Building a Bridge Rectifier: the Basics (Part One)

In this Instructables guide, I’ll demonstrate how to construct a bridge rectifier at home using readily available and inexpensive components. This is also a part 1 part 2 project so you can expect a second one soon.

Supplies

1N4007 diodes (I found 125 on Amazon for $4.50)

Electrical tape glue

Glue/Epoxy

3-D printed case

q-tip or paint brush

Step 1: 3-D Printing

3-D printing is probably the easiest step. I would recommend 100% infill. And make sure that the bed is level.

Step 2: Soldering

For this step, we’ll be soldering. Take your four diodes and align them as shown in the diagram. Cut the legs of two of the diodes to a length less than a centimeter. Place the two cut diodes on top of the long, uncut diode arms and solder them in place. Ensure that you don’t cut the other arms of the two remaining diodes.

Step 3: Assembly

To assemble this bridge rectifier you will take the soldered diodes and press fit it into the case. From there you will apply the elecrical tape glue using a q-tip. The pour in the epoxy, make sure that the epoxy doesn’t go over the edge. Now let it dry.

Step 4: Key Features

The 1N4007 diode can handle 1000v but only do 1 amp:(. But this is good for my piezo project. The output of a piezo is lower than one amp and I’ll be sending it to a battery charge circuit so it probably won’t be exceeding it’s limit.

Step 5: Conclusion

This project is part one part two so in the next one I will make a full bridge rectifier. This bridge rectifier is perfect to put on a perf board. Thank you for following along!