Hey Guys and Gals,

Did not know where to post this question so I chose this area.

I dont understand 1N4004 Diode.
What does the 1Amp mean, does it handle a spike of up to 1Amp?
Or does it let 1amp thru it?

And if I use a 10amp power supply do I need a 10amp diode?

I have not used my old background in 15 years so I forgot more than i thought i did.

Thanks in advance
Sigma

 

Why not answer this question the easy way: read the manufacturer's data sheet.

According to the data sheet, the 1N400x series are rated for 1 amp average rectified forward current and a maximum 1-cycle surge current of 30 amps. It's right there in black & white.

 

And if I use a 10amp power supply do I need a 10amp diode?

10A is the maximum current the supply can safely provide, If the diode is part of that supply then yes, a >10A diode is appropriate. If the diode is feeding current to a circuit which draws less than 10A then a diode rating of less than 10A would be suitable.

 

And if I use a 10amp power supply do I need a 10amp diode?

I normally use diodes, in power supply applications, at 1/2 their max rate. Impart because when you flip the switch on the current is real high until the capacitors charge up.

 

What does the 1Amp mean, does it handle a spike of up to 1Amp?
Or does it let 1amp thru it?

That diode is rated for 1A continuous. There are limitations on the maximum surge current. That will be given in the datasheet.

And if I use a 10amp power supply do I need a 10amp diode?

That's the minimum you could use. Many won't operate a component at 100% of it's rated capability.

Did not know where to post this question so I chose this area.

I thought it was odd that you chose Off Topic, but see that it has been moved to the general category where it was more appropriate.

 

Hello All,

Wow thanks for all the fast replies to my questions, I really appreciate it.

Your information helped me a great deal.

I just wanted to be sure I did not burnout/fry my items.

Thanks again for the help.
Sigma

 

The 10A power supply unit is capable of providing up to 10A into a load. What it will provide is dependant on what the resistive load of the circuit is, not the full 10A. You did not specify the Voltage of the power supply but Ohm's law tells us the amps needed for the circuit A = Volts/Total Resistive Load. So if that goes over 10A or even close to it for any period of time you're screwed... As above, read the datasheets for the devices used. In other words, RTFM!