Maintenance Solved Bridge Rectifier Testing help

[pinboy333]

Can anyone tell me how to test a bridge rectifier and tell if it is good or bad? Thanks

 

[Coil_Smoke]

There are 4 diodes in a bridge rectifier module. Use an ohm meter or continuity tester to check each one. The current should only flow in one direction through each diode/leg of the bridge.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diode_bridge

 

[pinboy333]

Testing

Thanks for the help, I'll give it a try.

 

[pinballdaveh]

the picture shown is of a 4 diode, full wave bridge rectifier. there is also a 2 diode half wave version. you can also test the bridge while power is applied to it. if you check the dc volts out and compare that to the ac volts in, there should be a 2.8 volt difference, dc being lower. each diode has a voltage drop of .7 volts each , so 4x .7volts = 2.8 volts. so check for this voltage differential. filtering and load may change resistance tests on diodes still soldered in- circuit. the measureable resistance path of a diode is sometimes known as its junction.