403K views · Dec 30, 2023 · 31:04 · 2 HN recommenders · 13 mentions · discussed 2024–2026
Louis Rossmann examines fuses sold on Amazon that fail to trip at their rated current, including a 2A fuse surviving 8 amps. He uses it to criticize Amazon's lax control over safety-relevant products.
Why Hacker News points people here: HN cites it as the key example of Amazon selling dangerous counterfeit goods and warns people to test their fuses.
“This video gives a good overview of how Amazon's NGAF attitude about safety needs to be reigned in.”HN comment, 2024
“OP might want to watch Louis Rossmann's video about buying things from Amazon.”
Warns about buying fuses from Amazon
> Turns out, I need a 3A fuse, so I ordered one from Amazon OP might want to watch Louis Rossmann's video about buying things from Amazon. this video
“This video gives a good overview of how Amazon's NGAF attitude about safety needs to be reigned in.”
Overview of Amazon's lax attitude toward product safety
This video gives a good overview of how Amazon's NGAF attitude about safety needs to be reigned in. this video If you are in the USA report unsafe products here: link
“Louis Rossman did a video[0] where he put 8 amps through a 2 amp fuse”
Shows a fake 2A fuse surviving 8 amps
> A 3A fuse would burn out in a fraction of a second if you tried to do that. he bought it on Amazon. He has every reason to be worried that it won't burn out. Louis Rossman did a video[0] where he put 8 amps through a 2 amp fuse and left the room for quite a long time, I think it was several minutes with 8a going through a 2a fuse. [0]: this video
“Test your fuse!”
Fake fuses exist, so test yours
> 2.5A primary side fuse (integrated into the AC inlet) did not melt This is a current-limited power-supply right? Test your fuse! Would not be the first time a fuse-shaped wire is sold[1] [1]: this video
“Amazon is full of shit with zero supply chain control, including safety-relevant stuff like fuses [1]”
> Like yes, if its Friday afternoon, and you need parts urgently for your weekend project, then you can go there. But otherwise you get better choice for less money online. Yep, agreed. But online has its own problems... Amazon is full of shit with zero supply chain control, including safety-relevant stuff like fuses [1], or stuff secretly dropshipped from China or grey-imported from the UK or shipped from Poland with way more than a day of lead time. eBay is even worse. Bürklin is good but they do take their while to ship because they don't have an insane volume deal with DHL. And all of online is useless if you have stuff like weird connectors you need to find a matching mate or want to make sure <component> physically fits, or want to find a component that fits. No problem at Conrad, a huge and annoying hassle with online. [1] this video
“An easy example of the harm”
An easy example of the harm: this video I'll just return the fuses to Amazon after my family burns up I guess. Now expand that to people buying supplements, bolts holding things in place that can harm people, etc from Amazon.
People buy fuses from Amazon for the cars/motorcycles not understanding it can kill them. They are actually evil at this point for doing nothing about any of these ongoing issues. They can't be unaware if us rando consumers are aware (or if they are doing recalls for fake products). this video
“Louis Rossmann have a video about fake electrical fuses sold on Amazon US with almost half a million views.”
Most likely Japan just have better customer protections. Amazon only able to sell open-nox and co-mingled knock-off crap because US regulators are toothless. Louis Rossmann have a video about fake electrical fuses sold on Amazon US with almost half a million views. Literally the product that can burn your house to the ground: this video Did Amazon US at least pulled these off store? Nope.
“Fake electrical fuses linked in Louis Rossmann video are still for sale”
Do not ever buy anything safety-critical off Amazon. Fake electrical fuses linked in Louis Rossmann video are still for sale: this video Or any food, or anything that you wear too close to your body that can be health hazzard due unsafe or toxic materials.
“Could I interest you in some very durable car fuses that don't actually trip?”
Out of pocket? Perhaps not, especially if it "works" as intended. Putting your life in danger and house burnt down though? More likely than you realize. Could I interest you in some very durable car fuses that don't actually trip? this video Or perhaps radioactive protection pendants are your thing? link Could I interest you in some Amazon choice firecrackers? link Let's not even mention the health and nutrient products that make the FDA shudder. Sure, you can ask for your money back, and flag the seller. But new sellers pop up selling the same crap all over again with a new name and company ID. This is all while real sellers of real (and safety certified products) get pressured by Amazon and dissuaded from taking their business off platform. Avoid Amazon if at all possible. It's not good for consumers nor sellers, and it's keeping a leach on online retail. Most countries have laws around liability of sold products. This is often set up to fall on the importer of said product. Amazon Europe (and perhaps USA) is doing something very funny with these laws; You, the consumer, is the importer. If your house burns out, then it's between you and a random chineese ghost companny that just disappeared into smoke. Amazon is "handling the import paperwork for you", and not taking liability for anything.
“Amazon seems cool with selling fake fuses that will kill people.”
Amazon seems cool with selling fake fuses that will kill people. That is what got me to stop shopping with them. The fact they seem to be cool with literally just letting people die. Fuses aren't an 'optional if they work' thing. this video
“Amazon currently sells fake fuses that have probably already killed people.”
Amazon currently sells fake fuses that have probably already killed people. Amazon cares just slightly more about breaking the law then they about killing people. this video
“(they survive 5-10x their rated current)”
Could we interest you in some amazons choice fuses? never more be concerned about replacing a fuse! as these ones, simply wont need replacing! (they survive 5-10x their rated current) this video
