OT How to size a diode?

Jan 24, 2011 30 Replies

Thanks to all of you for the responses. The fans are 120v. I just assumed that there were diodes available for line voltage - they make hydraulic check valves for all sorts of pressures.

Looks like I need to find a different switch. I bought the switch a couple of years ago for this (future) project and suddenly when I got the meter out to check the terminals, I realised that both fans were going to run on both fan settings. I'll look into the switches mentioned and see how I can package them (the hole is already made - duh!). Thanks again.

Diodes do not work as switches in AC circuits. You will need a proper switch to do the job on AC.

The only way that comes to mind with AC would be to add an AC-coil SPST NO relay and I think a double pole switch will be easier and cheaper.

Best regards, Spehro Pefhany

I hope this doesn't sound snide, it's not intended to be. Please look at what a diode does. There are certainly diodes available to operate at AC mains voltages, and they are cheap. But what a diode does is not what you need done. There are some very simple, easy to read books and articles about basic electricity, that explain AC and DC and some essential concepts - one of my favorite was a military training manual which is probably available in PDF. The question you asked shows a basic misunderstanding of AC current and how AC motors work. Reading even the most basic text will help you understand these responses.

A switch that fits the existing hole will not be a problem.

If he was running DC fans, a diode does EXACTLY what he wants to do - but a diode cannot do that job on AC, no matter what kind of diode you manage to get your hands on.

This Whole Thread is a massive.. Who Cares! The OP was a Hit and run, and hasn't been back anyway.

But a lot of good discussion, and solutions, and lateral and forward thinking.

Yes, he was. In fact, the orginal message and his reply are quoted in your message.

Then sit down! You're blocking everyone's view. ;-)

Coooool way coooool , switching transistors , pulll down

the fan , to ground ... no diodes ..

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If its a technical problem its OK in

this news group ,, but i dont know how

to access my news group , help !

give me your email adress , ill add if i knew how ..

yes , i can add addresses , but i can access the account ,

cant find it nor figure it , yet im the creator !

I promise a huge database of tech stuff .

for got to post the easier way .

buy Home Depot curly compact flour bulbs ,

transistors , diodes high voltage caps inductors ,

worth far more than the $1

I got 1000 the hard way , sawing off the base

and cutting the PCB and re wiring the 13003 / BLD123a high

voltage NPN's parallel , for 300 watts from a

23watt CFL .

News Groups ? High tech moderated createstuf @ Googlegroups . com

I need help to access it , and yet i created it , give help pls

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