LITESUN LA-64: Difference between revisions
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== Historical Context == | == Historical Context == | ||
The LA-64 | The LA-64 is representative of a modern generation (November 2026) of low-cost direct-plug surge protectors marketed through online marketplaces. Unlike many surge protectors of the 1990s and 2000s that incorporated multiple outlets, telephone-line protection, coaxial protection, or EMI filtering, the LA-64 focuses on protecting a single connected device while occupying minimal space. | ||
LITESUN identifies itself as a manufacturer of surge protectors, power strips, extension cords, and electrical connectivity products. Company information published on the manufacturer's website states that the company was founded in 1995 and exports products worldwide. | LITESUN identifies itself as a manufacturer of surge protectors, power strips, extension cords, and electrical connectivity products. Company information published on the manufacturer's website states that the company was founded in 1995 and exports products worldwide. | ||
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== Physical Characteristics == | == Physical Characteristics == | ||
The LA-64 utilizes a compact direct-plug enclosure intended to occupy a single wall receptacle while providing one protected outlet for connected equipment. The design eliminates the cord assembly, enclosure length, and multi-outlet architecture commonly | The LITESUN LA-64 utilizes a compact direct-plug enclosure intended to occupy a single wall receptacle while providing one protected outlet for connected equipment. The design eliminates the cord assembly, enclosure length, and multi-outlet architecture commonly associated with traditional surge protectors. | ||
Marketed by the manufacturer as a "Current Tap with Surge Protector", the device combines a grounded NEMA 5-15R receptacle, a Type 3 surge protective device (SPD), a protected-status indicator lamp, and an integrated rocker switch within a compact plug-in enclosure. | |||
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The rear housing contains a molded circular date-code insert with month positions numbered 1 through 12 surrounding a two-digit year indicator. Such inserts are commonly used in injection-molded plastic components to provide manufacturing traceability of enclosure parts. | The rear housing contains a molded circular date-code insert with month positions numbered 1 through 12 surrounding a two-digit year indicator. Such inserts are commonly used in injection-molded plastic components to provide manufacturing traceability of enclosure parts. | ||
The photographed insert | The photographed insert is marked with the year code "25" and the arrow pointing at the number "8" indicating August of 2025 as the date of manufacture. | ||
<gallery mode="packed" heights="250"> | <gallery mode="packed" heights="250"> | ||
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The documented example was purchased new from Amazon Haul in December 2025. No visible shipping damage, enclosure discoloration, or operational defects were noted. | The documented example was purchased new from Amazon Haul in December 2025. No visible shipping damage, enclosure discoloration, or operational defects were noted. | ||
The device appeared unused and was still in new condition at the time of acquisition. | |||
<gallery mode="packed" heights="250"> | <gallery mode="packed" heights="250"> | ||
File: | File:surge_litesun_la-64_main_01.jpg|Front view of the Litesun LA-64 single-outlet surge protector. | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
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As a result, the device appears to provide line-to-neutral surge suppression only. No line-to-ground or neutral-to-ground MOVs were observed. | As a result, the device appears to provide line-to-neutral surge suppression only. No line-to-ground or neutral-to-ground MOVs were observed. | ||
=== Surge Protection Topology === | === Surge Protection Topology === | ||
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Examination of the circuit board found a single metal-oxide varistor (MOV) connected between the line and neutral conductors. The grounding conductor is implemented as a direct pass-through metal assembly extending from the wall plug to the receptacle ground contact. | Examination of the circuit board found a single metal-oxide varistor (MOV) connected between the line and neutral conductors. The grounding conductor is implemented as a direct pass-through metal assembly extending from the wall plug to the receptacle ground contact. | ||
Examination of the circuit board found no surge-suppression components connected to the grounding conductor. Combined with the "700V (L-N)" marking on the data plate, this suggests the device employs a single line-to-neutral surge-protection topology rather than line-to-ground or neutral-to-ground protection. | |||
These findings are consistent with the device markings, which specify a VPR of 700 V (L-N), and suggest a line-to-neutral-only surge-suppression design. | These findings are consistent with the device markings, which specify a VPR of 700 V (L-N), and suggest a line-to-neutral-only surge-suppression design. | ||
The observed design differs from many higher-end surge suppressors that employ multiple MOVs and provide separate line-to-ground and neutral-to-ground protection paths. The LA-64 instead appears to rely on a single line-to-neutral protection stage consistent with its low cost, compact size, and modest 245-joule energy rating. | |||
=== Circuit Board Assembly === | === Circuit Board Assembly === | ||
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The weight analysis shows that more than half of the device's mass is contained in the plastic enclosure, while less than 40% is associated with the printed circuit board assembly and surge-suppression circuitry. | The weight analysis shows that more than half of the device's mass is contained in the plastic enclosure, while less than 40% is associated with the printed circuit board assembly and surge-suppression circuitry. | ||
The grounding | The grounding pin assembly accounts for approximately 4.5% of total device weight, while the four enclosure and mounting screws account for less than 1%. | ||
The relatively low weight of the internal assembly is consistent with the minimalist circuit design observed during teardown, which includes a single MOV, indicator LED, diode, resistor, rocker switch, and stamped-metal receptacle contacts. | The relatively low weight of the internal assembly is consistent with the minimalist circuit design observed during teardown, which includes a single MOV, indicator LED, diode, resistor, rocker switch, and stamped-metal receptacle contacts. | ||
Revision as of 20:28, 14 November 2026
The LITESUN LA-64 is a compact single-outlet surge protector manufactured by LITESUN and marketed through online retail channels including Amazon Haul. The documented example was manufactured in August 2025 and purchased new from Amazon Haul in December 2025 for $6.75.
Unlike most surge protectors documented by the OldSurge Archive, the LA-64 protects only a single receptacle and plugs directly into an existing wall outlet, eliminating the need for an attached power cord. The documented example is significant as both the first LITESUN product documented by the archive and the first single-outlet surge protector preserved within the collection.
The documented example entered regular service in November 2026 protecting an HP LaserJet printer.
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Front view of the Litesun LA-64 single-outlet surge protector. The device incorporates a single grounded NEMA 5-15R receptacle and a "PROTECTED" indicator located above the outlet opening.
Overview
The LITESUN LA-64 is a direct-plug surge protector intended to provide surge suppression for a single connected appliance or electronic device. The design emphasizes simplicity, low cost, and minimal space requirements while providing basic transient-voltage protection.
The unit was purchased through Amazon Haul, illustrating the growing role of low-cost direct-import sales channels in the consumer power-protection market.
Historical Context
The LA-64 is representative of a modern generation (November 2026) of low-cost direct-plug surge protectors marketed through online marketplaces. Unlike many surge protectors of the 1990s and 2000s that incorporated multiple outlets, telephone-line protection, coaxial protection, or EMI filtering, the LA-64 focuses on protecting a single connected device while occupying minimal space.
LITESUN identifies itself as a manufacturer of surge protectors, power strips, extension cords, and electrical connectivity products. Company information published on the manufacturer's website states that the company was founded in 1995 and exports products worldwide.
As of November 2026, no references to model LA-64 or FM-LA64 had been identified on the manufacturer's public website, suggesting that the product may have been marketed through a retailer-specific, regional, or OEM sales channel.
Documented Example
- OldSurge ID: OS-0033
- Manufacturer: LITESUN
- Model: LA-64
- Marketplace Designation: FM-LA64
- Part Number: Unknown
- Serial Number: None Observed
- Manufacturing Date: August 2025
- Date Acquired: December 2025
- Date Entered Service: November 2026
Specifications
The LA-64 differs from most artifacts documented by the archive in that it provides surge protection for a single receptacle using a compact direct-plug form factor. The design eliminates the need for an attached power cord or multi-outlet enclosure.
The device bears ETL Listed certification markings and is marked as conforming to UL 498A and UL 1449 requirements. The enclosure also indicates certification to CSA C22.2 No. 42 and CSA C22.2 No. 269.3 standards.
- Manufacturer: LITESUN
- Model: LA-64
- Marketplace Designation: FM-LA64
- Product Description: Current Tap with Surge Protector
- Device Type: Direct-Plug Surge Protector
- Country of Manufacture: China
- Electrical Rating: 15 A, 125 VAC, 60 Hz
- Maximum Load: 1875 W
- Surge Protection Rating: 245 Joules
- VPR: 700 V (L-N)
- SPD Classification: Type 3 SPD
- Outlet Configuration: 1 grounded outlet
- Receptacle Type: NEMA 5-15R
- Plug Type: NEMA 5-15P
- Power Switch: SOKEN RK1-117 rocker switch
- Indicator: Blue "PROTECTED" LED
- Dimensions:
- Length: 5.9 cm (2.3 in)
- Height: 4.0 cm (1.6 in)
- Thickness: 3.0 cm (1.2 in)
- Weight (measured): 50.2 g (1.77 oz)
- Certification Agency: ETL / Intertek
- Intertek Control Number: 3165047
- UL Standards: UL 498A and UL 1449
- CSA Standards: C22.2 No. 42 and C22.2 No. 269.3
Notable Characteristics
- First documented LITESUN artifact preserved by the OldSurge Archive.
- First documented single-outlet surge protector in the archive.
- Manufactured during August 2025 according to molded date-code markings.
- Purchased through Amazon Haul during December 2025.
- Direct-plug architecture eliminates the need for an external power cord.
Physical Characteristics
The LITESUN LA-64 utilizes a compact direct-plug enclosure intended to occupy a single wall receptacle while providing one protected outlet for connected equipment. The design eliminates the cord assembly, enclosure length, and multi-outlet architecture commonly associated with traditional surge protectors.
Marketed by the manufacturer as a "Current Tap with Surge Protector", the device combines a grounded NEMA 5-15R receptacle, a Type 3 surge protective device (SPD), a protected-status indicator lamp, and an integrated rocker switch within a compact plug-in enclosure.
Photographs
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Front view of the Litesun LA-64 single-outlet surge protector. The device incorporates a single grounded NEMA 5-15R receptacle and a "PROTECTED" indicator located above the outlet opening.
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Right side view showing the integral ON/OFF rocker switch. Molded "I" and "O" markings identify the switch positions.
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Rear view showing the NEMA 5-15P plug assembly, enclosure screws, manufacturing date code wheel, and molded regulatory markings.
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Close-up of the molded electrical ratings, safety certifications, and manufacturer markings on the rear of the enclosure.
Date Codes
The rear housing contains a molded circular date-code insert with month positions numbered 1 through 12 surrounding a two-digit year indicator. Such inserts are commonly used in injection-molded plastic components to provide manufacturing traceability of enclosure parts.
The photographed insert is marked with the year code "25" and the arrow pointing at the number "8" indicating August of 2025 as the date of manufacture.
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Molded date-code wheel located on the rear enclosure. The insert contains month indicators and a two-digit year code for manufacturing traceability.
Condition Upon Acquisition
The documented example was purchased new from Amazon Haul in December 2025. No visible shipping damage, enclosure discoloration, or operational defects were noted. The device appeared unused and was still in new condition at the time of acquisition.
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Front view of the Litesun LA-64 single-outlet surge protector.
Functional Testing
The examined device was tested in a standard 120-volt residential receptacle.
The illuminated blue "PROTECTED" indicator operated as expected when the rocker switch was placed in the ON position. The indicator extinguished when the switch was moved to the OFF position.
An outlet tester connected through the receptacle provided by the device indicated correct hot-neutral polarity and verified continuity of the grounding conductor path between the plug and receptacle.
No abnormalities were observed during basic functional testing.
The documented example entered service in November 2026 protecting an HP LaserJet printer.
Outlet Orientation Considerations
The enclosure artwork, indicator marking, and switch orientation appear to have been designed around the historically common North American outlet orientation with the grounding contact positioned below the energized conductors.
When installed in receptacles configured with the grounding contact above the energized conductors, the device is rotated 180 degrees. In this orientation:
- The "PROTECTED" marking appears upside down.
- The ON/OFF markings are inverted.
- The rocker switch is positioned on the opposite side of the device.
- The installation does not match the orientation shown in manufacturer marketing materials.
This characteristic is similar to that observed in many right-angle plugs, outlet taps, and plug-in adapters designed around the traditional grounding-pin-down outlet configuration.
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The Litesun LA-64 installed in a wall receptacle with the surge-protection indicator illuminated and the power switch in the ON position.
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Outlet tester connected through the device indicating correct wiring, polarity, and grounding continuity.
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Side view showing the rocker switch in the OFF position while installed in a wall receptacle.
Teardown
The enclosure is secured with three Phillips-head screws accessible from the rear of the unit. Removal of these screws allows the rear housing section to be separated, exposing a single printed circuit board carrying the plug blades, power switch assembly, and surge suppression circuitry.
A fourth Phillips-head screw secures the printed circuit board assembly to the plastic housing.
The grounding conductor is implemented as a separate metal assembly that passes directly through the device from input plug to output receptacle. Examination found no connection between the surge-suppression circuitry and the grounding conductor.
As a result, the device appears to provide line-to-neutral surge suppression only. No line-to-ground or neutral-to-ground MOVs were observed.
Surge Protection Topology
Examination of the circuit board found a single metal-oxide varistor (MOV) connected between the line and neutral conductors. The grounding conductor is implemented as a direct pass-through metal assembly extending from the wall plug to the receptacle ground contact.
Examination of the circuit board found no surge-suppression components connected to the grounding conductor. Combined with the "700V (L-N)" marking on the data plate, this suggests the device employs a single line-to-neutral surge-protection topology rather than line-to-ground or neutral-to-ground protection.
These findings are consistent with the device markings, which specify a VPR of 700 V (L-N), and suggest a line-to-neutral-only surge-suppression design.
The observed design differs from many higher-end surge suppressors that employ multiple MOVs and provide separate line-to-ground and neutral-to-ground protection paths. The LA-64 instead appears to rely on a single line-to-neutral protection stage consistent with its low cost, compact size, and modest 245-joule energy rating.
Circuit Board Assembly
The Litesun LA-64 uses a single printed circuit board carrying the surge suppression and indicator circuitry. The board also serves as the mechanical support structure for the plug blades and receptacle contacts.
Visible components include:
- One blue metal-oxide varistor (MOV)
- One indicator LED
- One rectifier diode
- One resistor
- SOKEN RK1-117 rocker switch
- Stamped metal outlet contacts
Markings visible on the circuit board include:
- Flammability Rating: UL 94V-0
- UL File Number: E514690
Weight Analysis
The assembled Litesun LA-64 weighs approximately 1.77 oz (50.2 g). Individual components were weighed during teardown to analyze material distribution.
The weight analysis shows that more than half of the device's mass is contained in the plastic enclosure, while less than 40% is associated with the printed circuit board assembly and surge-suppression circuitry.
The grounding pin assembly accounts for approximately 4.5% of total device weight, while the four enclosure and mounting screws account for less than 1%.
The relatively low weight of the internal assembly is consistent with the minimalist circuit design observed during teardown, which includes a single MOV, indicator LED, diode, resistor, rocker switch, and stamped-metal receptacle contacts.
| Component | Weight (oz) | Weight (g) | Percentage of Total Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic enclosure halves | 0.94 | 26.6 | 53.1% |
| PCB assembly, receptacle contacts, switch and circuitry | 0.67 | 19.0 | 37.9% |
| Grounding pin assembly | 0.08 | 2.3 | 4.5% |
| Four mounting screws | 0.01 | 0.3 | 0.6% |
| Other hardware and measurement variance | 0.07 | 2.0 | 3.9% |
| Total | 1.77 | 50.2 | 100% |
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The examined Litesun LA-64 surge protector weighs 1.77 oz (approximately 50.2 g).
Teardown Gallery
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Device with rear cover removed at the beginning of the teardown process, exposing the printed circuit board, plug terminals, and switch assembly.
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Detail view of the rocker switch assembly. The switch body is marked SOKEN RK1-117 and is retained directly by molded features within the enclosure.
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Component side of the printed circuit board showing the outlet contacts, status indicator circuitry, and surge suppression components.
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Interior of the rear enclosure after removal of the circuit board assembly, revealing molded supports and mounting features.
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The four Phillips-head screws removed during disassembly weigh approximately 0.01 oz (0.3 g) combined.
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Close-up of the circuit board showing the indicator LED, resistor, diode, rocker-switch contacts, and PCB markings.
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Grounding-pin assembly removed from the device. The assembly weighs approximately 0.08 oz (2.3 g) and provides a direct ground pass-through connection.
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The complete circuit-board assembly with switch and outlet contacts weighs approximately 0.67 oz (19.0 g).
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The two plastic enclosure halves weigh approximately 0.94 oz (26.6 g) combined.
Comparison Notes
The LA-64 differs substantially from nearly every surge protector currently documented by the OldSurge Archive. Whereas most documented artifacts provide between six and ten receptacles and utilize attached cord assemblies, the LA-64 provides surge protection for a single outlet using a direct-plug architecture.
The design can be compared more closely with wall-mounted surge protectors such as the Curtis SP-600 and Globe Electric 12-003-7MS than with traditional power-strip style surge suppressors.
Recall Information
No recalls have been identified as of November 2026.
Manufacturer Background
The manufacturer's website identifies LITESUN as a producer of surge protectors, extension cords, and related electrical-connectivity products.
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LITESUN website homepage captured November 2026.
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LITESUN Brand Story page captured November 2026.
Online Listings and Marketing Material
The following images were captured from online retail listings associated with the device and provide examples of how the product was marketed, photographed, and described to consumers.
Amazon Haul Listing Images
The Litesun LA-64 continued to be sold through online marketplaces during the 2020s. Product listings emphasized compact size, a built-in power switch, 245-joule surge protection rating, and ETL certification. The images below are representative screenshots from an Amazon Haul marketplace listing.
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Amazon Haul product listing for the Litesun LA-64 single-outlet surge protector. The listing identifies the model as FM-LA64 and advertises protection rated at 245 joules with a 15 amp / 1875 watt electrical rating. The primary marketing image shows the compact wall-tap style device with integrated on/off switch and status indicator.
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Lifestyle image from the Amazon Haul product listing showing the surge protector installed in a wall outlet powering a small kitchen appliance. Marketing graphics indicate intended use with household devices such as juicers, ovens, mixers, and coffee machines.
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Dimension diagram from the Amazon Haul product listing. The illustration specifies an overall length of 5.9 cm (2.3 in), height of 4.0 cm (1.6 in), and side thickness of 3.0 cm (1.2 in). The image also shows the location of the integrated power switch and grounded NEMA 5-15 style receptacle.
Notes
- First documented LITESUN product preserved by the OldSurge Archive.
- First documented single-outlet surge protector preserved by the archive.
- Model designation appears as LA-64 on the product and FM-LA64 in Amazon Haul listings.
- Manufacturer website states that LITESUN was founded in 1995.