RECTIFIER
(See Fig. 1) Now we come to the most popular application of the diode: rectifcation. Rectifcation is the conversion of alternating
current (AC) to direct current (DC). This almost always involves the use of some device that only allows one-way fl ow of electrons.
As we have seen, this is exactly what a diode does.
RECTIFIER TESTING:
The following instructions can be used to test any bridge rectifer.
Use a DC continuity test light or a VOM (on the R x 100 scale) for all tests.
Disconnect all wires from the rectifer.
AC
AC
+
-
FIG. 1
1 Connect test leads as shown in Figure A. If the meter beeps, the rectifer is
defective. If the meter does not beep, go to the next step.
2 Connect test leads as shown in Figure B. If the meter does not beep, the
rectifer is defective. If the meter beeps, go to the next step.
3 Connect test leads as shown in Figure C. If the meter beeps, the rectifer is
defective. If the meter does not beep, go to the next step.
4 Connect test leads as shown in Figure D. If the meter does not beep, the
rectifer is defective. If the meter beeps, go to the next step.
5 Connect test leads as shown in Figure E. If the meter beeps, the rectifer is
defective. If the meter does not beep, go to the next step.
6 Connect test leads as shown in Figure F. If the meter does not beep, the rectifer is defective. If the meter beeps, go to the next step.
7 Connect test leads as shown in Figure G. If the meter beeps, the rectifer is defective. If the meter does not beep, go to the next step.
8 Connect test leads as shown in Figure H. If the meter does not beep, the rectife
r is defective. If the meter beeps, the rectifer is good.
0.000
OL
OL
0.000
0.000
OL
OL
0.000
FIG. A
FIG. B
FIG. C
FIG. D
FIG. E
FIG. F
FIG. G
FIG. H
DC
DC
9
