Simple Mains AC capacitive dropper to power a led

212

05:01:47

Use a 500v rated capacitor and 1n4004 diode. note this circuit is only useful as a simple 'on' indicator for mains voltage and you should check if the components overheat. the led flashes at 60 Hz this should not be noticeable by humans. Use at own risk as a failure in the diodes or capacitor could cause a short that can trip power. if you build this circuit use well separated tracks on your pcb. (edited)

published 6 years ago

hurz

6 years ago

You should not give advice to build such dangerous circuits as long you do not know what the mains voltage is. 230VAC is 325Vpeak! The LED does not flash in 30Hz it does flash at 60Hz!

darkphoenix2711

6 years ago

Yes you are correct it is operating at 60Hz (or whatever the frequency is for the mains). In addition add a low amp fuse (1 amp or less) and a higher voltage rated capacitor is always recommended if you feel unsure, because the capacitor is the most likely place for a failure here. The capacitance of it however is not large enough to harm you - too much. Again use at own risk because AC mains is no joke.

BillyT

6 years ago

1Amp at mains voltage is enough to fry you

hurz

6 years ago

AC mains is no joke, and as long you have no idea what the mains voltage is you shouldn't give ANY advice. Its 325V peak and not as you show here 230V, wrong. Keep your fingers away from dangerous things. 1A kills you easily. 0.016A is the current an average human can release by its own without help. Everyrhing above is probably deadly.

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