I completely agree that 6A10s are real overkill.
73
Jim W7RY
On 9/14/2013 12:14 PM, Manfred Mornhinweg wrote:
Bill,
FYI for next time, 6A10 diodes have become preferred by many for high
power
use because of their 6 amp continuous and 400 amp surge ratings and
moderate
cost.
I don't mean to say anything against 6A10 diodes, they sure work fine.
But they are HUGE overkill. Even if the filter capacitors had zero
equivalent series resistance, and the power outlet where the amp is
connected had zero impedance, and there were absolutely no inrush
limiting system used, and the power were switched on in just the worst
possible moment (peak of waveform), just the resistance of the HV
transformer will limit the current to roughly 20 to 30A, or maybe 40A
if the transformer is really beefy. And such a condition of course
doesn't happen in real life - specially the line from which the
amplifier is powered does have some resistance and also some
inductance. In practical use, in a normal home, it would be really
rare to see more than 15A inrush current.
1N5408 diode has a 200A surge rating, which is still big overkill. The
humble 1N4007 with its 30A surge rating would be about the right part
to choose for a cost-conscious builder! It's also comfortable with the
average current. Rated at 1 ampere average, a bridge rectifier using
strings of 1N4007 diodes is good for 2 amperes. That gives enough
headroom for a legal limit amp.
Feel free, of course, to use big diodes, if it gives you peace of
mind. But it shouldn't be technically necessary.
Jim,
## Both my 1N5408 and 6A10 diodes have identical lead diameters.
So do mine.
Both are I think, .050
Yes.
Manfred
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