrical equipment at twice the rated voltage? Hows that working for you? I would have taken the replacement, added a fuse and pilot indicator lamp and called it a day. What I don't understand is how you got the 120VAC plug into the 240VAC receptacle. You should do a video on that procedure. I'm guessing it involves a really big hammer.

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Weazel Dark says:

    Wont be touching Weller unless it is old as the hills

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars hokman1 says:

    My japanese tube amp blew a component after plugging in 240. It's got a fuse holder and a fuse but it didn't save it at all. The fuse holder specced a 100w fuse but the installed fuse is actually a 500w(250v2a). The bottom of the unit specified 22w. So what fuse should be used to protect the unit?

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars philipp594 says:

    VDE is usually super strict and relies on actual testing. Interesting that they got that.

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Michael Spencer says:

    Oh, at least as an after thought, at least it wasn't 480VAC!

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Michael Spencer says:

    I guess UL never thought to plug a 120 iron into 220? It really should have a fuse as with all test gear and tools.

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars guggi uggi says:

    Wow, just wow.. I hope whoever wrote that crap can sleep at night.. 😕

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars pattlehed says:

    Three years later, the website still says power is equal to 120 volts or 60 hertz

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bobbeh Mcstuffinshire says:

    It is interesting how they promote so much marketing wank for a product that basically hasn't changed in the past 60 years

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Arthur Morgan says:

    Almost bought Weller because I was happy with the good old Weller soldering gun, went with Hakko instead. Then saw this.

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dennis Carpenter says:

    The blame really Accidentally? first in reality professionalism, safety and experience, ? who would plug a 110 volt powered device into a 230 volt power supply, the response from Weller about the problem at hand and what was found to be a possible solution?,

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars yertel t says:

    You can't "accidentally" plug a US 120v plug into an AUS 240v outlet. Completely different configurations. This alone invalidates your entire video. What else was "accidentally" modified? Who knows? Your word isn't to be trusted, "accidentally" indeed. Shame.

    If you had taken them up on their offer of a free unit designed for your power source and had done some valid testing to see if the lack of the fuse is an actual issue or not you may have redeemed yourself. As it stands now, we can only assume that with the correct voltage supplied, that the unit performs safely. You had an opportunity to possibly find some valid safety concerns, but decided your audience would be better served by being a snarky little girl and ridiculing Weller for not defending itself against your intentional stupidity. I say good on Weller for refusing to enter a battle of wits against an unarmed opponent.

    I am actually in the process of deciding between this unit and the Hakkor FX888D. After seeing Weller's customer service's generous offer of replacing a unit you obviously intentionally destroyed, plus their total display of restraint for not calling you out for behaving like an idiot, is pushing me towards the Weller.

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars bank bank says:

    How to unlock the device, it's locked, can't go to settings

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tanishq bhaiji says:

    Weller is a crap brand

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Z Azio says:

    Fun to find this video by Dave. In my company there are a ton of Weller WX2 solder stations and they come with RT active tips. Those tips will easily defect after being pressed a little too hard against the PCB, resulting in short-circuit between the therm coupler and heating coil. You can actually see the rod bending. And these are freaking expensive. The solution was to use the older ceramic heating tips and handpiece, which allowed daily use scenarios… On the other hand, my old JBC tip (thinnest one) does not bend a bit.

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ToshMatik says:

    Safety… a safe marketing wanker.

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars AJV80 says:

    My Weller ES51 died after 14 years, can confirm no fuse in the tx.
    Just ordered a Hakko.

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars N Tag says:

    My 2021 Mexico made WE 1010 120V unit does have a fuse now or at least a component that says "fuse" mounted directly on top of the transformer near/at the yellow flat/square capacitor looking thing.

    Strangest looking fuse I've ever seen. Has the shape of a TO-5 transistor.

    Correction, based on your previous teardown video of the Hakko vs Weller WE 1010, my WE 1010 appears identical with the fuse looking thing.

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mariusz Woźniak says:

    Only in JBC (sometimes Quick (hot air, desoldering station etc)) we trust

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chris Barrow says:

    No spare parts for the WE1010 Station! is the reply i receive from Weller.
    From a company who sell tools for repair is inadmissible , let this old company gone like water of toilet .

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars jub8891 says:

    from this day onwards you are known as Sir Dave

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *