Make a Bridge Rectifier From Diodes

In this project we will build a bridge rectifier.

In short, take AC and turn it into DC.

For most alternative energy applications, we require a direct current (DC) voltage to be generated - for example to charge a bank of batteries. However wind turbines and wave power generators create an alternating current (AC) voltage. This is where the Bridge Rectifier comes in. The AC voltage generated is passed through a circuit of four diodes and emerges converted into the desired DC output.

Newbie special :)

Step 1: Parts List

What you'll need.

• Jumpers
• 4 Diodes (1N4001)
• Load (led, fan, gadget)
• 10 minutes or less

*Blue component represents whatever it is you would like to place in the circuit.

Step 2: AC to DC - Arranging the Diodes

The most common function of a diode is to allow an electric current to pass in one direction (called the diode's forward direction), while blocking current in the opposite direction (the reverse direction).

1. Take 4 diodes for example the 1N4007 rectiifer diodes.
2. Pick two diodes, make an "L" of their two ends marked with the white bands (cathodes)
3. Just as above do it for the remaining two diodes, this time with their ends having no bands (anodes)
4. Now you have two sets of diode assemblies. Connect them in a box like the image of the circuit.

Your bridge rectifier is ready. The ends with the bands is the positive, the ends without the bands is the negative and the other two common ends are for the AC input supply.

*Because the input is AC, power and ground does not matter.

Note we have not addressed specific values feel free to adjust the AC input , but I recommend testing the DC voltage out before connecting any device.

Step 3: Test Your Circuit

This was a simple tutorial so hopefully your circuit works fine.

Troubleshoot:

Check that you have the diodes connected and in the proper slots. Check that AC is connected to AC and DC to DC.

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Comments

[jbrauer]

Nice writeup. An additional option is to use a smoothing capacitor to reduce the ripple on the DC output.

[bronyeg]

Please explain, and can i use this with a 240v ac source and resistors to power some LEDs ?

[jbrauer]

Yeah, you could in theory use something like this to power LEDs, you would need a transformer on the input side, and a cap on the output side. If your goal is just to power LEDs, an old phone charger might work better.

[gccengineering]

Thanks for helping me with this. If this was not available, I would had to spend extra money on full wave bridge rectifiers. I needed this tip to get my power supply built. Which is right here. This is the power supply I built using the 4 diodes to make a bridge rectifier.

[CastelNoleal]

Honestly, you can actually save more mo eh buying full bridge rather than buying 4 separate diodes

[aidank2004]

Can I use this with 110 Volt AC? AKA an american outlet? I looked up the 1N4007 diodes and they say they are rated for up to 94 Volts, but I don't know if that matters because I am very new to electronics and this sort of stuff.

[vik23071992]

How can I find the ampere of a coil, I used a 27 feet length and 27 gauge copper wire? My coil generates 2 Volt AC. How can I find the AMPERE of this copper coil?

[DanielC225]

i know a good bit on electronics. i ts just been a while since i have made my own. Been spoiling myself with premade ones

[just a voltage]

Hi can I use 2 v of ac input and will the output be the 2 v of dc?

[Zhuna87]

Hello,

Can I use 2 x 1N4001 and 2 x 1N4002 ?

[alaafprojs]

It works for me ?

[Sunnyhiht]

i have to make a variable power supply ranging from -12v to +12v dc output from 240v ac wall input... i am using LM317 and LM337 ... please help me out with the transformer ratiing to be used and which rectifiers diode to be used and values of capacitors and resisters...

[Sy333]

can this be used for an item that uses 3 volts

pls answer

[Supertux]

If the diodes are rated for 3v then yes. Most diodes are rated for 3v+.

[Sy333]

also do they have to be 1N4001 diodes

[johny1983]

Good for beginners, and like jbrauer said you could also use capacitor to smoothen the "spikes" Here is also good art about rectifier diode.

[seamster]

Very nicely done. It's sad how unfamiliar I am with electronics, but this was all explained very simply and clearly. Easy to understand, even for someone like me!