Controlling the direction of current

BR-549

Joined Sep 22, 2013
4,928
A diode controls the presence of current, Not the amount. In a usual sense of course. One can always make an exception.
 

WBahn

Joined Mar 31, 2012
29,976
Are there any other ways to control the direction of current aside from using a diode?
Why don't you describe the problem you are trying to solve and not the problems you are having with the method you are trying to solve it with. Very often we see members going down a rabbit hole trying to get people to help them kludge something together until they finally describe the actual problem they are really trying to solve and the answer is simple, easy, and direct.
 

Thread Starter

zemanekj

Joined Jan 31, 2019
58
Why don't you describe the problem you are trying to solve and not the problems you are having with the method you are trying to solve it with. Very often we see members going down a rabbit hole trying to get people to help them kludge something together until they finally describe the actual problem they are really trying to solve and the answer is simple, easy, and direct.
Actually, I have no problem I'm trying to fix. I'm just doing some self learning on electricity, and circuits.
 

Norfindel

Joined Mar 6, 2008
326
What do you mean with "controlling the direction"? Current flows from positive to negative. If you want to reverse the flow of current on a load, answer #2 is the way to go.
You could do that even with a 2P2T switch or relay.
 

crutschow

Joined Mar 14, 2008
34,280
A diode does not "control the direction of current" in the usual sense of that term, it just blocks the current in one direction and allows it to flow in the other direction.

So what do you mean by "control the direction"?
 

BR-549

Joined Sep 22, 2013
4,928
Current flows like water thru a pipe/hose....only it flows on the outside, not the inside of the "pipe". We call that pipe a conductor. It's wire. So...where ever we route that wire...we direct and route the current.
 
A simple DPDT switch as in post #7 works. Center off can give a motor FWD, REV and STOP

Two SPDT relays are often used though (e.g. automotive door locks) One coil can be considered lock and the other unlock. The arrangement is such that if both relays are on or both off, the motor is shorted. A DC motor would then act as a generator into a short and therefore stop much quicker.
 
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