• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Homemade Circuit Projects

Get free circuit help 24/7

Circuits for Beginners | Basic Circuits | LED Driver | Hobby Circuits | Transistor Circuits

New-Projects | Privacy Policy | About us | Contact | Disclaimer | Copyright | Videos

You are here: Home / Power Supply Circuits / MJE13005 Compact 220V Power Supply Circuit

MJE13005 Compact 220V Power Supply Circuit

Last Updated on June 18, 2022 by Swagatam 66 Comments

ask questions through comments

The following article presents a very simple low current mains operated transformerless power circuit using an inexpensive MJE13005 transistor and few other passive electronic components.

As can be witnessed in the given circuit diagram, the design is extremely straightforward.

How it Works

Transistor T1, which is a high voltage NPN transistor MJE13005 forms the main active component in the circuit.

Rest of the components are positioned just for supporting the conduction of T1 and for the required stabilization.

The circuit can be understood with the following points:

Mains input is fed across D2 and the negative line of the circuit.

D2 rectifies the mains AC, while C1 filters to some reasonable levels.

R1 drops the current to tolerable limits in order to provide the required base bias for T1.

C2 provides further filtration to the voltage generated after R1.

D1 clamps the base voltage at the base of T1 to 24V, such that the maximum output voltage can never exceed this limit.

A mirror voltage which is always equal to the zener value is generated at the output, however the presence of R2 enables the response to become variable.

The adjustments made through R2 effectively varies the zener voltage right from zero to the maximum value, that is up to 24V.

Thus the obtained output becomes variable from zero to 24V.

However since the voltage is acquired across the emitter/ ground of the transistor, the current gets restricted to very modest levels, at 25mA to be precise.

The zener voltage though may be increased to any desired limits.

WARNING: THE WHOLE CIRCUIT IS NOT ISOLATED FROM MAINS AC, THEREFORE IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO TOUCH WHILE IT'S UNCOVERED, AND POWERED CONDITION. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE MAINTAINED ALL THE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS WHILE HANDLING THIS CIRCUIT.

Parts List

R1 = 100k
R2 = 10K POT
C1 = 4.7uF/300V
C2 = 10uF/100v
C3,C4 = 100uF/30V
D1 = 24V, 1WATT, ZENER DIODE
D2 = 1N4007
T1 = MJE13005

get free help for circuit diagrams

You'll also like:

  • 1.  Low Dropout (LDO) Voltage Regulator IC KA378R12C – Pinout and Working Specs
  • 2.  0-40V Adjustable Power Supply Circuit – Construction Tutorial
  • 3.  How to Make a 220V to 110V Converter Circuit
  • 4.  Low-Dropout 5V, 12V Regulator Circuits using Transistors
  • 5.  1A Step-Down Voltage Regulator Circuit – Switched Mode 78XX Alternative
  • 6.  Making 3.3V, 5V Voltage Regulator Circuit with Diodes and Transistors

About Swagatam

I am an electronic engineer (dipIETE ), hobbyist, inventor, schematic/PCB designer, manufacturer. I am also the founder of the website: https://www.homemade-circuits.com/, where I love sharing my innovative circuit ideas and tutorials.
If you have any circuit related query, you may interact through comments, I'll be most happy to help!

Subscribe for the Latest Posts


 

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Have Questions? Please post your comments below for quick replies! Comments should be related to the above artcile Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. SHRISHAIL UTAGI says

    April 6, 2020 at 11:48 am

    Dear Sir,
    i tried this ckt. but during first test the mje13005 had burst. the pcb track burst with loud sound.
    can u please analyse? guide me. suggest the correction.
    Shrishail Utagi

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      April 6, 2020 at 1:47 pm

      Hello shrishail, which load did you use in the circuit?

      Reply
      • SHRISHAIL UTAGI says

        April 8, 2020 at 5:33 pm

        Dear Sir,
        I use no load.
        Thank you

        Reply
        • Swagatam says

          April 8, 2020 at 8:48 pm

          Without load the transistor should not burn, that is strange. You can try a similar circuit which is shown here:

          https://www.homemade-circuits.com/0-300v-variable-voltage-current/

          Reply
          • SHRISHAIL UTAGI says

            April 9, 2020 at 3:18 pm

            Dear Sir,
            Thank you for your kind attention.
            I’ll definitely try this circuit.

            Reply
            • Swagatam says

              April 9, 2020 at 7:27 pm

              Sure, no problem!

              Reply
          • shampuan says

            January 2, 2021 at 9:52 pm

            Hello Swagatam,
            There are two reasons why MJE exploded (actually three)
            First, the reader may have misconnected the MJE’s leg pins.
            Second, the 100uF you use at the output of the circuit is a very large capacity value. When this capacitor is empty, it will act like a short circuit for the first 1-2 seconds when you apply DC to it. This is enough for the MJE and its main power line to explode. Therefore, you should change the 100uF value to a maximum of 10uF.
            The third reason I mentioned in parentheses is that this circuit will never be safe and useful. You can use this circuit in nowhere! Because the circuit should not be connected directly to the main power line in this way. Regardless, I do not recommend that you risk their life and health by showing this circuit to your readers. I also make and use transformerless power supply. But I am absolutely aware of what I am doing, and I review the dangers that may be and, if necessary, do not share it with my readers.
            Good work…

            Reply
            • Swagatam says

              January 3, 2021 at 10:12 am

              Thank you Shampuan, I appreciate your effort you’ve put in analyzing the fault, however except the first point, the remaining points may not be correct, I’ll explain you why.

              As you can see there’s also a base capacitor C3 which ensures that the BJT conducts and charges the C4 slowly, negating any kind of surge current across the Collector/emitter pins.
              Even if C3 is not included, the MJE13005 should be strong enough to handle the charging of C4, since its collector/emitter is rated to handle 4 amps at 400V continuously, while the charging of the 100uF would be in a few milliseconds, at 310V….C4 would be fully charged even before the current could reach 1 amp.

              Now as far as the dangers of handling a transformerless power supply is concerned, I have already provided a warning message at the bottom of the post, and I am confident that my readers are wise enough to understand the dangers of electricity and will take the necessary precautions and care to evade any kind of mishap.

              Even petrol and kerosene are dangerous, so should we put a ban on these fuels?

              Reply
            • shampuan says

              January 3, 2021 at 3:42 pm

              😀
              No. Of course, we cannot ban gasoline and kerosene.

              First of all thanks for the explanation.

              The only thing I see as a drawback with the circuit is that it connects directly to the outlet voltage. In other circuits where we apply the capacitive reactance rule, we reduce the danger at least a little. I’ve also seen other transformerless circuits on your site. Pretty good job.

              Judging from your explanation, it seems that the real fault cause of the circuit is not the capacitor. So now that we’ve eliminated this option, we can assume that the wrong connection or MJE could be fake. To be honest, I can’t think of anything else …

              Reply
              • Swagatam says

                January 3, 2021 at 8:09 pm

                Surely I can understand your concern, and thank you for appreciating my circuits.
                But I think the capcitive power supplies are also as life threatening as the above one, because the current even from the capacitor can be lethal enough to kill any human being if the connection is not removed within 5 seconds. Moreover, while plugging in the capacitive power supply the user has no idea at all whether the capacitor end is inserted to the LIVE or the other free end is inserted to the LIVE pin…if the free end goes to the LIVE then it becomes even more dangerous.
                Nevertheless, thank you for your valuable feedback, hope the visitors will find the discussion helpful.

                Reply
  2. David Gregoroff says

    December 9, 2019 at 8:01 am

    Not related to the article. 🙂 Just want to say how wonderful it is to see someone that loves what they do and is willing to share their knowledge. Cheers!

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      December 9, 2019 at 10:56 am

      Thank you very much, Glad you liked my website! Cheers!

      Reply
  3. Kumar says

    August 5, 2019 at 11:33 am

    Dear, sir I want 24-0-24 dual power supply 10amps circuit diagram please send me my email address.thankyou sir

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      August 5, 2019 at 11:51 am

      Kumar, you can build the following type of configuration:

      https://www.homemade-circuits.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/powe-supply-1.png

      use 24-0-24/10 amp transformer

      Reply
  4. youngking says

    June 29, 2018 at 6:17 pm

    thank you, i will do as you said
    please explain what you mean by isolated from main input ,i know i’m asking too much sir.

    Reply
    • Swag says

      June 30, 2018 at 7:56 am

      it means AC 220V will be floating across the whole circuit and may produce a lethal shock if touched in switched ON condition

      Reply
  5. youngking says

    June 29, 2018 at 2:54 am

    sir, what i’m intended doing is to use this circuit to set low battery cut and full charger cut off for one of your charger I’m yet to build . I hope is clear now, but you have not responded concerning the video I sent to your mail. God bless u for your response so far

    Reply
    • Swag says

      June 29, 2018 at 10:58 am

      Youngking, Please do not use the above circuit, instead try the last circuit from this article:

      https://www.homemade-circuits.com/1-watt-led-emergency-lamp-circuit-using/

      ignore the 8550 transistor, the LED, and the 1N4007 diode, and use the output which is available across the 1K resistor.

      Do not use 2uF at the input instead use a 0.33uF/400V

      Remember all these circuits are extremely dangerous since these are not isolated from mains input, proceed at your own risk.

      Regarding designing a transformer I am sorry, I cannot suggest much, because I have no experience with practical transformer designing, whatever I have published here are all referred from other sites or magazines.

      Reply
  6. youngking says

    June 28, 2018 at 8:36 pm

    good day sir, sir what i mean is concerning your twin/split charger that has change over which require variable power supply circuit to set the low battery cut off and fully charge cut off. now my question is as follows
    1.can i use this transformerless variable power supply circuit to set this charger.
    2.what component can i use to monitor this circuit when varing from 0-24v.
    pls i’m waiting for your response
    thanks

    Reply
    • Swag says

      June 28, 2018 at 8:55 pm

      Youngking, do you mean to say you only want to power the IC circuit with the transformerless power supply and charge the battery from an external source through the relays?? I am not sure what you are trying to suggest? please clarify elaborately

      Reply
  7. youngking says

    June 27, 2018 at 7:33 pm

    Good day sir ,I want to construct 1000watts inverter transformer the out put is the primary 220v and the input is 12v which is the secondary side. I want u to check if my calculations are correct
    1000/12= 84amps
    Secondary current 84
    Secondary volt =12-0-12 equal to 24volt
    Primary volt= 220v output
    Output frequency=50hz
    Finding the core area- 1.152*√24* 84=387
    Calculating turns per volt= 1/(4.44*〖10〗^(-4)**387*1.3*50)=8.92
    8.92 is my turns per volts
    Number of turns for primary– 8.92*220= 1962.4
    Number of turns for secondary – 8.92*24=214.08
    Pls sir I will appreciate if you clear me on this.
    Thanks GOD bless you

    Reply
    • Swag says

      June 27, 2018 at 8:41 pm

      Youngking,

      If you have put the formulas correctly then it should be correct, I don’t remember the formulas so it would be difficult for me to confirm the results.

      Reply
  8. youngking says

    June 22, 2018 at 11:31 pm

    sir can this circuit be using to set your twin/split charger if not what are the modification. i’m waiting for ur response thanks

    Reply
    • Swag says

      June 23, 2018 at 8:09 am

      Sorry this circuit cannot be used for charging batteries.

      Reply
  9. Rajib Paul says

    June 12, 2018 at 5:52 pm

    How to Increase the Amps from 5v transformer less power supply

    Reply
    • Swag says

      June 12, 2018 at 7:41 pm

      It is not recommended!

      Reply
  10. kaluya says

    June 10, 2018 at 12:31 pm

    please prince of electronics Swag, I request you to design me a transformerless power supply 12v dc , 5amps

    Reply
    • Swag says

      June 10, 2018 at 4:26 pm

      Kaluya, that may be difficult, and is not recommended

      Reply
  11. Sidingilizwe says

    April 22, 2018 at 11:08 am

    Hi Swag
    I have a question on the circuit diagram, if we measure between collector and ground we should get rectified mains, not so? The zener diode only affects the base of T1. If that is correct wouldn’t we expect mains voltage at the output once the base is forward biased?

    Reply
    • Swag says

      April 23, 2018 at 4:46 pm

      Hi Sidingilizwe, the collector ground voltage will be apulsating DC at around 300V if the filter capacitor is good.

      The zener diode forces the transistor to allow only around 24V DC at its emitter side which is turned into pure DC due to the presence of C4.

      Reply
  12. Kabiru Ali says

    February 19, 2018 at 1:29 am

    sir, I have AC 220/24 50Hz DC 12v ×2 500mA transformer. Pls is there anyway to make that 500mA to be 5Amp

    Reply
    • Swag says

      February 19, 2018 at 11:04 am

      Kabiru, getting 5amp from 500mA source is just not possible…

      Reply
  13. Riyan Widiyanto says

    May 7, 2017 at 10:35 am

    Sir, i knew i'll get electric shock if i touch this circuit. Would you like to suggest me how to make this circuit with transformer? Thanks

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      May 8, 2017 at 2:20 am

      Riyan, you can try the following circuit

      https://www.homemade-circuits.com/2012/05/cheapest-smps-circuit-using-mje13005.html

      Reply
  14. Farooq Bashir says

    December 17, 2016 at 8:29 pm

    Sir i need 24 volt dc 4 amp. transformerless power supply circuit. my email is narmeenfarooq@gmail.com Sir PLZ quickly.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      December 19, 2016 at 4:51 am

      Farooq, you will need to make an SMPS circuit, capacitive version may not be recommended for such high current applications.

      Reply
  15. Stévanovitch says

    September 7, 2016 at 9:52 pm

    Hello sir,
    I read all comments , and in several post, some ask you if it is possible to increase output current .
    Your answer was NO ! , just because of non isolated circuit design. (Very dangerous)
    Now, my search is about 5V – 250mA output, but also i don't need to be isolated. ( full non touch possible , sorry i don't know how translate)
    I look lnk306, viper22a , etc , but not really cheap, and hard to get full work well.
    So can you help me , or drive me to a way to get what i wish.
    Thanks
    Best regards.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      September 8, 2016 at 5:34 am

      Hello Stévanovitch

      you can try the following design

      https://www.homemade-circuits.com/2016/07/scr-shunt-for-protecting-capacitive-led.html

      Reply
  16. rich13 says

    May 30, 2016 at 12:54 am

    Hello,
    I'm sure you know this is very late asking a question regarding your design. Hopefully you will read this.
    I see your parts list, but can you give values for the wattage for…. R1. Will this need adjustment in case of modifying the output, I've, if output is required at 12v, will RI wattage be different?

    Many thanks

    Rich

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      May 30, 2016 at 3:22 pm

      Hello, R1 is 1/4 watt rated..it's not recommended to adjust its value because lowering it can damage the transistor.

      Reply
  17. frencho says

    November 13, 2015 at 8:32 am

    Hello,
    One question regarding your schematic : would it work with only the phase 220VAC line and no neutral.
    I'm working on a power supply for a small radio module to controle light switch. behind the light switch I don't have the neutral line.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      November 14, 2015 at 6:47 am

      hello, you can use an "earthing" line as the neutral, for example it could be your bathroom water tap line…

      Reply
  18. Swagatam says

    October 13, 2015 at 4:17 am

    It's D1, I'll correct it in the article soon

    Reply
  19. Andreas Christodoulou says

    October 12, 2015 at 5:45 pm

    Which diode is wrong???
    Is it the 24V zener or the general purpose 1N4007 ???

    Reply
  20. Swagatam says

    May 18, 2015 at 11:58 am

    try a 400V capacitor for C1, or simply don't use anything, eliminate C1 and first try the circuit without it.

    Reply
  21. Swagatam says

    April 26, 2015 at 6:01 am

    please translate in english

    Reply
  22. Manoj kumar says

    December 30, 2014 at 8:01 pm

    Bro can I use this pcb with smd led? If yes then how much number of minimum qnd maximum led I cn use..,

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      December 31, 2014 at 7:41 am

      Bro I won't recommended this circuit for SMD because SMDs are costly and we require foolproof design, so better go for a 12V SMPS adapter available readymade.

      Reply
  23. Vikram Sha says

    July 3, 2014 at 5:57 am

    hi sir im a electronic hobbiest
    can i use this circuit to power 100 led lights

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      July 3, 2014 at 12:02 pm

      Hi Vikram, use the following circuit, the above will not work:

      https://www.homemade-circuits.com/2012/03/how-to-make-simplest-1-watt-led-driver.html

      put all the LEDs in series and join it with the output of this circuit

      Reply
  24. Bharani Daran says

    March 15, 2014 at 12:48 am

    Dear Sir,

    Do you have any circuits high current application above my spec

    Thanks & Regards

    S.Bharanidaran

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      March 15, 2014 at 8:21 am

      Dear Bharani,

      According to me an SMPS would be the correct option choice for driving a high watt LED.

      you can easily procure a readymade 24/1amp smps unit ad power your LED through

      it….smps amp is not crucial as long as the voltage does not exceed above the led specs.

      Reply
  25. Bharani Daran says

    March 13, 2014 at 1:57 pm

    Dear Sir,

    The above circuit use in 23v/300ma Led light(7watts)

    Thanks & Regards

    S.Bharanidaran

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      March 14, 2014 at 3:27 pm

      Dear Bharani,
      No, it's not suitable for high current applications.

      Reply
  26. Swagatam says

    December 17, 2013 at 6:41 am

    T1 is the main component which does the required voltage dropping.

    Reply
  27. Avik Paul says

    December 8, 2013 at 11:33 am

    sir,
    Do you have any circuit which provide 12v 100ma current…..

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      December 9, 2013 at 5:26 am

      Avik, you can use the above circuit and add an overboard transistor across the existing mje13005 for boosting current to the required levels.
      I'll try to update it soon here.

      Reply
  28. cheenu ditya says

    October 29, 2013 at 12:47 pm

    What if i inverse the polarity of capacitors in this ckt ? They will explode right sir??

    Reply
  29. joshua richard says

    October 1, 2013 at 11:07 am

    about 500-1A cause i will use it to drive a TDA 2822M and charge two smartphones

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      October 2, 2013 at 4:35 am

      For charging batteries you will have to employ an smps circuit, other forms won't be safe as these may not be isolated from mains AC and also not capable of producing higher current outputs.

      Reply
  30. joshua richard says

    September 30, 2013 at 11:03 am

    hi
    can you help me 5v-12v transformer-less power supply circuit

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      September 30, 2013 at 3:02 pm

      hi, what's your current requirement? please specify the current requirement.

      Reply
  31. Swagatam says

    September 23, 2013 at 2:13 pm

    sorry 1 amp won't be possible.

    Reply
  32. Swagatam says

    July 24, 2013 at 3:42 pm

    Dear Aruna,

    According to me there's no possibility of a surge in this circuit.

    Reply
  33. SHIV-FOUNTAIN says

    July 20, 2013 at 3:54 pm

    can you please upload high power led driver circuit for 400w led.

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      July 22, 2013 at 4:06 am

      you can use the following circuit:

      https://www.homemade-circuits.com/2011/12/make-hundred-watt-led-floodlight.html

      just replace the components by calculating them with the given formula.

      You will need an external smps to drive the above circuit

      Reply

Primary Sidebar



Categories

  • 3-Phase Power (15)
  • 324 IC Circuits (19)
  • 4017 IC Circuits (52)
  • 4060 IC Circuits (25)
  • 555 IC Circuits (98)
  • 741 IC Circuits (19)
  • Amplifiers (59)
  • Arduino Engineering Projects (83)
  • Audio Projects (94)
  • Battery Chargers (83)
  • Car and Motorcycle (94)
  • Datasheets (46)
  • Decorative Lighting (Diwali, Christmas) (32)
  • DIY LED Projects (89)
  • Electronic Components (97)
  • Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory (35)
  • Electronics Tutorial (109)
  • Fish Aquarium (5)
  • Free Energy (34)
  • Fun Projects (12)
  • GSM Projects (9)
  • Health Related (19)
  • Heater Controllers (28)
  • Home Electrical Circuits (100)
  • How to Articles (20)
  • Incubator Related (6)
  • Industrial Electronics (28)
  • Infrared (IR) (40)
  • Inverter Circuits (98)
  • Laser Projects (12)
  • LM317/LM338 (21)
  • LM3915 IC (25)
  • Meters and Testers (64)
  • Mini Projects (156)
  • Motor Controller (66)
  • MPPT (7)
  • Oscillator Circuits (24)
  • PIR (Passive Infrared) (8)
  • Power Electronics (33)
  • Power Supply Circuits (74)
  • Radio Circuits (9)
  • Remote Control (47)
  • Security and Alarm (61)
  • Sensors and Detectors (118)
  • SG3525 IC (5)
  • Simple Circuits (74)
  • SMPS (29)
  • Solar Controllers (60)
  • Timer and Delay Relay (53)
  • TL494 IC (5)
  • Transformerless Power Supply (8)
  • Transmitter Circuits (40)
  • Ultrasonic Projects (14)
  • Water Level Controller (45)


Circuit Calculators

  • AWG to Millimeter Converter
  • Battery Back up Time Calculator
  • Capacitance Reactance Calculator
  • IC 555 Astable Calculator
  • IC 555 Monostable Calculator
  • Inductance Calculator
  • LC Resonance Calculator
  • LM317, LM338, LM396 Calculator
  • Ohm’s Law Calculator
  • Phase Angle Phase Shift Calculator
  • Power Factor (PF) Calculator
  • Reactance Calculator
  • Small Signal Transistor(BJT) and Diode Quick Datasheet
  • Transistor Astable Calculator
  • Transistor base Resistor Calculator
  • Voltage Divider Calculator
  • Wire Current Calculator
  • Zener Diode Calculator


You can also Chat with me here:

Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Instagram
My Facebook-Page
Quora



© 2022 · Swagatam Innovations

We use cookies on our website to give you the best experience.
Cookie settingsAccept All
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Please visit the Privacy Policy Page for more info.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT