The simple configuration of a transformerless power supply circuit presented below is able to provide high current at any assigned fixed voltage level. The idea seems to have solved the problem of deriving high current from capacitive power supplies which earlier seemed a difficult proposition. I assume I am the first person to have invented this.
Introduction
I have discussed a few transformerless power supply circuits in this blog which are good only with low power applications, and tend to become less effective or useless with high current loads.
The above concept utilizes high voltage PP capacitors for dropping the mains voltage to the required level, however it is unable to raise current levels as per any desired particular application.
Although, since the current is directly proportional to the reactance of the capacitors, means the current can be lifted just by incorporating more capacitors in parallel. But this puts a risk of high initial surge currents which might destroy the involved electronic circuit instantly.
Adding Capacitors to Increase Current
Therefore adding capacitors might help to increase the current specs of such power supplies but the surge factor must be first taken care of for making the circuit feasible for practical usage.
The circuit of a high current transformerless power supply explained here hopefully, effectively handles the surge developing from power transients such that the output becomes free from the dangers, and provides the required current supply at the rated voltage levels.
Everything in the circuit is kept just as its old counterpart, barring the inclusion of the triac and zener network which actually is a crowbar network, used for grounding anything that goes above the rated voltage.
In this circuit the output would hopefully provide a stable voltage of around 12+ volts at around 500 mA of current without the dangers of any accidental voltage or current influx.
CAUTION: THE CIRCUIT IS NOT ISOLATED FROM MAINS AND THEREFORE INVOLVES HIGH RISK OF ELECTROCUTION, APPROPRIATE PRECAUTION NEEDS TO BE EXERCISED.
UPDATE: A better and a more advanced design can be learned in this zero crossing controlled surge free transformerless power supply circuit
Parts List
R1 = 1M, 1/4W
R2,R3 = 1K, 1/4 WATT
C1----C5 = 2uF/400V PPC, EACH
C6 = 100uF/25V
All DIODES = 1N4007
Z1 = 15V, 1 watt
TRIAC = BT136
A neatly drawn PCB for the above high current transformerless power supply may be seen below, it was designed by Mr. Patrick Bruyn, one of the avid followers of this blog.
Update
A deeper analysis of the circuit showed that the triac was dumping a significant amount of current while restricting the surge and controlling the current.
The approach taken in the above circuit for controlling voltage and the surge is negative in terms of efficiency.
In order to obtain the intended results as proposed in the above design and without shunting precious amps, a circuit with exactly opposite response needs to be implemented, as shown above
Interestingly, here the triac is not configured to dump power rather it's wired in a such a way that it switches OFF power as soon as the output reaches the specified safe voltage limit, which is detected by the BJT stage.
New Update:
In the above modified design the triac may not conduct properly due to its rather awkward positioning. The following diagram suggests a correctly configured version of the above, which can be expected to operate as per the expectations. In this design we have incorporated an SCR instead of a triac since the positioning of the device is after the bridge rectifier and therefore the input is in the form of a DC ripples and not AC.
Improving the above design:
In the above SCR based transformerless power supply circuit, the output is surge protected through the SCR, but the BC546 is not protected. In order to ensure a complete protection for the entire circuit along with the BC546 driver stage, a separate low power triggering stage needs to be added to the B546 stage. The amended design can be seen below:
The above design can be further improved by modifying the position of the SCR as shown below:
Shivakumar Hampali says
Dear sir,
I would like to assemble a air cooler using 12 peltier modules. Instead of feeding tec1 -12706 with 12v 72amps, I would like to connect them in series with an input of 144v dc 6amps. For this, I tried a halfwave rectifier and a smoothing capacitor of 400v 1000mfd.
As per calculation, the dc output would be 240*0.5*1.414=169v. But I am getting about 340v with no load and 300v with a load of 2amps.
Kindly suggest a solution as to how can I obtain 110-120v dc from the mains with current output of 6 amps
Swag says
Dear Shivakumar, even with a single diode half wave rectification, the peak voltage will be 310V, and this will be stored and sent back to the load from the filter capacitor, and therefore you will always see a 310V at the output.
if you remove the filter capacitor then the meter will show 120V, but still the peaks will be 300V, which can be dangerous for a 120V load.
To solve this you may have to use more devices in series so that it works with 300V DC or use a transformer for stepping it down
Nirmal Joseph says
Thanks Swag
I will try this circuit and give my feedback
Swag says
you are welcome!
Nirmal Joseph says
Dear Swag,
This is regarding your second upgrade (the third diagram above)
What is the purpose of 10K 1W resistor connected between the anode of BT 151 and the junction of the collector of BC 546 & the gate of BT 151?
In fact, I tried this circuit. But the said resister is getting heated. What may be the reason?
Thanks in advance
Swag says
Hi Nirmal, it provides the gate triggering voltage to the SCR. You can try increasing its value to 22K and see if that still allows the SCR firing comfortably…
Nirmal Joseph says
Dear Swag,
I replaced 10K with 22 K 1W, but still it gets heated up and I also noticed failure of BC 546, three times.
Actually I am new to transformer less power supply circuits. So, I would like to know in detail how the circuit BT 151, 10K (22K) 1W resister, BC 546, Zener and the two resisters at base of BC 546 controls surge and voltage.
Thanks,
Swag says
Dear Nirmal, the output is protected from surge because the output voltage is never allowed to increase above the selected zener value. The moment output level tries to go beyond the zener level, the SCR is switched OFF by the BC546 preventing the voltage to rise any further, conversely as soon as the SCR is switched OFF the output voltage is cut off which switches off the zener and BC546, switching ON the SCR and restoring power.
But the BC546 may not be protected from high voltage so this will need a separate protection circuit, I’ll try to update it soon…
Nirmal Joseph says
Thank you Swag.
Swag says
Hi Nirmal,
I have updated the diagram, please check it.
Nirmal Joseph says
Purpose of the 1uF 400V cap at output in the last update.
Swag says
It is positioned to absorb possible high voltage spikes entering the output side
Nirmal Joseph says
Thanks
Nirmal Joseph says
Thanks
Nirmal Joseph says
Dear Swag,
Can I use BTA06 6A 600V TRIAC in place of BT151?
Swag says
Yes you can use a triac also it won’t have any negative effects…
Sanjeev Kumar says
hi sir for the similar kind of circuit in am getting 30 ma current output i am using the 105j(1uf) capacitor but i want to drive high load so i need more than 500ma is it better to add another 4 r 5 105j caps in parallel to each other
Swag says
Hi Sanjeev, yes you can add more capacitors in parallel to get higher current, each 105 capacitor would give you at least 50mA.
but make sure to add the triac controller as explained in the above article to control surge currents, and regulate voltage.
Richards Samson says
hai sir
Can you please suggest me a circuit for making 50v 10amp power supply
Swag says
Hi Richards, you mean using the above concept?
Richards Samson says
hai sir
No sir, I am using.
Is above circuit works to produce 10amps of current.
Swag says
Richards, for 10 amps you must use a transformer, the above concept may work but is strictly not recommended…..
you can try the following concept instead
https://homemade-circuits.com/2012/01/how-to-make-versatile-variable-voltage.html
Sanjeev Kumar says
ok sir thank u
ARUN says
Sir, how much power a transformer with the following specs can give ?
230/14-0-14 5A
Will it be 14×5=70 W or
(14+14)×5= 140 W ??
Swag says
It is 70 watt
devkaran says
hello sir i want to switch 12v dc relay, using capacitive power supply but my zener diode is become over heat.
so please solve my problem..
Swag says
Hello Devkaran, for a relay you won’t require a zener, you can connect it directly with the DC from the capacitive output…the relay coil is much stronger than a zener and will be be able to regulate the capacitive output safely without any external support. you can use a 105/400V caapcitor for the capacitive power supply
devkaran says
thanks for immediate reply sir,
but i am controlled the relay using pic12f675 micro controller. so micro controller have need pure dc and exactly 5v because i am using adc function and there is need to 5v .i am using 7805 voltage regulator for 5v.
Swag says
OK, In that case you can use the 7805 for supplying the MCU, and connect the relay positive side directly with the capacitive bridge output.
I hope you have understood the configuration….and also be cautioned regarding the dangers involved with a capacitive PS
devkaran says
can i replace bc546 with bc548 transistor
and bt151 with TYN612M SCR.
Swag says
No that won’t do, BC546 cannot be replaced with BC548, and BT151 is specifically recommended for this design
devkaran says
ok sir thank you very much for this help.
Swag says
you are welcome!
olupot says
hello sir the system is performing but my bc546 has blown up and now going to replace with another and will update you. thanks
Swag says
with 10K resistor in series the BC546 shouldn’t have blown, anyway you can try connecting a 15V zener between the gate of the SCR and the emitter of BC546, this will hopefully solve the issue..
olupot says
hello sir i get a fixed voltage of 5v at the output. the 1M resistor fixes it to give only 5volts yet i want 14volts at the output
Swag says
Olupot, the 1M has no relation to the output, the current will pass through the input capacitor, the 1M is only to ensure correct discharging of the capacitor when the circuit is unplugged from the mains….
you can try the following concept if you are finding the above difficult.
https://homemade-circuits.com/2016/07/scr-shunt-for-protecting-capacitive-led.html
Anil Kumar. K says
Many thanks for quick and clear reply dear Swagatham.
Swagatam says
you are welcome Anil!
Anil Kumar. K says
Hi Swagatham
I will use TL431 based voltage regulator with power transistor for high current handling.
I have seen many rechargable tourches, Emergency lights, LED display circuits use capacitor based simple powersupply. Those work very effectively without any protection circuits such as SCR, TRIAC, Thermister, Zero-crossing circuit….etc. So, is it neccessorry a surge/spike protection circuit…..? If, yes, which circuit would be morethan 75% effective. Just provide link of that circuit.
Probably, it should be Zerocrossing circuit.
Thanks in advance.
Swagatam says
Hi Anil, emergency light circuits use capacitor based power supply for charging battery at a very low current rate, therefore the protection stage is not included, still they do use a zener diode for regulation.
you can use power transistor also, but a single SCR or triac handles everything perfectly and reliably, without depending on any special ICs or costly surge protection devices, and a SCr/triac suits better for high voltage circuits than power transistor.
for zero crossing concepts you can refer to this page
https://homemade-circuits.com/?s=zero+crossing+power
Anil Kumar. K says
Hi Swagatham,
I have successfully assembled few capacitive powersupplies for illuminating one or two 20mA leds as nightlamps. I used 474pf, 630V, polyster capacitors. I always use a proper value zener diode at output for voltage regulation.
My doubt, is it suitable, capacitors that use with seiling fan….(usually it’s value is 2.5mfd 400vac) for this type of powersupply….?
Swagatam says
Hi Anil, yes it is OK to use fan capacitor also, it is the 400V rating that is important, but make sure that the zener wattage is proportionately upgraded as the microFarad is increased
OLUPOT DANIEL says
gud day sir am working on my circuit but i got some things i want you to clarify
1 the orignal circuit had a 100uf/25v and yet this circuit am making has a ppc rated 1uf/400v at the output so i need some help there.
2 what is the function of the 100k pot thanks alot
Swagatam says
Hi Olupot, 1uF/400V is not necessary, you can replace it with a 100uF but make sure the voltage rating is twice of the intended output level.
100k pot can used for raising the output voltage to higher limits than the zener value.
OLUPOT DANIEL says
good morning sir i apreciate the good work you do thanks alot. i have a question regarding the circuit is it possible for me to increase the output current to around 800mAand also can i use it to charge my small batt of 12v 7Ah.
Swagatam says
Hi Oluput, that may be possible, but the triac can get immensely hot, you a replace the shown 1 amp with a 3 amp triac, then it would be fine.
yes you can use it to charge a battery, however the above concept is not isolated from mains, therefore touching the wiring with hand can give a fatal shock…therefore it's not recommended for such applications which may not be covered.
OLUPOT DANIEL says
hello sir thanks for the great work. i take time to study each and every circuit you post that i find am in need of.so i have some question regarding this circuit
1. can i get up to around 800 to 900mA from the circuit.
2. is it possible to use this circuit to charge a small motorcycle batt of 12v/7Ah. i wil be greatful if i get it done for my small work bench thanks have ablessed day
Swagatam says
Thanks Daniel,
yes you can use it to charge a battery, however the above concept is not isolated from mains, therefore touching the wiring with hand can give a fatal shock…therefore it's not recommended for such applications which may not be covered.
Muhammad Salahuddin says
Please answer my query….
Swagatam says
The word "below" was mistakenly mentioned, it should have been "above"…I have corrected it and also posted a new modified and technically more correct version of the same. you can check it out at the end of the post.
The opto coupler version is not updated because an opto could make the design unnecessarily complex and an overkill…
Muhammad Salahuddin says
Referring to your article
"In order to obtain the intended results as proposed in the above design and without shunting precious amps, a circuit with exactly opposite response needs to be implemented, as shown below:""
their is no circuit below these lines??
someone in comments referred to circuit with optocoupler ,but in this post there is no cct involving optocoupler…..
please point out the updated circuit resulting high current and stable voltage…….
thanx in advance……carry on the good work.
Muhammad Salahuddin says
In order to obtain the intended results as proposed in the above design and without shunting precious amps, a circuit with exactly opposite response needs to be implemented, as shown below:
where is the cct in article ?? there is only one cct under update heading???
which cct is the right one ,and will not dump amperes…..??
Swagatam says
obviously, the circuit design shown under the update is the one which is being discussed in that section.
both are correct it depends which you feel is better.
lukman hidayat says
what ampere in trafo 220vac? and out ?
Thiago says
Hi Swagatam!
Have you tested that last circuit with the BC546? because I took a look at it and thought: "the triac is iniatially not conducting, to conduct I need a pulse on it, and to have a pulse with some enough current to make it start conducting, I need that current flows through the diodes bridge, but how this could happen if the triac is not conducting? It seems that I need to give a "little push" at the gate's triac in order to it start conducting and after that have my BC546 in open state and therefore applying the collector voltage and consequently a current flowing through the triac's gate".
The point is, there is no current flowing through the circuit at all until the triac starts conducting, but is depends on the circuit ahead it and the circuit ahead the triac depends that triac starts conducting… At programming we call that deadlock…
thanks Swagatam!
Swagatam says
Hi Thiago, the last circuit is just a suggestion, it has not been tested by me yet.
yes, to initiate the BT136 some form of arrangement would be required, you can connect another 1uF/400V in parallel with the triacs MT1/MT2 or a 1K 1/4 watt resistor also could be tried.
Thiago says
Or two push buttons, one in parallel with MT1/MT2 in order to give that little push I commented and turn the power supply on, and another one in series with the gate in order to cut off the pulse on the triac and switch off the power supply. Maybe it could be a nice solution.
I liked very much your design and I think of implementing it with what I said. I don't want to have a transformer on my project…
Thanks again Swagatam!
Swagatam says
thanks thiago, s push button with MT1/MT2 might not work because at the first zero crossing the triac will tend to switch OFF, shutting of the whole circuit.
a capacitor or a 1K resistor as suggested by me earlier could be the only solution.
anyway you can try both the solutions and see which one works more appropriately.
Swagatam says
however the above issue could be corrected by adding a high value capacitor instead of the 1uF shown at the output side of the design….
Thiago says
Yes, maybe it could not work, I will simulate both approachs at proteus and I come back to you to let you know the results. Thanks again!
Nitesh Agrawal says
hello
i want to drive 12vRelay @ 30 ma with this method . Also want to add MOV .pl help which value of MOV i go with ? .
Swagatam says
the above circuit won't be required, you can use the following simple design
https://homemade-circuits.com/2011/12/cheap-yet-useful-transformerless-power.html
replace the 50 ohm resistor with a 5 OHm NTC themister
Sabyasachi Pal says
Is it possible to light up 20 watt led with this circuit?
Swagatam says
it can be used
Rock Handsome says
To convert it into 5v power supply do we need to need to replace only the zener diode or some replacements are required too?
Swagatam says
only the zener diode will need to be replaced
Umer Khalil says
Hi 🙂
I want to make 12V 2A transformer less power supply. can u help me? please.
because your given circuit doesn't provide much current.
Thank you
Swagatam says
Hi, for 2amp a capacitive power supply is not recommended, you may have to build an SMPS for that
mat ma says
can i use this circuit for laptop adapter(20V,5.0A)
Swagatam says
NO…
peeyush love says
sir what is efficency of above ckt and how can we increase it???
Swagatam says
Not sure, did not calculate it.
mustafa says
Hi,
Its possible to get 0-400VDC of 2A ???
Swagatam says
Hi, it is possible, but for 2 amp the triac will need to be rated at 6 amps
mustafa says
Hi,
How can get high voltage (0-400V) with 2A current ?
Allan Green says
Hi Swagatam,
Im just starting to find/search for a small low cost PS for driving ESP8266 boards, where the requirement is 5V or 3,3V with 350-500mA and found that your site have the most info about these transformerless PS, but I am confused after looking at all the differet diragrams on your site, so my questions is you have such a diagram on your site and can send post the link ? .. if not, which diagram will be best and what changes are needed ?
thx in advance for your support.
PS input would be 220Vac – 50hz
Swagatam says
Hi Allan, I think you should try the following design:
https://homemade-circuits.com/2014/02/220v-smps-cell-phone-charger-circuit.html
Mahesh Thakar says
Dear Swagatam Majumdar,
Greetings !!!!
I need 5v 1ahm output AC to DC transformer less circuit, if you can make this circuit in past, please send the details following email id :
mu2003777@gmail.com
09586516661, 09898586746
i am waiting for your answer !!!!
Swagatam says
Dear Mahesh,
for 1 amp current it is advised to go for a SMPS design as explained in the following article:
https://homemade-circuits.com/2014/02/220v-smps-cell-phone-charger-circuit.html
Odie D.Santos says
Dear Sir,
If i change the zener diode to 15V, do you think the voltage will follow, how about the current? how much current it will give? the current will depend only to the zener or to the 5x capacitor in the input.? thanks
odie
Swagatam says
Dear Odie,
yes the output voltage will change according to the zener value.
current will depend on the input capacitor value.
The Rocking Time says
Sir is this your finalized circuit for the high current transformerless power supply
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7aCY8rtB44/U_cx5MAANjI/AAAAAAAAIDE/Xj–z257fYU/s1600/efficient%2Btransformerless%2Bpower%2Bsupply%2Bcircuit.png
i am getting no dc output from this circuit.. how can you trigger the traic with a DC control signal without using an optocoupler… and please tell me how to configure the circuit to get the output voltage
Swagatam says
RT, a triac can be fired from any DC source, an opto coupler is used only when the triac stage needs to be isolated from the DC stage, otherwise it is not essential.
please check your circuit carefully there could be some mistake in it.
Narottam Gupta says
Ok..sir,
Thank you..
Swagatam says
you are welcome, you can also think about becoming a paid contributor to this site by submitting circuit related projects and concepts…..
Narottam Gupta says
Oh, sorry sir, actually at first I could not find your answer….
But sir,
is not possible to make transformer less 15V, 3Amp DC power supply ?
Swagatam says
Narottam, transformerless can be in the form of SMPS, capacitive type is not recommended for such high current…the best is transfomer type which is the most reliable.
Narottam Gupta says
Sir,
I want to make 15 volt, 3 amp DC power supply in this process for giving the power supply of the project of "wireless cellphone charger" please help me with your advice that which components or value of components will be the change fo making it ?
And one more question, here the wattage of the resistor R1 is 1/4 watt, is it sufficient ?
Swagatam says
Narottam, I have already answered it please check the above comment.
Narottam Gupta says
Sir,
I want to make a DC power supply of 15 volt, 3 amp for the project of "Wireless Power Supply".
So please help me with your advice that what components will be the change for making it and which circuit is the best for this ?
And one more question, here the wattage of the resistance R1 is 1/4 watt is it sufficient ?
Swagatam says
Narottam, you can make it by using an LM338 IC, you can easily find the circuit idea in the datasheet of the IC, or even in this website itself….you will need a 0-24V/5amp transformer for supplying the input to this IC regulator circuit
R1 is only for discharging the capacitor when the circuit is being plugged out of the socket…higher wattage is not required…1/4 watt is enough, moreover the value is 1M that's too high for any possible damage.
Odie D.Santos says
Hi Swagatam,
Based on this article How much current it will produced? Is the circuit is been tested? and what type of capacitor you used for this paralled caps.
Thanks & more power to your blog
Swagatam says
Hi Odie, it can be used for generating up to 500mA without much heating of the triac…it's a tested design
all the capacitors must be metalized polyester type..
Unknown says
hi,
can i used electrolyte capacitor in series, with inverse polarity each other to substitute non polar dropper capacitor in your circuit, let say i use two 2.2uf/400V elco , arrange in series with opposite polarity
Swagatam says
you can try it, technically it should work, but PPC type of capacitor is normally recommended in such applications.
MALAY WANE says
Dear sir,
I want to makr a transformerless power supply to gain 12v 1-2A DC.
Please help me sir how can i do it…
Thank you..
Swagatam says
Dear Malay, you must go for an SMPS based circuit instead of a capacitive one, which is never suitable for such high current applications.
MALAY WANE says
Hello sir,
I want ti make a 12V 1-2A output,transformerless power supply.
Can you please help me sir how do i do this.
Swagatam says
Hello Malay, you can try any of the designs presented in the following article:
https://homemade-circuits.com/2012/03/how-to-design-power-supply-simplest-to.html
Arun Kumar says
how to converted 1amps please update sir
Swagatam says
use 15 nos of 1uF/400V caps in parallel at the input and use a 6amp triac
Vikram says
Hi Mr. Majumdar,
Can I use this circuit for three phase input supply.
Input voltage will be ~440V, which will be phase to phase.
Swagatam says
Hi Vikram, it could be possible if all the vital components are rated at 1kv or at least 700V
Vikram says
Thank you sir.
I have one query. There will not be any Neutral line. Input will be any 2 phases. i.e RY or YB or RB.
So is it possible.?
Swagatam says
yes any phase from the 3 phase can be used with the above design….neutral may not be required. but I am not exactly sure about it? you may have confirm it practically.
pavan kumar says
hai i made the above circuit its working fine but the problem is when i connect 110vac its not working can you tell me the reason .
Swagatam says
Hi, that's cannot be possible, any AC input higher than the zener voltage should work.
remove the triac connection and check again…
Bhaven Mehta says
Can i use the above circuit for building a cell phone charger which will give 5V and 2.2A of current??
Swagatam says
technically it may be possible, but strictly not recommended because the above design is not isolated from mains and is too crude and dangerous to be used as a cell phone charger
Unknown says
dear Swagatam,
it's good AC-DC converter. Can you explain more details transistor, triac stage?
when circuit work normally, current through zener, 100k resistor and 100k variable resistor about 10mA, voltage at base of NPN transistor about 1V cause open transistor. Therefore, voltage at G gate of triac about 0V, triac off => it's not logic, am i wrong??
hope your help!
thank you.
Swagatam says
dear unknown, actually there should be a 1K 2 watt resistor across the triac MT1/MT2….so when power is switched ON, the circuit will switch ON with a low current via the 1K, and switch ON the triac for a full conduction with the rated current of the capacitor….however as long as 30V is not reached the transistor will not conduct, but when this happens the transistor will conduct and cut off the triac…this sequence will go ON very rapidly at microsecond rate, making sure that the output voltage never exceeds the 30V mark or above the zener voltage mark.
Ngan Dao Van says
dear Swagatam,
Thank you very much, you're so enthusiastically.
I understand now.
Swagatam says
you are welcome dear Ngan!
Unknown says
Dear Mr Majumdar,
Your electronic skill is superior. Thanks for showing everything with diagram.etc. My question is:
Do you have a schematic diagram of a transformerless power supply 220v AC in. and 3.3v 400mA DC out?
Thanks in advance Christer
Swagatam says
Thanks Christer,
May I know for what application you are planning to use it?
Christer Johansson says
Thank you for responding so fast. It is a project for school. Burglar alarm, and I'm using Arduino.
I need to supply with 3.3 v.
Thanks again
Swagatam says
OK, in that case the following SMPS design could be recommended:
https://homemade-circuits.com/2014/02/220v-smps-cell-phone-charger-circuit.html
the zener at the output can be adjusted to achieve the required 3.3V instead of the shown 5V
a capacitive transformerless power supply could be dangerous, and therefore may not be recommended for your application
Swagatam says
…By the way you can simply use you mobile charger for the purpose by adding a couple of 1N4007 diodes in series with the positive to get the same…
Claudia ft Privacy says
Do you think i can use this circuit for the 100W LED's? Because transformer 24V 3 amp they dont have here 🙁
Swagatam says
No this circuit is not recommended for a 100 watt LED module.
Claudia ft Privacy says
ok, thanks, i am going to try to lower the winding's from the coil.
Osaka Education says
Capacitor increase so current increase i am right?????? Explain triac and zener function in 1 st circuit
Swagatam says
yes that's correct
Swagatam says
the triac grounds the excess voltage that surpasses the selected zener voltage level and thus maintains a constant voltage at the o/p
Patrick Bruyn says
Hello Swagatam,
Thank you for publishing your design.
I made a PCB design of it with almost identical parts you suggested, but I cannot get it working. Could you please look at my design for what mistake I obviously made?
Thank you in advanvce!
PCB design: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8jhrSu-d9NHRVpEV1BhSjBKNzQ/view?usp=sharing
Swagatam says
Thanks very much Patrick, I'll update the info in the above article soon…
Bubai says
In PCB by mistake Triac gate is connected with BC547( Emitter ) instead of Collector that is why circuit is not working, if I am not wrong. rotate NPN transistor 180 degree in PCB design software hope it will work.
Swagatam says
OK thanks, I'll check it and correct it soon.
Patrick Bruyn says
Hi,
Thanks for your reply.
I change the transistor and the overall layout. Could you guys please take a look if this looks oke?
Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8jhrSu-d9NHdk56eGd3U0tQNVk/view?usp=sharing
Thank again!
Patrick Bruyn says
Again I build up this PCB but it just doesn't work. Can anybody take a look at my design and maybe tell me what I am doing wrong?
Thank you in advance!
Anonymous says
Hello Swagatam…
first i want to thank you for sharing your knowledge with us….
my friend can you propose me a transformer-less power supply that can operate with 230v. i hope to use 1W x 3 or 1W x 4 LEDs. i think the LED need 350mA for higher brightness. please propose me a power supply that can use very long time without problems…
mailtomadusanka@gmail.com
best regards…
Swagatam says
Thank you madusanka, for any high watt LED it's always recommended to use an SMPS adapter, however you can also try the following circuit and see how well it performs:
https://homemade-circuits.com/2015/05/zero-crossing-controlled-surge-free.html
use 3 nos of 105/40v capacitors in parallel for the input capacitor in order to get at least 200mA current at the output
Anonymous says
Good day Swagatam,
I enjoy electronic circuits. This is my first visit to this site and already burning candles reading articles. There are numerous circuits and versioning for transformerless power supply from you and others in this website. Can you recommend me a stable circuit you or others designed and the picture of components (because when I buy the components, they come in funny shapes), non surge around 12V (or selectable) and update here or can email me at june1629@yahoo.com.
Thank you.
Swagatam says
Thanks so much june1629,
if you are looking for a good surge free transformerless power supply then probabaly you would want to try the following design:
https://homemade-circuits.com/2015/05/zero-crossing-controlled-surge-free.html
It's much sophisticated and reliable than the previous ones, but kindly be informed it has not yet been tested by me practically. though I strongly believe that it's technically sound and without any errors.
Tariq Parvez says
Hello Sir can i use this circuit for microcontroller based project , i am in search for Mc based fan regulator transformerless supply , will u plz tell me how can i take output for zero crossing detector through it , plz reply soon, Thanks
Swagatam says
Hello Tariq, the above circuit does not include a zero crossing detector so I am afraid it might not be suitable for an MCU,
by the way I have a PWM transformerless fan regulator circuit in this site but without using a MCU, you can see it below
https://homemade-circuits.com/2014/06/pwm-controlled-fan-dimmer-switch-circuit.html
Pushkar Naik says
That was a pretty quick response, i wonder how you must be coping up with tons of queries you might be getting in various threads you've started 🙂
Now, I agree with your response, and was of the same opinion to start with. Well my aim was to try and see if size and weight can be reduced, hence started exploring this alternative. SMPS uses a transformer as well, so i was thinking of going for regular mains transformer 12v 1Amp, with a LM1117 ahead to get the regulated 3.3v as desired. I do understand that SMPS is better, but seems to me to be a overkill for the application. Let me know if you think otherwise. Thanks a ton again !
Swagatam says
thanks pushkar,
SMPS concepts utilize a small ferrite transformer and the whole unit could be five times lighter than an identically rated iron transformer. Moreover these are cheaper and much long lasting than their transformer counterparts.
You can buy a 12V 1amp adapter from the market if you find it difficult to build yourself.
LM1117 may not be necessary, just use a 7805 IC to drop the 12V to 5V and then followed by three of 1N4007 diodes to further drop it to 3.3V approximately
Pushkar Naik says
Kudos to your work Swagatam ! I'm looking for deriving 12v dc to operate a relay in a wireless switch rated around 150 ma. Also, want to further step down 12v dc to 3.3v dc (precise) for the sensitive wireless circuit to work. Current required is around 500ma here. Is it safe to use a regulator IC like LM1117 to buck 12v to 3.3v in this non-isolated power supply circuit, without blowing the IC off ? Point to be noted here is that, the load is not always present as its a switch, in contrast to the LED load discussions above which is always present. Total load current will vary from 50ma to 650ma peak, which should be managable as per discussions above. Your expert guidance awaited …..
Swagatam says
Thanks Pushkar, I don't think the above circuit wold be suitable for anything other than LEDs, because a mains shock isolation may not be necessary for LED applications and also LEDs do not require highly sophisticated DC for operating.
Therefore I would rather recommend an SMPS version for your unit and not the above design.
Swagatam says
…you may try the following one instead
https://homemade-circuits.com/2014/02/220v-smps-cell-phone-charger-circuit.html
Rushi Palkar says
how to increase current in this circuit?
Swagatam says
remove triac stage and use a fan dimmer circuit in series…then increase the capacitor value as per the required current
Nitesh Agrawal says
i want to run 8 mm led total 50 nos. in series with transformer less smps.
led vf = 2.2 min & 2.5 max. @ 25 ma per led.
But i need stable output with stable in ac voltage spikes & fluctuation.
i used MPP type capacitor but not satisfied due to break di-electric after some time .
no problem with use of triac or any part in with ac line. But ckt must be stable .
Swagatam says
a god quality capacitor will never break….use a god quality capacitor as shown below:
http://www.xenonflashtubes.com/ebay/400v105.jpg
for voltage regulation you could try a triac dimmer in series with the capacitor input supply as shown here:
https://homemade-circuits.com/2014/11/high-current-transformerless-power.html
Nitesh Agrawal says
thanks sir
Nitesh Agrawal says
Respected sir
i read your artical dimmer in series with capacitor.But it is not suite for me.
pl inform can i run 8mm*60 led ( vf= 2.2 v Toal string current is 30 ma) with update august 22,2014 ckt ? may i use single 1uf/400v instead of 5 ?
Swagatam says
Nitesh, the above circuit may not be suitable either for your application, you can try the following one:
https://homemade-circuits.com/2013/02/using-ntc-resistor-as-surge-suppressor.html
Bubai says
Dear Respected Sir,
Can I use BC546 to run 25pcs 150mA LED and 2 pcs 39v Zenor Diode serially in the Second like circuit? What is the use of 1uf ceramic Cap at output? what is BJT stage?
Could you tell me which Transformerless simple circuit is suitable to run 25 pcs of 150mA LED serially/paralleled initial switch on surge protected. I am unable to find suitable circuit in your oceanic blog. I have tried NTC 10D ( 10hom) before bridge rectifier but it is not feeling much warmth NTC after immediate disconnection, post Bridge rectifier serially seems to have not effect of NTC.I used a 225k(2.2uf) Cap and 10uf 250v cap as filter.
Swagatam says
Dear Bubai,
Don't use any of the above circuit, instead you can a simple design as shown here
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ao044-f_094/USJX2xXmq9I/AAAAAAAADLw/QXbrfjnDjHc/s1600/surge+protected+led+driver+circuit.png
….use the second circuit, connect all the 25 LEDs in series at the output of the circuit…and and use a coil in place of the NTC
make this coil by winding about 300 turns of 30SWG enameled copper wire on any ferrite core, or you can use the coil from any old relay for the same but the relay coil resistance should not be more than 100 ohms for good brightness.
Bubai says
Sir,
According to Second schematic LED blown out First switch on 2 times tested.
tested using single 225k(2.2uf) Cap and 36v and 12v zenor alternating result same used 50k pot instead 10k.
LED not lighted completely just a flash and gone but not all 150mA LEDs used.
Let me know how to overcome this problem?
1st Circuit is tested okay really protecting from surge created by Capacitor by delay effect used 470uf Cap.
Swagatam says
Bubai, you shouldn't have connected the LEd directly at the output, you should have first confirmed the voltage by adjusting the pot, and once it was adjusted to the LED level, only then the LEd included.
Swagatam says
…in the second circuit please connect a 0.1/400V cap parallel to the triac MT1, MT2 otherwise the triac will fail to sustain its conduction.
Bijendra Rai says
Dear Sir how can i convert 62volt .30mA ( this is telephone line dc supply ) to 12 volt & .750 mA current please give circuit s about this ,thanks
Swagatam says
Dear Bijendra, Volts can be reduced using a transistorized circuit but amps cannot be increased…
ainsworth lynch says
so your saying there is no way to build a power supply like that, or should I just assume that they just connected all +24v and 24vgnd's together for the sake of the type of connection used?
Swagatam says
yes you are right, just terminate the outputs separately through different wires, that's all….at the most you could use separate diodes for the positives in order to create some sort of isolation.
ainsworth lynch says
Or could you just design a power supply than can produce (3) +24v leads and (3)+24vgnd with a transformer…. something that can push about 10 amps i already have a center top 120-12/12 at 5amps transformer
Swagatam says
sorry, it doesn't look feasible to me…
jito says
Can i use 22V, 1W Zener & TRIAC BT134 ?
Swagatam says
yes will do
jito says
Why did Triac use for? pls explain…
Swagatam says
for controlling voltage and surge current
Ashok Dhenge says
sir how to increase current at output upto 5 amp? Is this ckt is very safe & easy as use transformer for drive LED? can we use "Universal High Watt LED Current Limiter Circuit – Constant Current Circuit for LEDs" circuit as in your blog on right side of this ckt for constant current generator for LED?
Swagatam says
Ashok, capacitive power supplies are never safe or efficient for low voltage DC applications.
You must use an SMPS for your requirement as explained by me in your other comment.
Bubai says
Thanks for your quick reply.
Actually I want to control brightness of LED by using a Potentiometer
Please tell me where to incorporate a POT safely… in this circuit.
Thanks for your quick reply.
Swagatam says
you can add the left side circuit given in the following article:
https://homemade-circuits.com/2014/07/variable-led-intensity-controller.html
connect the LEDs between the transistor emitter and the negative of the supply.
Bubai says
What will happen if I lower its resistance R3 and or R2
I have lowered R3 to 470 ohm still working….
Swagatam says
If you lower R2 too much the triac will stop working.
If R3 lowered too much, the zener and the triac will burn.
Prosenjit Sur says
I have tried using 475uF 40v Cap in C6 Flickering lowered but a audible sound still there.
Also Please check why Consuming 157miliAmp at 230v AC that is around 36 watt in a Good quality AC Ameter aw well as in mulitmeter selecting AC amp.
I am trying to build a led Lamp for my Planted aquarium with 1 watt or 3 watt LED in RED, BLUE, WHITE Color because I cannot afford imported High lumen High power LED amp.
Swagatam says
please try the last circuit shown in the following article, you can expect a much better response from it than the above design according to me, you can try it out.
https://homemade-circuits.com/2012/09/surge-protected-cheap-transformerless-3.html
the high consumption in the above design could be because of the triac conduction which shorts the entire capacitor voltage to ground while regulating the output
Prosenjit Sur says
I have successfully made some LED project from you blog Thanks very much for that. but, in this project though I have not made any mistake arranged according to the diagram checked several times but getting 95 volts DC at C6 terminal output, for a single 225k PF and 15v Zenor.
I used 1pcs 225K capacitor 2 run 1 watt LED 4 pcs serially but flickering also producing audible flickering noise replaced 100 mfd by 475mfd 63v Polarized capacitor visual flickering diminished but faint audible noise still remain. Is BT136 producing sound or capacitor no heat at no components Triac, R2 R3 and 15v 1/2 watt Zenor diode after 8 hours running.
But consuming 156-160 miliamp at 230v AC Adding more 225k 250v PF producing more flickering audible noise as well as current and intensity of led and current consummation.
I have tested this project in Breadboard as well as Vero board found same result. can you explain How can be fixed?
Swagatam says
Thanks Prosenjit,
Change C6 to 10uF/400V and check, it's the capacitor that could be causing the flickering noise.
I'll update a new circuit soon in the above article, you can try that if you are having problems with the above.
Sagar Mali says
The cost of PP capacitor is high here in Nepal so using 5 of them is way costly, can you propose another circuit with at least 500mA current?
Swagatam says
A capacitive power supply will require many PP capacitors without it you can make a 500mA unit, the best thing would be to buy a cheap reliable SMPS circuit from the market costing just Rs.100/-
Arun Dev says
Sir Arun again.
All the problems of my circuit have been solved myself.
Now i am in the middle of constructing a wireless audio system.
My intention is stated below:
A blower ( instead of fan ) is placed nearer to TV both sits in the hall of my house. So when i am turning on TV fot entertainment, it would be necessary to increase the volume of TV to overcome the sound from the blower. So i have decided to make a wireless audio control system which is intented to place at a comfortable distance from me and help me in hearing the exact sound as heared from the TV.
It is supposed to take the audo from the audio output jack ( To VCR ) of the TV and let it be processed and transmitted to air by a homemade FM transmitter. Then a FM receiver kept at the other place captures the aired signals and reproduces the original sound signals. I want to include a jack for headset also so that i could enjoy TV at night without disturbing others……
So could you plz help me in starting this project…. I am exopecting your help throughout this project
Swagatam says
Congrats on that Arun!
As for the wireless transmitter, I already have one such design in my blog, I have tested it perfectly, it'll give a distortion-free reception in your cell phone FM radio, you may refer to the following diagram:
https://homemade-circuits.com/2012/01/how-to-make-wireless-speaker-system.html
Arun Dev says
Sir, i have to ask you one doubt. This is not related to the current problem. My question is : Any other means exist to step up a 120 V AC voltage to 230 V AC instead of a step up transformer ?? ( like a popup capacitor in a transformerless power supply )
Swagatam says
Arun, yes you can do it using charge pump circuits, but the current will not be sufficient.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voltage_doubler
Arun Dev says
That memory element shown in the diagram is intented to inform us the current status of the overhead tank.The red LED associated with that portion will be turned on once that tank is filled and retains that ON condition for a long time. It willn't be affected by any power failures. So we can get know whether the tank had been filled or not at any time..
It was working perfectly at first weak. But after that, it is not getting turned on automatically when water overfowing detected by the Auto off trigger. But when a power failure occurs after the overflowing detected and current returns, it is getting turned on. I think sufficient voltage is not reaching the sensing node of the memory cell which may be causing this problem… So by the by what z ur opinion abt thz sir ??
Swagatam says
Arun, to save time and confusions, send the diagram in parts, i'll try to solve them stepwise
Arun Dev says
Sir, after a long time i came back again. This time seeking your valuable help in one of my previous project….. I have sent it to hitman2008….
Plz check it and reply me soon sir
Swagatam says
Arun I have answered your email.
Arun Dev says
Sir.
You missunderstood my intention.
I mean ;
Eventhough the sensing voltage is to be taken for the opamp stage , it will get affected by the reference 12 V supply when the battery is under charging and a resulting voltage appears as the voltage for the opamp. Am i right sir?
If yes why couldn't it be possible to feed this resulting voltage to the opamp for sensing ???
In my design, i have chosen the maximum power saving mode for the battery.
If i am feeding the battery voltage as the sensing one, the opamp stage will function always even during discharging period ( which is not recommended ) drawing a current of 9 mA from the battery.
But in my design, i have selected the 12 V rail as the sensing voltage itself since a resulting voltage between this and the battery voltage appears during charging, and this resulting voltage is getting compared till certain cut off. Thereby by my design, no unnecessary current drawings are there from the battery during power failure.
You didn't reply to ma last question.
CAN I MAKE THE CUT OFF POINT BY CONSIDERING CURRENT FLOW TO THE BATTERY DURING CHARGING ( selecting a cut off voltage at the point when the current flown to the battery has been completely stopped ) ??????
Swagatam says
Arun, Your circuit is too lengthy, and due to lack of time I couldn't go through it all at once….if possible send it in parts and put the relevant questions there…. I'll try to check them out.
for current sense triggering you may refer to this post
https://homemade-circuits.com/2012/05/low-battery-cut-off-and-overload.html
Arun Dev says
Good morning Sir.
Is it possible to take current flowing to the battery as reference to make charging cut off at fully charged condition ???
Means, considering the current flowing to to the battery from source during charging, and select a threshold voltage level at which the current bcomes zero ( no more current flows to the battery ) as the cut off point.
But when i am noticing the charging of my two series connected 4.66 V batteries, i have found that, initially the charging current rises to a high level ( say 130 mA ) and slowly it is getting reduced . At last it bounces back and forth between some current level ( say 47.2 to 47.6 mA ) it is not becoming zero.
Swagatam says
Hi Arun,
the voltage that is been fixed is referred as the reference voltage and the sensing voltage needs to be taken from the battery.
add a feedback resistor 100k from the output of the opamp to pin3 for restricting the fluctuations at the thresholds.
I have covered all these comprehensively in all the 741 battery charger circuits in my blog.
Arun Dev says
Sir would you mind checking your hitman2008 inbox again ?
THEN AFTER THAT
:-
If i am getting that much current (160 mA ) from that config.,
will it be possible to add several capacitors in parallel with each additional zener diode taken place in the circuit along with a MOV and safety resistance ( for surge protection ) deliver higher value currents ??????
Swagatam says
Arun with 8V you eed to connect the parallel LEDs in strings of two and possibly add a 50 ohm resistor i series with each string.
if you add a zener diode ,the current may not increase as per the requirements and calculations.
with low voltage loads a capacitive powers supply will not work correctly ad efficiently.
Arun Dev says
After checking my circuut i found the following current consumption
For parallel config. Of batteries ( 4.5 V )
1). Current taken from the source to battery for charging 39 mA
2). Current drawn from the battery during discharging is 80 mA (little brightness)
For series config. ( 8.8 V )
1). 39 mA
2). 160 mA ( more brightness )
Since in both cases charging current is same, i chose the series config. because i need more brightness.
Is my selection fruitfull Sir ?
Also i could understand that a single power supply will not deliver sufficent current during charging phase ( 2* 30 mA of a relay + 39 mA for charging the battery + 7 mA for operating the circuit components = 106 mA whereas the 1.5 uF alone can only draw a maximum of 85 mA ).
So could you please tell me whether it is possible to use any combination of two 12 V 1 W zener (parallel or series) could be used in association with two parallel 1.5 uF capacitors in a single power supply. Surge current to be avoided by a MOV and a Surge limiting resistance ???????????????
Swagatam says
Arun,
With a low voltage DC source such as a battery, series or parallel connection both will give same consumption and brightness for the LEDs if configured correctly, I dont understand how it is differing in your case…strange.
I could not understand this question:
Also i could understand that a single power supply will not deliver sufficent current during charging phase ( 2* 30 mA of a relay + 39 mA for charging the battery + 7 mA for operating the circuit components = 106 mA whereas the 1.5 uF alone can only draw a maximum of 85 mA ).
If you use zener diodes which regulate voltage by sinking current with a capacitive power supply, it will cause it too become highly inefficient and will drop its current greatly
I think you should use a cell phone charger as the input instead of a capacitive power supply.
Arun Dev says
Since the power supply is not able to draw above 80mA from the 1.5 uf capacitor and higher value capacitors causing high surge current problems, i have
designed the circuit in such a manner that No two relays activates simultaneously during charging time to avail sufficient charging current to the battery, after charging no current is required to battery so the availablr current is used to activate the two relays effectively. Similarly during discharging time, both relays are idle due to the absent of power supply therby saving the current from battery.
THEREBY I HAVE AVOIDED THE LOW BATTERY CUT OFF BY OPAMP STAGE.
Swagatam says
OK got it!
Arun Dev says
I have replied to ur mail. Could u plz check it out as earlier as possible ????
Swagatam says
I have reverted….
Arun Dev says
SIR I HAVE SENT U A CKT. 2 hitman2008@live.in
Could u plz check it out ? I have some doubts
Swagatam says
I have answered it.
Arun Dev says
Sir,
Could u plz tell me what are the lower cut off voltagr and higher cut off voltage of a portable emergency battery showing 4.17 V
Swagatam says
High = 4.66V
Low = 3.66V
Arun Dev says
Sir i didn't get what u were suggested last time. Could u pls help me in modifying the current circuit by varying DC output using TRAIC BT136 with 24 V zener used
U have already posted based on SCR ( which is having varying 0-24 V DC ). But i need a one based on TRAIC.
If we can modify thz like that, will we get high current ouputs( say upto 500 mA ) like in the current ckt ?
Swagatam says
Arun, triacs don't respond well to DC variable inputs so it's better to use a transistor instead as shown in the following article:
https://homemade-circuits.com/2013/02/how-to-make-simple-220v-transformerless.html
Just modify a few things in this design:
Provide the input voltage through capacitors
replace D2 with a bridge rectifier.
Make R1 = 10k, 2 watt
and R2 = 10k pot
The zener diode may be completely eliminated.
Arun Dev says
Sir, could u plz suggest me
4 Hrs ON 20 HRS Off timer ckt with caliberations which can be understood easily ( 4017 or 555 )
Swagatam says
Arun, 555 and 4017 cannot be used for getting 20 hours delay, it will give inaccurate results
Arun Dev says
Sir i have used BT136 instead of SCR. What 2 do now to make that ckt functional ?
And what abt this ckt, regarding the high voltage (40 V ) prolblem ???
Swagatam says
try a 6V zener and check the results.
Arun Dev says
The fig. 4 which i am not getting output is
https://homemade-circuits.com/2013/05/variable-surge-free-high-current.html?m=1
Swagatam says
connect two 1N4007 diodes in series with the SCR anode and check whether it works or not.
Arun Dev says
In the intention of getting 12 V output, i have connected a 12V 1 W zener. But the problem is i am getting high voltages ( say 40 V ) even in single capacitor config. What 2 do ?
On checking your High current transformerless surge currentlimitted power supply ckt similar to thz, i didn't get any output
Arun Dev says
Sir,
You warned me not to use capacitors in parallel in the power supply discussed b4 since it causes high surge currents. Can i use this schematic ?
Or the one in the below link with one capacitor being replaced by parallel config
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z8OiKZpXIvg/UY3rG8dkgMI/AAAAAAAAEHg/9YMwKeEFwPw/s1600/variable+transformerless+power+supply+circuit.png
Swagatam says
yes it will work in such circuits but it's always good to use smps designs for getting the correct and efficient results
Uzair Hamid Zahidi says
Hey, I tried and made the same circuit mentioned above, but the problem is that the output its giving is above 250v and I need it almost 50v. How can I get upto 50v??
Can I use 78xx series for the output?
Swagatam says
which zener diode did you use in the circuit?
madhuranjan kumar says
i want to made this circuit voltage output of 30 voltge for glow 10 LED in the series. please tell me i need to change here capacitor or other component.
Swagatam says
I think you should try the following design instead of the above circuit:
https://homemade-circuits.com/2012/04/how-to-make-led-bulb-circuit.html
Syed Arham says
I am using this circuit for a 12v 20 watt led, but it is not glowing completely as compared to 12v battery.the output of the circuit is 12v and 0.54Amps.10 watt led is working properly
what can i do for about 30 watt Led,can i use this circuit for 20 and 30 watt Led after increasing the amps upto 1amp?
Swagatam says
I wouldn't recommend the above design for operating a 20 watt or higher LEds, it's better to go for an 12V/ 2amp SMPS readymade unit, which would provide a safe, reliable and permanent solution………. and also will be free from lethal mains shocks.
madhuranjan kumar says
I need to change this circuit into 30v and 18 volt. please tell me how can me made?
Swagatam says
use a 30V or a 18v zener for Z1, these will produce the specified outputs respectively.
Syed Arham says
what can i do for about 50v output..
and how can i increse the amps about 1amp..plz explain in proper manner so i can understand it,i am new in electronics..
Swagatam says
use a 50v zener at the triac gate, and increase the no. of capacitors until you get the required 1amp from the circuit.
Syed Arham says
thanks, i will try it. 🙂
biannz says
sir it 105 and 1uf the same if yes then it can be use in this circuit Simple Pure Sine Wave Inverter Circuit – 500 Watt Pure Sine sir can 105/400vpp use instead of 2uf or two 1uf? thank you.
Swagatam says
yes that's correct, you can use two 105 caps, although it will become very bulky, it will work
biannz says
sir please can i replace 105/400vpp in place of 2uf/400v can i also use this circuit to power my remote circuit which need 5v supply?
Swagatam says
yes you can replace 1uF with 2uF, but this circuit is not recommended for delicate electronic circuits since it's not isolated from mains.
Raja Banerjee says
why you have taken zener sensing voltage from dc and grounded it to AC line (through resistors)??
Swagatam says
R2 is not crucial, it can be removed, the zener ensures that the triac conducts only after the desired zener voltage becomes available at the output, and thus keeps this voltage constant at the output.
Chandan Maity says
After running the 20W LED with 10uF for more than a month, it fuses suddenly. First LED fused, then C6 bursts (33uF/63V).
The reason I am suspecting:
I was driving another 12V/0.056A fan for cooling from same 36V O/P with resistance driver.
1. First resistance (1W) driver fails, which fails the fan to run.
2. LED get hot and burnt.
3. Peak voltage increased across C6 and it burnt.
Another possibility of damage: The power extraction may be too high and those Chinese LED will be certified someday for its voltage and current 🙂
Next modification I am thinking:
1. to use 30W LED to get 20W power. You will get 30% margin of protection.
2. Stable circuit for fan. 36->12V may be problematic with traditional LDO regulator. How about capacitor divider before rectifier?
BTW, my 3.3uF, 6W (6x1W) is running since last three months 24×7.
-CM
Swagatam says
Was your 20 watt LED rated at 36V? In that case the fan wouldn't have done anything wrong, however if your LED was rated for a lower voltage then definitely the application was incorrect.
I think before connecting any LED it must be ensured first that the output voltage exactly matches with the LEd forward voltage.
Avik Paul says
Sir,
Are you test it…..
Because R2 is getting very hot…….
I am used in R2 1k 1 Watt……
PLZ solve my problem if you have any solution.,……
Swagatam says
please don't become restless….the site is all about learning through discussions, experimentation, calculation etc.
Try using a higher value for R2, try a 10k, 1 watt resistor.
Max Payne says
hello Swagatam,
can i use this circuit to run a 12V 0.2A dc cooling fan continuously ? if not why? what changes done with circuit, or what V/A rated fan i must use?
Swagatam says
hello max,
yes i think you can give it a try. start with a 2uF/400v cap iniially for C1
Anonymous says
HI Swagatam,
Greetings !
I have tested the above circuit with single 20W Warm white LED and continuously ran for 72 hrs. Everything ran smooth. No heat-up. Tuned the zenner to 37.2 V (6 x 6.2/1W). Used 10uF paper type non-electrolytic. Used another NTC instead of series resistance. Wishing to make 30W driver if I get time.
Also following your other previous design (without Triac), I made 6x1W LED driver with 3uF polyester capacitor, 44 Ohm/2 W series resistance, 4×6.2V/1W zenner. It is also running quite smooth for last 24 hours. Still now no LED damage.Will think to put NTC if any LED breaks down.
Thanks for your effort. Infact, the concepts are having capability for patent. Be careful, somebody can take the your credentials.
Swagatam says
Thanks friend!
It feels very satisfying when I see readers succeed with my projects!
Yes, I'll be careful about somebody stealing my credentials, I appreciate your suggestion very much!
Many thanks!
Anonymous says
Let me share some info which may help others too. I was browsing a lot for high power LED in Ebay. Those, who implemented this kind of circuits can understand the essence and limitations and they already know a low current is more desired. But low current (<350mA) can not drive "big" LED (>10W) except a series of small LED (1W) are connected. A good solution is to use LED COB. There are many cheap LED COB (Circuit On Board, infact all are COB but still they are coming with that name only) with circular shape are available. Interestingly those are low cost than others ( 5W=1$, 7W=1.7$) and the voltage range increases controlling the current at 300-350mA and a 3uF-6uF will be enough to drive the 7W or 7+7W or more power.
And again, Its a tremendously nice job Swagatam and as I said, although protecting IPR is bit costly, but still you must keep it in mind, talk for commercialization and suspend/delete this whole page.
CM
Swagatam says
Inteersting Info CM! I am sure the visitors would greatly benefit from this.
Actually I am already committed to sharing my exclusive ideas with the readers, if you think you have a better plans for me where you could use my innovations for generating some sort of income for both of us, then who knows I may slowly wind up here and start concentrating on the new job;)
Anyway, thanks a lot for showing your kind concerns! appreciate it.
Anonymous says
Swagatam,
1. Can we place another current driver after voltage regulation for over precaution and maximum brightness of LED? May be we can proceed with LM317.
Before implementing, I am asking your opinion.
-CM
Swagatam says
Yes it may be tried for further reinforcement, with LM317 in its current regulation mode as discussed here:
https://homemade-circuits.com/2013/06/universal-high-watt-led-current-limiter.html
lolz says
Sir ,
This Circuit is for AC 240 or 110?
Swagatam says
it will work for both the supplies.
lolz says
1)I tried with polarity cap for C1 to C5 and they explode, is that they should be non-polarity?
2)beside gate pin, is there any polarity concern for the triac?
Swagatam says
yes C1 must be a non polar cap.
yes all the triac pins are specific, with the triac held straight, the center pin will go to the R1, left to ground, and the right is the gate.
Anonymous says
sir,
can i increase the voltage up to 36v with 500mA changing Z1 to 36V
Thanks
Swagatam says
yes it can be done.
Anonymous says
with 30v/1w zener diode
10 capacitor in parallel
100uf 63v capacitor
nine 1w led in series with 320ma current module in output
can other changing in this circuit ?
I am new in electronics
Swagatam says
try the following circuit, but proceed gradually by increasing the number of caps one by one and by subsequently checking the results:
https://homemade-circuits.com/2013/05/variable-surge-free-high-current.html
Anonymous says
possible to 12v,1amp transformerless circuit ?
and
how to increase current in this circuit ?
Swagatam says
use 12v zener, increase the number of caps at the input.
Anonymous says
thank you sir
Anonymous says
can i use 5 nos of 1w led with 300ma to 320ma current ?
Swagatam says
yes connect them in series with a calculated resistor
Anonymous says
mr swagatam, rely appreciate the awesome circuit diagram, the transformeless circuit can it be used to complemented the generator booster output circuit. and pls am looking for inductive ac booster circuit to boost 2.2kva to 5kva
Swagatam says
thanks anonymous, the above circuit can be used for dropping mains voltage, not as a booster.
moreover no booster can boost VA or watts, it can boost only voltage, sacrificing equivalent current at the output.
Anonymous says
Basically I am trying to build a 12V/1A output using l4971 IC. I need to give the input through the battery 48V. SO i just need to check whether any surge or any noise can affect the IC l4971 during start up time due to which IC can get damaged.
Regards
Nikhil
Swagatam says
If your regulator is correctly built you wouldn't require any surge protection. Also since the input voltage is not too high, and it's from a constant battery DC source the dangers are minimal.
Anonymous says
Hi Swagatam,
Actually i wanted to power on my basic circuit with help of battery. So do i need any kind of protection for the same i.e. spikes or some other kind of noises. Can you guide me on the same.
Regards
Nikhil
Swagatam says
Hi Nikhil,
If you can provide some more details about your circuit design I would be be able to suggest you better.
niki says
Hii Swagatam…
Had a blast today…. Actually when i tried to power on the supply, things were good. When I measured the voltage at the output,It was around 39V without load and suddenly boom.. The cap with 16V blew up…hahahaha.. A minor shock hit me but i am ok.. Will work on it again..I think all resistors and caps have burnt out. U need to check on the Traic ckt.. Calculations need to be reworked…
Regards
Nikhil
Swagatam says
Hi Nikhil,
I'll check the circuit myself soon, because I think if the triac conducts it should restrict the voltage to the zener voltage value..
I'll report back soon.
Thanks for your efforts!
Anonymous says
Hii Swagatam,
I have designed the above circuit with only one 2uF cap at the supply in. Also I have applied a load of 300mA LED at the output with a bit of modification. The modifications are as follow.
1. I placed the output cap between Vout and DC gnd rather than Vout and neutral.
When I checked at the output I get approx. 19. I applied a 300mA led in series with a resistor of 200ohms 1W.
When i powered it on things where working fine…I within a min or so i found resistor R2 burning… Can I know the reason. Also my LED's are glowing perfectly well… I am loving things circuit but that resistor is my concern. Also U have made us buy a 15V 1W zener but the resistor in series with them is just 1/4 watt… How does that Traic ckt works can you explain pl.
Regards and Thanks
Nikhil
Swagatam says
Hi Nikhil,
There seems to be a mistake in the diagram, the output cap should be across the bridge outputs, I'll correct it soon.
The triac is basically working as an enhanced powerful zener diode, because an ordinary zener diode might be susceptible to surge currents just like an LED.
Actually the output without load should be around 15V (equal to the zener value), if it's not then you may try reducing R3 until this is reached.
Once the output load gets adjusted to around 15V, you may add three 300ma LEDs in series, this will stop the resistor from becoming hot.
For one 300 ma LED reduce the zener value to 4.7V
You may use a 1/4 watt zener diode if you want, it would still work, 1 watt is refereed for extra safety.
niki says
But Swagatam,
Why is R2 getting burned off….. and I am ok with the Vout as I can connect resistors in series for voltage drops. But why are these resistors getting heated up, when my LEDs consume all the current from the cap. As i have mentioned I am using a LED of 320mA. So when that is connected and the cap passing only 100ma, then practically almost nil current should flow through zener path, so what current is actually flowing through it.
Also the other end of R2 should terminated at neutral or across the gnd terminal of bridge.
Can U explain or elaborate the Traic part if you can
Thanks and Regards
Nikhil
Swagatam says
I have given you the solution in the previous comment, reduce the voltage to 3 or 4V at the the output for a single LED, then the resistor won't burn.
check the voltage at the output without connecting any load, then multiply it with the output current, that would be the total wattage of the output, make the resistor higher than this value.
niki says
Ok.. will try to reduce the voltage.. But the resistor which is connected in series with LEDs doesnot burn off as I have already taken that precaution. I have made a series configuration of Resistors with 1/2W to equally distribute the wattage. To be frank I am planing to connect 5 LEDs in series. SO the voltage across load will be taken care off.
My Concern:
I found the resistor (R2) in series with the zener to be burned off. Is it that the amount of current flowing through the load will equal to the current flowing through the zener part. Because If that resistor burns off and the path of zener gets open, I will surely lose all my LEDs.
Hope I am not asking repeated question….
Regards
Nikhil
Swagatam says
Try reducing R2 value, I think lower value will switch the triac hard ON and will restrict high voltage from generating across R2 and will stop heating it up.
Because making the triac conduct is important. As long as the triac is conducting the voltage would be maintained at the required correct levels.
I am interested to know the voltage at the output without any load connected, if its around 15V would confirm the triac switching.
Regards.
Swagatam says
I think it should be R3 which should heat up, and not R2…..
If it's R2 that's getting hot, simply remove it.
Anonymous says
Hii Swagatam,
What will Happen if I apply a load more than 500ma.. I mean if i connect 2 LEDs of 300ma in parallel.. Will the cap blow up or whether it will just provide a constant 500mA irrespective of the LOAD current required. Also the 2.2uF capacitor is got is huge..Its kind of used in FANS… So is there anyother type of capacitor that can be used..smaller one in size
Regards
Nikhil
Swagatam says
Hi Nikhil,
The capacitor will not blow even if the output is short circuited…you can put any desired load, more leds will make the illuminations weaker.
you may use many 105/400v in parallel….
niraj kumar says
please removed all wrong diagram and only put working one
Vaibhao Ingle says
hi sir you r doing great job
sir pls tell me the circuit to drive 1w 30ps poweR led. like china led driver.
my email vaibhao060878@gmail.com. thanks
Swagatam says
Hi Vaibhav,
read the following article and make the circuit according to the explained principle:
https://homemade-circuits.com/2013/02/make-this-1000-watt-led-flood-light.html
Anonymous says
Capacitors are used to increase voltage in 66kV substations so how capacitor can step down voltage in this ckt?
Swagatam says
Different configurations produce different results, the above is designed for decreasing current.
Anonymous says
thanks have emailed today
Regards
Larry
Anonymous says
Hi
I cant seem to upload the circuit to you, please advise
Regards
Larry
Swagatam says
Hi,
send it to homemadecircuits@gmail.com
Anonymous says
Hi
If I email you a circuit could you tell me if your power supply could cope with it please
Regards
Larry – smithjollyroger@gmail.com
Swagatam says
You may send it, I'll try my best to check it.
Regards.
Anonymous says
Hi Swagatam,
in your first modification, is it LED or diode?
if LED, is it normal LED like 5mm?
Regards,
Swagatam says
It can be a 5mm LED, because it's only for indicating purpose….
බුදු දහම සහ පරිසරය says
sir I did not tested this triac circuit..I just tested only your 1st circuit for 1W led….now i m going to test this triac circuit..before I asked.thank you I will find the correct triac for this one…
also i wanna say …the 1st ciruit's 1W Resister make too much hot…so i put there 22Ohoms..but it is also make hot…I think it is suitable…
thank you Sir…
Swagatam says
Which circuit are you referring to….??
First circuit from this article or some other article….??
බුදු දහම සහ පරිසරය says
dear sir,
can i use BT139 triac instead of the BT136 …?
if i use BT139 in this circuit will the LED burn..?
Swagatam says
Which triac did you use in your tested circuit?
It should be BT136 only, not BT139.
බුදු දහම සහ පරිසරය says
dear SIr,
I tested this. it is working. I m thankful you very much..
can i use this circuit for 30W Hight powe LED.]
can you post 10W to 100W hight power driver circuit…
thank you very much…!
Swagatam says
As you have tested it, if it is working as per the proposed specs, then you can try it with a 30 watt led, it should work.
Thanks!
niraj kumar says
which one is ok circuit please removed the wrong one
Swagatam says
the middle circuit is good, just invert the zener, though….
ra66ju99 says
Dear Swagatam,
You have mentioned that one can use more than 500 LEDs with the above circuit. How do i connect the LEDs like parallel or series and should i add any resistor and where. Suppose if i connect 500 LEDs, what would be the brightness like when compared to Tube light or CFL and what would be the power consumption.
Regards
Nagaraj
Swagatam says
Dear Nagaraj,
The above circuit has not been verified practically by me so I cannot say much until I test this circuit in my lab.
Regards.
Rohith p says
Have you verified the circuit? Please confirm.
Thanks.
jigar says
hi Sir,
I have to know about power circuit for three phase power supply I have three phase power supply and in case of any of them disconnect then also my main circuit can do there work in any phase faultier. my main circuit is for earth leakage circuit breaker as you put in your blog give me the source of power supply when any phase faultier.
Swagatam says
I'll try to design it soon and inform you when its done….
Anonymous says
Dear Swagatam,
After correction you have posted two circuit diagram. One of them consisting of opto-coupler another is consisting of only zener diode.
Which is right. Please provide the specification of the opto-coupler.
RAY
Swagatam says
Dear Ray,
For simplicity sake you can try the one which is without a bridge rectifier.
The opto can be any phototriac.
Bourgeoisie says
Great work Swagatam, u've trully outdone yourself with this one.
Swagatam says
Thanks very much Bourgeoisie!!
Anonymous says
Dear Swagatam,
Can this circuit illuminate 24Nos 5mm LED (series-parallel connection).
Please confirm.
Swagatam says
This circuit is capable of powering more than 500 LEDs, 24 is too small a number, you can use other simpler circuits for it, Just type transformerless power supply in the search box and you will find the right ones for your application.
Regards.
vineesh says
dear sir,
what is the value of cap C1 shown in o/p?. C1 is repeated in drawing. is both same value? filter cap also same value as voltage drop cap? pls reply
thanks n regards
Swagatam says
Hi Vineesh,
I have updated the parts list correctly, you can check it.
Regards.
vicente says
Very good content
Swagatam says
My pleasure…thanks.
mubarak says
dear sir i have 23012 15amp transformer. i need this transformer to make battery charger are you have a any circuit of battery charger circuit please send it.
thankyou
Swagatam says
Hi Mubarak,
I have posted many battery charger circuits in this blog, kindly search them using the search box.
Regards.