Bridge Rectifier Question

FrizzleFried

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I asked in my BZ thread but the question was buried and never got answered.

My Atari Power Transformer brick has a 3502 200v 35a bridge rectified. The local electronics parts store said they were out out of stock on the 3502 but that they had cross referenced the number and a 5342 would work but that it's 600v and 40a ... but that it was OK to go UP in voltage just not down. Said it would work without issue.

Does this sound right? Are bridge rectifier like CAPS where you can get higher rated voltage components and be just fine?
 
Yes, that's fine. For all low frequency rectifier diodes* (typically used in power supplies) you can go up in voltage or current or both. Never down. That includes bridge rectifiers. And make sure the power rating is the same or higher. You might see a different voltage drop across it when it's working, but it's not going to blow up. :)

(*) Zener diodes are usually not used as rectifiers and are exempt from this rule. For zeners you need to match the part number if possible. Or at least the zener voltage and power rating.
 
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