Electronic – 1N5062 is getting hot at only half of its rated current

bridgecurrentdiodesheatrectifier

I have a rectifier bridge with 4x (GP)1N5062 diodes (body made of black plastic tube – like 1N4007). I have seen that they are getting hot, even if the current passing through the rectifier is 0.95 A.

I can only keep my finger on its terminal for 3-4 seconds, so let's say 45 Celsius.

Is this normal? I think, the diodes are rated for 2A, even though this forum says 1 A.

My digital multi-meter measures 23V DC voltage at the output of the bridge. However, if I switch to AC voltage it measures also about 2.1 VAC.

Best Answer

You have 0.95A current, it makes 1V forward voltage according to proper datasheet of 1N5062GP. That is 0.95W dissipated.
Thermal resistance is RthJA=45K/W
So the temperature of that diode will be 43C+ambient temperature. So in room temperature 25C that diode will have 68C.

Related Topic