IPBridge Installation Guide
Page 23
Protect the Digital
Output
Which type of transient
suppressor should you
install? This depends
mainly on the type of
inductive load being
switched. Some locks
have Back EMF protection
built into the lock itself.
For Back EMF in low-
voltage DC applications, a
1N4007 diode will suffice.
However, for protection
against other transient
voltages (i.e. lightening),
we recommend using a
fast-switching transient
voltage suppressor, such
as a bipolar TranZorb.
BACK EMF PROTECTION FOR THE LOCK CIRCUIT
Most door latches use a relay coil that powers up and down to open and close
the door. When power is removed from the coil, the collapse of the magnetic field
creates a problem known as Back EMF that can interfere with the IP-Bridge’s
operation, and create radio interference.
Switching off a typical 12 VDC relay coil can produce a back EMF of 300 volts or
more. If this relay is switched via an output, that voltage appears across the
terminals of the output. The problem gets worse as switching voltage/current
rises.
Figure 12 shows the recommended solution. You can virtually eliminate back
EMF by installing a transient suppression device (diode). Always check that
the diode is correctly rated for the circuit voltage. For optimum performance, the
diode should be installed at the lock or close to the lock. Standard diodes have a
stripe-band marking on one side. That side of the diode should be connected to
the “+” wire of the lock circuit.
Figure 12