Hello,
Can we use zener diode in place of regular diode like 1N4004? I understand the zener diode is meant for breakdown voltage but still how much difference would it be?

 

Not in most cases.

For more specific answers, give a specific example.

 

Short answer no, a zener diode will conduct in both directions at at certain voltage, .

 

If the reverse voltage doesn't exceed the rated Zener breakdown voltage, than the Zener will act as a regular diode.
But to carry the forward current of a 1N4004 (1A), the Zener will need to be 1W or greater.

 

Even if the Zener is used under the reverse breakdown voltage the forward conduction characteristics are usually worse than for a typical rectifier diode because of the heavy junction doping needed to create the narrow depletion region needed for Zener or avalanche operation.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shockley_diode_equation

Use the proper device for the application.

 

Use the proper device for the application.

That covers it.

Ron

 

Unless, of course, you have 2 minutes to disarm a bomb and you need a diode and you only have Zener diodes. Then there is MacGyver, who would make one from a rusty razor blade.

Bob

 

Unless, of course, you have 2 minutes to disarm a bomb and you need a diode and you only have Zener diodes. Then there is MacGyver, who would make one from a rusty razor blade.

Bob

Just give the bomb to Batman, easy.

 

MacGyver bombs always had fancy digital countdown timers. "Normal" ordinance does not.

And as others have cautioned, a zener diode is a poor choice as a diode substitute.