FAQ about electrical chokes
You've heard of "electrical chokes" but you don't know what they are or what their function is. Don't worry, this handy electrical chokes FAQ will enlighten you on everything to do with electrical chokes:
What are electrical chokes?
Electrical chokes are inductors used in a filter or a power supply. They usually look like small transformers, except that they have only two leads extending from the housing. The electrical chokes smooth out the ripples in the waveform, filtering out undesirable frequencies.
Why would you use an electrical choke?
A very good question, because surely you could use a series resistor in place of electrical chokes? However, electrical chokes allow better filtering than a series resistor, as well as less voltage drop. This is because there is less residual AC ripple in the supply, so less hum in the amp output).
How do I select the right electrical chokes?
Well, this all depends on the type of circuit you have, the voltage rating, the DC resistance, max DC current and inductance. You can find information about choosing the right electrical chokes online. If you are unsure which electrical chokes are right for your project, contact a registered electrician or engineer to help you. It's best not to fiddle with electrical equipment unless you know what you're doing.
What are the most common power supply configurations?
The two most common power supply configurations are choke input and capacitor input. A capacitor input often won't have a choke, but it can have one to add extra filtering. You'll find capacitor input filters on guitar amplifiers. Obviously, a choke input supply has electrical chokes.
A capacitor input has a filter capacitor following the rectifier, while a choke input has the choke following the rectifier. The main advantage of this choke supply is the ability to better regular the voltage, but it must have a minimum current drawn through it to maintain the level of regulation. Voltage difference between these two filter types can be substantial.
So now you know a little bit more about electrical chokes. Do you feel confident enough to find the right electrical chokes for your job?
What are electrical chokes?
Electrical chokes are inductors used in a filter or a power supply. They usually look like small transformers, except that they have only two leads extending from the housing. The electrical chokes smooth out the ripples in the waveform, filtering out undesirable frequencies.
Why would you use an electrical choke?
A very good question, because surely you could use a series resistor in place of electrical chokes? However, electrical chokes allow better filtering than a series resistor, as well as less voltage drop. This is because there is less residual AC ripple in the supply, so less hum in the amp output).
How do I select the right electrical chokes?
Well, this all depends on the type of circuit you have, the voltage rating, the DC resistance, max DC current and inductance. You can find information about choosing the right electrical chokes online. If you are unsure which electrical chokes are right for your project, contact a registered electrician or engineer to help you. It's best not to fiddle with electrical equipment unless you know what you're doing.
What are the most common power supply configurations?
The two most common power supply configurations are choke input and capacitor input. A capacitor input often won't have a choke, but it can have one to add extra filtering. You'll find capacitor input filters on guitar amplifiers. Obviously, a choke input supply has electrical chokes.
A capacitor input has a filter capacitor following the rectifier, while a choke input has the choke following the rectifier. The main advantage of this choke supply is the ability to better regular the voltage, but it must have a minimum current drawn through it to maintain the level of regulation. Voltage difference between these two filter types can be substantial.
So now you know a little bit more about electrical chokes. Do you feel confident enough to find the right electrical chokes for your job?
