Assistance required on diode choice

[cantfindausername]

Hi all,

I've been told I need 4x P600 diodes for a modification I wish to carry out on a set of rear lights for my car.

I've done a search on Maplin but can't find anything for P600. I've got some N4001 diodes laying about that I purchased before and was wondering if these would do the same job?

Thanks,
Ant

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

A P600 is a 6A rectifier, a 1N400x is only a 1A rectifier - it's far too small for the job.

 

[cantfindausername]

ahh right, ok. Didn't know that. All these numbers mean very little to me in terms of determining what they do.

So if I look for a 6A rectifier I should have more luck.

Thanks,
Ant

 

[cantfindausername]

Ok found a few on RSS which I have just down the road so will go pick some up from there.

Thanks again!
Ant

 

[Sceadwian]

Use google, most parts out there have data sheets available on the net.

 

[cantfindausername]

You're assuming I'd understand what I'd be reading. lol

 

[Sceadwian]

If you don't, learn. Fooling around with electronics without knowing what you're doing is a great way to screw something up =)

 

[cantfindausername]

Is there a jargon buster out there? I've not to date seen a data sheet written in "simple" terms.

Any links you would recommend for picking up the next level on from basics?

 

[Sceadwian]

There are no more simplified terms, you have to learn what the terms themselves mean. When you get into more advanced digital circuits there is a lot of jargon, but all those complex word for basic electronics actually have real meaning =)


is a good start for basic circuits and meanings. Wikipedia is great for looking up technical words (usually providing example circuits as well)
There's still a lot of information to absorb any way you look at it.

 

[cantfindausername]

Cool. I'll give that a look into then.

THanks for your help
Ant

 

[Zez]

1. P600 A..M > 50..1000V, 6A, A=50V, B=100V, D=200V, G=400V, J=600V, K=800V, M=1000V. Replacements are BY214/.., MR750..760

2. It is possible to use 1N400x but six in parallel for each P600. It's not quite practical but it can do.

 

[mneary]

Diodes in parallel do not do a good job of sharing current due to their negative temperature coefficient. It should only be done as a last resort.

 

[Sceadwian]

And with some kind of current balancing, low value resistors are often used.

 

[cantfindausername]

Thanks guys. I'm only using it for a 12v application so would I be any better off using the P600A over the M? I'm gathering that there would be no difference as they're both grossly overrated for the job.

 

[Sceadwian]

Grossly over rated is never bad if you have them already. It's just higher cost. Only something you need to worry about in a production environment.

 

[cantfindausername]

Cool, thanks for clearing that up for me.

Ant

 

[cantfindausername]

Hi again all. I've got me some P600 diodes now for my project. Chunky little things!

Anyway, I plan to soldered them into the wiring loom and was wondering whether or not I can cover them in anyway as they're on the outside of the car (behind a light cluster though). Can I put heat shrink around them, or electrical tape or anything like that, or is it best to leave them uncovered?

Thanks,
Ant