Last tme, during our laboratory. We've try to dismantle several numbers of defective alternators. As we've noticed, one of those thingy has an evidence of explosion. Is there really a posibility that diodes could explode due to improper connections or polarity? As I know, diodes when reveresed polarity applied, it is normally open and it means it will not function...
2007-06-09 14:57:30 · 3 answers · asked by marvinmcastillo 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Diodes have a rating known as the PIV or Peak Inverse Voltage. If the "backwards" voltage exceeds this value you will likely ruin the diode.
Another opportunity for damage is to have "forward" current that exceeds the diode's ampere rating. If you have a diode rated for 6 amps, running 10 amps through it will likely burn it up.
2007-06-09 16:47:00 · answer #1 · answered by Thomas C 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If excessive reverse voltage is applied to a diode, it will experience an avalanche breakdown. The current will only be limited by the external circuit, and yes, the diode could overheat. If enough current is applied for a long enough duration (which may only be a few milliseconds), it could fail catastrophically.
Likewise, excessive forward current, due to external short circuit can also lead to shorted lifespan.
Or, in more simple terms:
Yup. And the explosion can make quite a mess!
2007-06-09 15:16:33 · answer #2 · answered by Steve W 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
100%
2007-06-09 16:37:00 · answer #3 · answered by einsteinliam2 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋