Safe to use a SMD zener diode with a higher reverse voltage?

H

halleffector

Member

• Jul 23, 2017

• #1

If a circuit originally used a 12 volt SMD zener diode, can I safely use something higher? E.g. a zener diode with a 20 volt reverse breakdown voltage?

 

Nigel Goodwin

Super Moderator

Most Helpful Member

• Jul 23, 2017

• #2

It depends entirely on what the zener is doing in the circuit, but it's VERY unlikely - it's also quite likely to cause damage elsewhere.

Consider you have a car with 12 inch wheels, you replace one of them with a 20 inch wheel - how well do you think it will work.

 

dknguyen

Well-Known Member

Most Helpful Member

• Jul 23, 2017

• #3

Probably not. It's probably going to have the same effect as replacing a 12V regulator with a 20V. Something is going to blow up.

 

Last edited: Jul 24, 2017

crutschow

Well-Known Member

Most Helpful Member

• Jul 23, 2017

• #4

Deleted post.

 

Last edited: Jul 23, 2017

H

hyedenny

Active Member

• Jul 23, 2017

• #5

Someone doesn't know what a zener diode does...
It's entirely different than other components' -- like capacitors -- voltage ratings.
A zener diode is like a voltage regulator, so specified voltage is of primary importance!