That's all it is

That's all it is - except

Posted by Bob Carabbio on September 13, 1998 at 02:17:15

In Reply to: Cutouts with Diodes - how is it done?
posted by Steve Mick on September 12, 1998 at 22:34:38

That you do need to heat-sink the diode.
The Cathode of the diode is connected to the generator terminal, and the Anode is hooked to the battery.
Since a Silicon diode drops about .6 - .8 volts in the forward direction when it's conducting, it produces heat - with a 10 amp charge, that's 8 watts which would be in dangerous territory for a top-hat unit supported only by leads inside the cutout can. Not a problem, most likely for the occasional parade, but if you drive a lot, and at night with the generator set accordingly it could lead to trouble.
If you're going to do it yourself, use a stud-mount diode, and mount the diode directly to the cutout base using a mica insulator AND Heat sink compound (not dielectric grease) between the diode and the metal of the base unit.Radio Shack most likely has everything you'll need.

Follow Ups:
Re: That's all it is - except Larry Jenkins Sep. 13, 1998 at 16:32:41(1)
more diode stuff Bill Sep. 13, 1998 at 17:10:58(0)

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