Help question about a zenier diode

[a70eliminator]

Hi, I'm trying to rewire one of my rocker switches on the dash, the problem is it's a 3 way rocker on-off-on it powers my dash lights or the interior lights, but never both at the same time, I want to wire it like the anchor light and running lights one position will light only the dash lights and the other position will power both dash and interior lights. The anchor/running light switch is identical and wired with a diode jumper between the two positives.
My question is can I pull a diode from an old computer, tv, stereo, ect? If I'm understanding this the diode is nothing more than an electrical one way check valve and ac dc really doesn't matter for what i need as long as it's big enough for the current draw of like about half a dozen 12v bulbs, and finally what do the look like (black with a silver band) ?

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Help question about a zenier diode

You don't want a zener diode. Those are used for voltage regulation. Go to Radio Shack and get a general purpose diode. Something comparable to an ECG116.

 

[dchris]

Re: Help question about a zenier diode

You can probably wire this circuit without a diode at all. You certinaly don't want to just put any old part in. There are many different versions of diodes with many different purposes. Can you add a small diagram of what you intend to connect? A zener breaks down at a predetermed voltage and thus creates an over voltage protection or a constant voltage level dependant on the design.

 

[TerryMSU]

Re: Help question about a zenier diode

Bhile is correct about the zener diode. As far as the specific part, I am not familiar with that part. However, for 6 typical 12 volt bulbs, I would want at least a six amp rectifier diode. You may need a slightly different package than what you have on the other circuit. In that case, the band end is the cathode. You should be able to get the pin-out information on whatever part you get from radio-shack and match it using that information. The voltage rating is not critical as long as it is good for at least 15 volts (Lowest I have ever4 seen is 50 volts). One more thing. You do not want either a zener diode or a schottky diode. Bhile was right about the zener (wrong function) and the schottky has some other bad characteristics for this function. If you have any questions please respond publicly and then drop me a PM so that I will know you responded or I may miss it.

I just checked the ECG116. The current is probably too low (1 amp). I would try Radio Shack part number 276-1661 (6 amps, 50 volt PIV). That should have plenty of guts.

TerryMSU

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Help question about a zenier diode

Thanks guys, yes a plain diode is what I need not a zener thanks for clearing that up, a 6 amp 50v would carry the load thanks for the part #. I'm don't know how to draw a circuit with my computer, it's easy to explain, you have 3 connections on the switch the center spade gets 12v the left spade is dash lights and the right spade is interior lights, the switch connects the center spade to either the right or left supplying 12v to one or the other, now if i jumper the right to left then both right and left get 12v no mater what position the switch is in, but if I use a diode as my jumper then 12v will get to both circuits only in one position, I wish I could draw it up but not savy on PC's at all.

 

[DRIFTER_016]

Re: Help question about a zenier diode

Thanks guys, yes a plain diode is what I need not a zener thanks for clearing that up, a 6 amp 50v would carry the load thanks for the part #. I'm don't know how to draw a circuit with my computer, it's easy to explain, you have 3 connections on the switch the center spade gets 12v the left spade is dash lights and the right spade is interior lights, the switch connects the center spade to either the right or left supplying 12v to one or the other, now if i jumper the right to left then both right and left get 12v no mater what position the switch is in, but if I use a diode as my jumper then 12v will get to both circuits only in one position, I wish I could draw it up but not savy on PC's at all.

Here you go, 1 cheezy wiring diagram.
I gather this is how you're wanting to set it up.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Help question about a zenier diode

Yes nice job thats exacty what I'm doing, and I stopped today at radio-junk and bought the rectifier diode (276-1661) actually 4 in a pack for $2.49 not bad, got some shrink tube to make the jumper.