I have a question about bridge rectifiers operated directly off of the
AC mains. This will be the first component off-line for a high power
SMPS (after fuses and a switch of-course). I have been reading a little
bit about components used directly off-line, and have read that
capacitors which are connected after a rectifier in a primary circuit of
a SMPS unit need not be seperately approved (as per IEC 950
interpretations). But, I cannot find any information regarding the
rectifiers themselves.
Is there any IEC/VDE/CE/CECC/SEMKO/etc. standard which I need to follow
for using a bridge rectifier? I have looked in both distributors and
manufacturers catalogs and cannot find any bridge rectifier which has a
safety mark. The only thing close is a couple with UL safety approval,
but UL usually doesn't go to well when it comes to CE marking. If there
isn't any, then would I be safe in using a 600 Volt Peak Reverse Voltage
(lead to lead) bridge? Or should I step up to a 800 PRV, 1000 PRV, or
even higher?
The equipment this will be used in will be tested to IEC 1010-1. I know
that I can just test the part to the tests in IEC 1010, but I would feel
more comfortable if a European Approved part was used instead of no
approval marking.
Any help would be appreciated.
Randy Stephens
Electrical Engineer
Trek, Inc.
Medina, NY
