Electronic – NPN transistor: collector current flowing to emitter without connecting base

currentlednpnswitchestransistors

I have a circuit where a LED has its cathode connected to the collector of my C8050 (or SS8050) NPN transistor, with the emitter grounded.
Even though the base is left floating, the current is still flowing freely to the emitter.
Applying any current/voltage to the base doesn't change anything.

Here's the circuit:
Circuit

Is this how it's supposed to work? Why?
What can I do to use this transistor as a switch correctly?

(EDIT: I tried the same circuit setup with two different C8050 transistors, with the same result)

Best Answer

8050 transistors are made with the Japanese and the American style pinouts- it is not a JEDEC or JIS registered part.

Looks like the one you happen to have has the Japanese pinout.

E C B

Related Topic