[Amps] Rectifier equilization?

[Hardy Landskov]

Hi All,
Well everyone is certainly getting the mileage out of my original post, but 
I really want to thank everyone who responded. The concensus is just go with 
the 5408's and everything should be fine. But use MOV's on the primary and a 
good, HV bypass cap on the output as well as good 0.01's on the power cord. 
And a step start of course.
73 Hardy N7RT

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Manfred Mornhinweg" <manfred at ludens.cl>
To: <amps at contesting.com>
Sent: Saturday, September 14, 2013 12:14 PM
Subject: Re: [Amps] Rectifier equilization?


> 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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