I can get 1N4007 at same cost and size as 1N4001. Is there an advantage to using the lower voltage rated diode or can I save storage by using the higher voltage diode? The same holds true for High amp (10a) rated diodes, all the same cost and physical size.

 

I only keep 1n4007's on hand, for the typical general applications they are used in, they will cover just about all bases.
Max.

 

Generally there's no difference between diodes with different voltage ratings of the same type. The voltage rating is determined by sorting them during manufacture into various voltage bins. The different voltage breakdowns are just due to slight manufacturing variations between diodes. So, if price is the same, (or any difference is of little consequence) then just stock the highest voltage device.

 

The only difference is in the blog I posted.
The 1N4006 and 1N4007 are a bit slower to turn on by a couple of microseconds.

http://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/blog.php?b=477