Review on Metronic Impulse Sealer Machine: Advanced Sealing for Optimal Performance by Adam Rogers

This unit was not secure as it was shipped from the factory. When unpacking the device, a screw fell out. It wasn't a good start. Unsure about the device, I rocked it to see if anything was dangling inside. There was. I removed the four screws holding the rubber feet and the bottom panel came loose. I checked and found the transformer was loose. There were 4 screws and a plate that was supposed to attach it. All 4 screws are loosened. One of the four screws also held the ground wire, which had no secure connection because the screw was loose. I started tightening the bolts when I noticed wires being pinched between the transformer and the case. If I tightened the screws, it would cut into them and cause a short or conduct current through the entire device (which wasn't properly grounded). I removed the panel to remove the transformer and indeed a wire was pinched. I could also tell that the plate was not made properly to hold the transformer in the case. I could also see the transformer moving during shipping and the paint on the inside peeling off. (See image) I moved the wires around so they wouldn't get pinched, placed the transformer in the case and then put two metal washers over the holes that the panel screws would go through to hold the transformer in the case. The washers adjusted the plate so I could tighten the screws properly. The plate actually wedges the transformer into the case. Poor design, especially the plate is wrong and the ground screw cannot be tightened. The two washers on each screw (acting as standoffs) worked well enough to secure the transformer to the case and allow tightening of the screws including the ground wire. I checked again that all wires are not pinched and the transformer is no longer moving. The extra screw was probably a screw that got caught in the block when installing the plastic heater cover. If it hadn't fallen out, it could short out the wiring or cause other damage. The factory also left a plastic protective layer on the bottom white panel. These plastic covers must be removed during assembly. If I left it on and the device got hot, it could melt and block the vents. This device (and possibly others built in the same way) is not UL listed and I think it could never be listed as designed. It certainly posed an electrical hazard as it was designed and assembled. When looking at various other models, it became clear that these come from the same manufacturer, but are sold under different names. The device worked when I assembled and tested it. I had to bend the top bar because it didn't sit directly on top of the heating element, but it didn't make much of a difference. However, I never had to do anything for a new product. I will not be returning it as I am sure they are all so cheaply made and a new one could be as unsafe as this one. I fixed problems with it, so I'll try to use it. For those looking to buy one of these I suggest you take it apart and make appropriate modification with washers so you can tighten the ground screw and transformer. Also, route the cables so that they are secure. If you don't feel confident enough about fixing the problem, ditch those cheap models and opt for a UL listed model.