Trying to find the right value of bridge rectifier to use with the capacity discharge circuit for firing snap switches safely.
I understand everything except I haven't see anywhere which value of bridge rectifier to use. Another forum suggested 3 amp or higher (but for a slightly different purpose on the layout).
My accessory transformer puts out 16VAC @ 3amps. The closest I have found is a 4 amp 600V bridge rectifier at an electronics store for $2 and a Brawa Modellspeilwaren - Bridge Rectifier 10-16V, 1A at the hobby store.....but it is $16 which seems too high.
As long as the Amperage rating is at least as high as what you need, you'll be okay. The PRV (Peak Reverse Voltage) indicates the highest voltage the diodes in the bridge can block to prevent them from breaking down. A 600 PRV bridge means that it can have up to 600 Volts applied without damage.
The output capability of th power supply is meaningless. What matters is how much the circuit draws. If the circuit draws 1 amp, any bridge rated 1 amp or higher will work. You could use one of those big hefty 25 amp bridges if you like, but it won't work any differently than a 6 amp or a 2 amp if the circuit only draws 1 amp.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Considering that you're almost certainly going to have a current flow of less than 1 amp, and a maximum voltage at the peak of less than 25vac, the 4A 600V bridge is gross overkill.
I personally use one of those 1A 25V 'daddy longlegs' bridge rectifiers - the same kind I use for headlight directional control in my analog DC locomotives. My favorite on-line electronic store sells a slightly higher capacity model 2 for a buck (less if boght in quantity.)
Or, you can cobble one up from four 3A 50V diodes for about the same price (100 for $12)
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - with LOTS of diodes)
Got the idea now.
Thanks fellows.
Radio Shack carries several. Any one of them will do the trick and they're nice and cheap.
http://www.radioshack.com/search/index.jsp?kwCatId=&kw=bridge%20rectifier&origkw=bridge%20rectifier&sr=1
Springfield PA