Re: Fat Diode help.....

To: tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
Subject: Re: Fat Diode help.....
From: timp-at-clarityconnect-dot-com (by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-uswest-dot-net>)
Date: Mon, 27 Dec 1999 16:13:38 -0700
Approved: twftesla-at-uswest-dot-net
Delivered-To: fixup-tesla-at-pupman-dot-com-at-fixme

	I used to watch these burn up when I was a kid playing with old
vacume tube stuff (late 70's early 80's).  Live and learn.

	Anyway, where I work we have a LOT of there old buggers in
our old machine tools.  If the old selenium stuff is as toxic as PCB's,
whould it be worth my while to talk my boss into replacing some of it ?
As it is now I only mess with them when they blow, and the replacement
cost is minor.

Tim  

<<< Since this is getting a bit off-topic, please write Tim directly about
this. -Terry >>>


On 27 Dec, Tesla List wrote:
> Original Poster: gweaver <gweaver-at-earthlink-dot-net> 
> 
> What you have sounds like a selenium rectifier.  I still have a few of those
> old antiques myself.  I keep them around just because they are old.  They
> use to be very widely used 30 years ago.  Selenium is a metal.  I don't
> remember ever seeing a SR with a very high voltage or current rating. I use
> to have a big SR 6"x12"x12" that was rated 60 volts 40 amps. If you over
> load a selenium rectifier it makes a small bang like a firecracker and a
> cloud of very toxic smoke.  The toxins collect in your liver and kidneys and
> stay there for life.  It can cause all sorts of health problems.  I suggest
> you put the relics in a zip lock plastic bag and put them with your
> collection of antique electronic parts.  You can find some diodes to do the
> same thing as the SR that are several times smaller and cost only a few
> dollors.
> 
> Gary Weaver
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>