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

MJE13005 Compact 220V Power Supply Circuit

Last Updated on March 8, 2019 by Swagatam 66 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

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

SHARING IS CARING!



Previous: Infrared (IR) Motor Remote Control Circuit
Next: High Voltage Transistor MJE13005 – Datasheet, Application Notes

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!

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Comments

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  1. Search Related Posts for Commenting

  2. SHRISHAIL UTAGI says

    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

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

      Reply
      • SHRISHAIL UTAGI says

        Dear Sir,
        I use no load.
        Thank you

        Reply
        • Swagatam says

          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

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

            Reply
            • Swagatam says

              Sure, no problem!

          • shampuan says

            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

              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?

            • shampuan says

              😀
              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 …

            • Swagatam says

              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.

  3. David Gregoroff says

    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

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

      Reply
  4. Kumar says

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

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      Kumar, you can build the following type of configuration:

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

      use 24-0-24/10 amp transformer

      Reply
  5. youngking says

    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

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

      Reply
  6. youngking says

    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

      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
  7. youngking says

    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

      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
  8. youngking says

    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

      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
  9. youngking says

    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

      Sorry this circuit cannot be used for charging batteries.

      Reply
  10. Rajib Paul says

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

    Reply
    • Swag says

      It is not recommended!

      Reply
  11. kaluya says

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

    Reply
    • Swag says

      Kaluya, that may be difficult, and is not recommended

      Reply
  12. Sidingilizwe says

    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

      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
  13. Kabiru Ali says

    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

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

      Reply
  14. Riyan Widiyanto says

    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

      Riyan, you can try the following circuit

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

      Reply
  15. Farooq Bashir says

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

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

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

      Reply
  16. Stévanovitch says

    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

      Hello Stévanovitch

      you can try the following design

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

      Reply
  17. rich13 says

    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

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

      Reply
  18. frencho says

    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

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

      Reply
  19. Swagatam says

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

    Reply
  20. Andreas Christodoulou says

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

    Reply
  21. Swagatam says

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

    Reply
  22. Swagatam says

    please translate in english

    Reply
  23. Manoj kumar says

    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

      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
  24. Vikram Sha says

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

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

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

      https://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
  25. Bharani Daran says

    Dear Sir,

    Do you have any circuits high current application above my spec

    Thanks & Regards

    S.Bharanidaran

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      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
  26. Bharani Daran says

    Dear Sir,

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

    Thanks & Regards

    S.Bharanidaran

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

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

      Reply
  27. Swagatam says

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

    Reply
  28. Avik Paul says

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

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      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
  29. cheenu ditya says

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

    Reply
  30. joshua richard says

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

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      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
  31. joshua richard says

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

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

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

      Reply
  32. Swagatam says

    sorry 1 amp won't be possible.

    Reply
  33. Swagatam says

    Dear Aruna,

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

    Reply
  34. SHIV-FOUNTAIN says

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

    Reply
    • Swagatam says

      you can use the following circuit:

      https://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



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