Voltage Dropping Capacitor

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Capacitive Power Supply Circuit

Posted by D Mohankumar in Power supply, Theory with 442 comments
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One of the major problems that is to be solved in an electronic circuit design is the production of low
voltage DC power supply from Mains to power the circuit. The conventional method is the use of a
step-down transformer to reduce the 230 V AC to a desired level of low voltage AC. The most simple,
space saving and low cost method is the use of a Voltage Dropping Capacitor in series with the phase
line.
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Selection of the dropping capacitor and the circuit design requires some technical knowledge and
practical experience to get the desired voltage and current. An ordinary capacitor will not do the job
since the device will be destroyed by the rushing current from the mains. Mains spikes will create
holes in the dielectric and the capacitor will fail to work. X-rated capacitor specified for the use in AC
mains is required for reducing AC voltage.
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Before selecting the dropping capacitor, it is necessary to

understand the working principle and the operation of the
dropping capacitor. The X rated capacitor is designed for 250,
400, 600 VAC. Higher voltage versions are also available. The
Effective Impedance (Z), Rectance (X) and the mains frequency
(50 60 Hz) are the important parameters to be considered
while selecting the capacitor. The reactance (X) of the capacitor
(C) in the mains frequency (f) can be calculated using the
formula:
X = 1 / (2 fC )
For example the reactance of a 0.22F capacitor running in the mains frequency 50Hz will be:
X = 1 / {2 x 50 x 0.22 x( 1 / 1,000,000) } = 14475.976 Ohms 0r 14.4 Kilo ohms.
Rectance of the capacitor 0.22 uF is calculated as X = 1/2Pi*f*C
Where f is the 50 Hz frequency of mains and C is the value of capacitor in Farads. That is 1
microfarad is 1/1,000,000 farads. Hence 0.22 microfarad is 0.22 x 1/1,000,000 farads. Therefore the
rectance of the capacitor appears as 14475.97 Ohms or 14.4 K Ohms.To get current I divide mains
Volt by the rectance in kilo ohm.That is 230 / 14.4 = 15.9 mA.
Effective impedance (Z) of the capacitor is determined by taking the load resistance (R) as an
important parameter. Impedance can be calculated using the formula:
Z= R+ X
Suppose the current in the circuit is I and Mains voltage is V then the equation appears like:
I=V/X
The final equation thus becomes:
I = 230 V / 14. 4 = 15.9 mA.
Therefore if a 0.22 uF capacitor rated for 230 V is used, it can deliver around 15 mA current to the
circuit. But this is not sufficient for many circuits. Therefore it is recommended to use a 470 nF
capacitor rated for 400 V for such circuits to give required current.
X Rated AC capacitors 250V, 400V, 680V AC
Table showing the X rated capacitor types and the output voltage and current without load
Rectification
Diodes used for rectification should have sufficient Peak inverse voltage (PIV). The peak inverse
voltage is the maximum voltage a diode can withstand when it is reverse biased. 1N4001 diode can
withstand up to 50 Volts and 1N4007 has a toleration of 1000 Volts. The important characteristics of
general purpose rectifier diodes are given in the table.
So a suitable option is a rectifier diode 1N4007. Usually a silicon diode has a Forward voltage drop of
0.6 V. The current rating (Forward current) of rectifier diodes also vary. Most of the general purpose
rectifier diodes in the 1N series have 1 ampere current rating.
DC Smoothing
A Smoothing Capacitor is used to generate ripple free DC. Smoothing capacitor is also called Filter
capacitor and its function is to convert half wave / full wave output of the rectifier into smooth DC. The
power rating and the capacitance are two important aspects to be considered while selecting the
smoothing capacitor. The power rating must be greater than the off load output voltage of the power
supply.
The capacitance value determines the amount of ripples that appear in the DC output when the load
takes current. For example, a full wave rectified DC output obtained from 50Hz AC mains operating a
circuit that is drawing 100 mA current will have a ripple of 700 mV peak-to-peak in the filter capacitor
rated 1000 uF.
The ripple that appears in the capacitor is directly proportional to the load current and is inversely
proportional to the capacitance value. It is better to keep the ripple below 1.5 V peak-to-peaks under
full load condition. So a high value capacitor (1000 uF or 2200 uF) rated 25 volts or more must be used
to get a ripple free DC output. If ripple is excess it will affect the functioning of the circuit especially RF
and IR circuits.
Voltage Regulation
Zener diode is used to generate a regulated DC output. A Zener diode is designed to operate in the
reverse breakdown region. If a silicon diode is reverse biased, a point reached where its reverse current
suddenly increases. The voltage at which this occurs is known as Avalanche or Zener value of the
diode. Zener diodes are specially made to exploit the avalanche effect for use in Reference voltage
regulators.
A Zener diode can be used to generate a fixed voltage by passing a limited current through it using the
series resistor (R). The Zener output voltage is not seriously affected by R and the output remains as a
stable reference voltage. But the limiting resistor R is important, without which the Zener diode will be
destroyed. Even if the supply voltage varies, R will take up any excess voltage. The value of R can be
calculated using the formula:
R = Vin Vz / Iz
Where Vin is the input voltage, Vz output voltage and Iz current through the Zener
In most circuits, Iz is kept as low as 5mA. If the supply voltage is 18V, the voltage that is to be
dropped across R to get 12V output is 6volts. If the maximum Zener current allowed is 100 mA, then R
will pass the maximum desired output current plus 5 mA .
So the value of R appears as:
R = 18 12 / 105 mA = 6 / 105 x 1000 = 57 ohms
Power rating of the Zener is also an important factor to be considered while selecting the Zener diode.
According to the formula P = IV. P is the power in watts, I current in Amps and V, the voltage. So the
maximum power dissipation that can be allowed in a Zener is the Zener voltage multiplied by the
current flowing through it. For example, if a 12V Zener passes 12 V DC and 100 mA current, its power
dissipation will be 1.2 Watts. So a Zener diode rated 1.3W should be used.
LED Indicator
LED indicator is used as power on indicator. A significant voltage drop (about 2 volts) occurs across
the LED when it passes forward current. The forward voltage drops of various LEDs are shown in
Table.
A typical LED can pass 30 40 mA current without destroying the device. Normal current that gives
sufficient brightness to a standard Red LED is 20 mA. But this may be 40 mA for Blue and White
LEDs. A current limiting resistor is necessary to protect LED from excess current that is flowing
through it. The value of this series resistor should be carefully selected to prevent damage to LED and
also to get sufficient brightness at 20 mA current. The current limiting resistor can be selected using
the formula:
R= V/ I
Where R is the value of resistor in ohms, V is the supply voltage and I is the allowable current in
Amps. For a typical Red LED, the voltage drop is 1.8 volts. So if the supply voltage is 12 V (Vs),
voltage drop across the LED is 1.8 V (Vf) and the allowable current is 20 mA (If) then the value of the
series resistor will be
Vs Vf / If = 12 1.8 / 20 mA = 10.2 / 0.02 A = 510 Ohms.
A suitable available value of resistor is 470 Ohms. But is advisable to use 1 K resistor to increase the
life of the LED even though there will be a slight reduction in the brightness. Since the LED takes 1.8
volts, the output voltage will be 2 volts less than the value of Zener. So if the circuit requires 12 volts, it
is necessary to increase the value of Zener to 15 volts. Table given below is a ready reckoner for
selecting limiting resistor for various versions of LEDs at different voltages.
Circuit Diagram
The diagram shown below is a simple transformer less power supply. Here 225 K(2.2uF) 400 volts X
rated capacitor is used to drop 230 volt AC. Resistor R2 is the bleeder resistor that remove the stored
current from the capacitor when the circuit is unplugged. Without R2, there is chance for fatal shock if
the circuit is touched. Resistor R1 protects the circuit from inrush current at power on. A full wave
rectifier comprising D1 through D4 is used to rectify the low voltage AC from the capacitor C1 and C2
removes ripples from the DC. With this design, around 24 volts at 100 mA current will be available at
the output.This 24 volt DC can be regulated to required output voltage using a suitable 1 watt Zener. It
is better to add a safety fuse in the phase line and an MOV across the phase and neutral lines as
safety measure if there is voltage spike or short circuit in the mains.
Caution: Construction of this form of power supply is recommended only to those
persons experienced or competent in handling AC mains. So do not try this circuit if
you are not experienced in handling High voltages.
The drawback of the Capacitor power supply includes
No galvanic isolation from Mains.So if the power supply section fails, it can harm the gadget.
Low current output. With a Capacitor power supply. Maximum output current available will be
100 mA or less.So it is not ideal to run heavy current inductive loads.
Output voltage and current will not be stable if the AC input varies.
Caution
Great care must be taken while testing the power supply using a dropping resistor. Do not touch at
any points in the PCB since some points are at mains potential. Even after switching off the circuit,
avoid touching the points around the dropping capacitor to prevent electric shock. Extreme care
should be taken to construct the circuit to avoid short circuits and fire. Sufficient spacing must be
given between the components.
The high value smoothing capacitor will explode, if is connected in the reverse polarity. The dropping
capacitor is non-polarized so that it can be connected either way round. The power supply unit must
be isolated from the remaining part of the circuit using insulators. The circuit should be housed in
metal case without touching any part of the PCB in the metal case. The metal case should be
properly earthed.
The author D Mohankumar is not an active member anymore. Please take into consideration that
the presented information might not be correct.
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442 Responses to "Capacitive Power Supply Circuit"
hb
on May 13, 2010 at 7:48 am
Was just surfing the net for circuits and got on to this post..
I must say i have never understood any transformerless supply circuits everbut in this
post the whole concept got clear and now i may make one by the guidance of this
post
Thank you for such a deep and proper explanation which is in simple language
john
on January 29, 2014 at 8:48 am
hi ,i just want to know when in circuit AC wire connects to capacitor and other to
diode 1N5408 in a series or bridge of 3 which transistor we can attach at the end and
then it connects to loop of wire and small magnet place over loop of wire.
D.Mohankumar
on May 13, 2010 at 9:00 am
Thanks for the feedback.I will post more articles in easy to understand way so that even
a new comer can make use of it
yashar
on November 29, 2011 at 12:56 am
Capacitor Power Supply:

is it use in the circuites with variable current(200ma-10ma)?
Ansar kanhanngad
on January 17, 2012 at 7:55 pm
I have Transformer 12volt 40 ampire

How i can make a circuit for this transformer.
How much volt capacitor & how much ampire diode should i use for this.
Please help me
Paul
on February 18, 2012 at 10:08 pm
How can I correct the power factor of such a circuit easily?
R. Patel
on June 10, 2012 at 12:18 pm
Your artical is very good for power supply circuit.

Please guide me which value of AC capacitor is to be use in my circuit as, I want,
from 230 Volt,A.C., 50 C/S to 50 volt A/C, for 30 ma current circuit and after connect
bridge rectifier to convert DC. Please also guide capacitor calculation, selection
guide, bidder resistor ect.
Vignesh
on July 26, 2012 at 5:44 pm
Sir with all due respects can i have an circuit of 12 vdc to 600vac 5ma inverter circuit
sir.
Jim Keith
on July 26, 2012 at 9:05 pm
DC at this voltage is not that difficultcan be accomplished via a fly-back or boost

type converter.
Generation of AC is a difficult job due to the requirement of a very special
transformer.
ronak
on August 10, 2012 at 7:34 pm
i like your article

thanks for this.
sparta85
on June 13, 2013 at 4:40 pm
sir, I have 105j capasitor, Can I reduce the current outpput to 20ma..I want use it to
circuit them for leds lamp
sparta85
on June 15, 2013 at 3:43 pm
member
dear Mr Mohankumar
I have circuited led lamp with 60 leds, I made it in 3 string. each string has 20 leds , I
use A 105j . as you said, if I make the circuit to 3 string it will deliver for about 23ma
each string,
Sir., How much watt (power) my circuit is? and how do I calculate for some circuit if I
make with different number of leds?
Anup panchal
Dear sir i assemble the same circuit, but the bleeder resistor and neutral resistor is
burned out. so please help me to define how to choose the bleeder resistor value.
DD
on March 4, 2014 at 11:19 pm
Hello Sir,
Im using 24 VDC 150 Watt DC motor. I have 24 VDC power supply with 240 Watt
capacity. When I turn ON this motor, power supply get trip due to inrush current.
I get to know to avoid this should use one capacitor in parallel to motor and it will
avoid this tripping.
Is it right ? How to decide capacitor rating for this application ?
abbas
on April 14, 2014 at 10:15 pm
I need converter 24 v dc to 12 v dc 60 w who can help me
John Lam
on August 23, 2014 at 9:57 am
Anup panchal: the neutral resistor is rated 1W, that mean Imax = 100mA. The circuit
is dessigned to supply 140mA max. When the load draws 140mA, power dissipated
by R1 will be (0.14)(0.14)(100) = 1.96W. Of course, it will burn out.
If the load will draw a higher current, say 200mA, the output voltage will drop to
compromise as the circuit has been designed to supply a maximum current of
140mA only. When the current is so high that the power dissipated by the bleeder
resistor is higher than 1W, the bleeder resistor will burn out as well.
If the connected load draws 140mA or less, all the components should be fine.
V GOPALAKRISHNA
on May 21, 2010 at 7:40 pm
Dear sir,
I am a non technical person but verymuch interested in electronics. I have not
understood how the reactance for 0.22 uF capacitor
under 50 hz.A.C. mains is coming to 14.4 ohms. I am getting
by the formula X = 14462.98 ohms. Kindly explain. Thanks in advance. V.G.Krishna,
Hyderabad.
D.Mohankumar
on May 22, 2010 at 6:58 pm
Rectance of the capacitor 0.22 uF is calculated as X=1/2Pi.f.C

Where f is the 50 Hz frequency of mains and C is the value of capacitor in Farads.
That is 1 microfarad is 1 / 1,000,000 farads.Hence 0.22 microfarad is 0.22 x 1 /
1,000,000 farads. Therefore the rectance of the capacitor appears as 14475.97 Ohms
or 14.4 K Ohms.
To get current I divide mains Volt by the rectance in kilo ohm
That is 230 / 14.4 = 15.9 mA.

The detailed explanation is added in the writeup
gopala
on May 22, 2010 at 7:30 pm
Thank you Sir, for your kind prompt reply.
R. Patel
on June 11, 2012 at 8:01 am
Your explaination read as,

Rectance of the capacitor 0.22 uF is calculated as X=1/2Pi.f.C
Where f is the 50 Hz frequency of mains and C is the value of capacitor in Farads.
That is 1 microfarad is 1 / 1,000,000 farads.Hence 0.22 microfarad is 0.22 x 1 /
1,000,000 farads. Therefore the rectance of the capacitor appears as 14475.97 Ohms
or 14.4 K Ohms.
To get current I divide mains Volt by the rectance in kilo ohm
That is 230 / 14.4 = 15.9 mA.
My question is what is voltage drop by this capacitor if connected to 230 volt, 50 c/s
A/C supply?
Arun
hi sir, how to select a varistor for 230v and if 120v mains are available and how to
read a varistor. any table or easy explaination.
muthurajmuthali
on June 24, 2010 at 10:36 am
this circuit is OK.But how to increase the current for up to 400mA.because in this circuit
is giving only 100mA. please reply how to change the circuit to get the 400mA current
ElectroSchematics.com
on June 24, 2010 at 10:42 am

y
Hi, here is a transformerless power supply with 30 volts and 1000 mA output.
muthurajmuthali
on June 24, 2010 at 11:17 am
thanksguysplease send the details of the circuit ..details of components ..is

there any other circuit..
atir
on July 7, 2010 at 3:25 am
Dear Sir,
Could you please let me know the value of 5k capacitor in uf?
Ill be very thankful to you.
Regards
Atir
D.Mohankumar
on July 7, 2010 at 4:41 am
I think you are asking for 5 PF capacitor. 5 PF is 0.000005 UF.Letter K is usually used
in High voltage capacitors and it means + / 10% tolerance
CAP TOLERANCE
C = +/- 0.25PF
D = +/- 0.5PF
F = +/- 1%
G +/- 2%
J +/- 5%
K +/- 10%
M +/-20%
Z +80% / -20%
Lovejeet
on July 9, 2010 at 1:51 pm
sir,
I have some confusion. The function of capacitor C1 is to only provide series reactance to
step down AC mains, it is nothing to do with energy storage. if i simply put one high watt
resistor, will it work for the same purpose.
Please elaborate the significance of capacitor C1.
D.Mohankumar
on July 9, 2010 at 2:06 pm
If we use a high watt resistor in series with AC, current will be reduced but huge quantity
of heat will be generated and energy will be lost due to heat. Capacitor power supply
eliminates the chance of heat generation and it gives some isolation from mains, until the
dielectric of the capacitor breaks due to short circuit or high voltage.
dee
on July 15, 2010 at 10:36 pm
hi there, what a great article! covers just about everything. well written and very clear.
thanks a lot. dee.
D.Mohankumar
on July 16, 2010 at 5:39 am
Thanks for the feedback
Amit Pal
on November 24, 2011 at 6:50 pm
SIR,THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SIMPLE YET VERY USEFUL CIRCUIT.I
HAVE TESTED IT AND WORKING GREAT.I HAVE LEARNT MANY THINGS
STUDYING YOUR POSTS.YOU ARE DOING GREAT SIR.I HAVE A CONFUSION
REGARDING POLYESTER FILM CAPACITORS WHICH SAY 2G104J AND
2A104J.BOTH ARE GREEN COLORED.HOW TO ASCERTAIN THE VOLTAGE
RATING OF SUCH CAPACITORS?WHAT ABOUT A BROWN COLORED ONE?
Navidad
What is the device of the MOV?
D.Mohankumar
MOV is Metal Oxide Varister, a kind of component used to protect circuits from AC
spikes. If the input AC increases above the limit, it will short circuit and break the
fuse
Navidad
Thank you
ElectroSchematics.com

r
Here you can read more about the MOV http://electroschematics.com/5224/metaloxide-varistor/
Amit Pal
HELLO SIR,CAN I GET YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS?

THANKS N BEST REGARDS.
seng
excuse me sir, can i ask you more about MOV?

What is different between circuit have fuse and fuse + MOV?
Navidad
1. What affects the size of the output voltage

2. What affects the size of the current in this circuit.
Navidad
size of the curent should be given reactance of capacitor, I think. Is it true? But I
dont know what affects the size of the output voltage.
D.Mohankumar
Output voltage and current depends on the Capacitive Rectance of the capacitor
used.Higher value capacitor like 2.2 uF will give around 100 milli ampere current and 50
volts AC.This depends on the input AC voltage
Navidad
OK. Thanks. I think it.
Lovejeet
on September 12, 2010 at 9:26 am
sir,
in one of my experiments with capacitive power supply, to have 4V DC output with DC
input instead of AC, i found that bleeder resistor R2 across capacitor C1 is very useful.
It provides path to DC to be injected.
Please suggest will it (R2) have any adverse effect on performance of power supply with
AC input or high voltage DC input if its value and power rating properly selected?
D.Mohankumar
on September 12, 2010 at 2:53 pm
In capacitor power supply, the bleeder resistor is included to remove the stored current
quickly when the circuit is unplugged. Usually a 220-470 K 1 watt resistor is used for the
purpose. If high volt DC is used as input, increase the value of the bleeder resistor to 1 M
or 2.2 M so that it will not affect much to the output
A.Yuvaraj
I have 2 Amps Load in DC Supply, and how much Capacitor range i want to connect for
protection purpose?
Palitha Alahakoon
on October 3, 2010 at 9:00 am
nice idea
k.raghvban
on October 19, 2010 at 2:00 pm
can i use 1M;1/4W bleeder resistor for .22uF ? plz suggest me..
D.Mohankumar
Use 470K to 1M bleeder resistor for the AC capacitor to remove stored current
quickly when the unit is unplugged. Low value resistor may heat up.Ideal value is
470K or 560K 1W
Godwill
A capacitor is in series with resistance of 30 ohms and connected to a 220 volt ac line.
The reactance of the capacitor is 40 ohms. What is the current in the circuit ? Help me
with the answer
D.Mohankumar
What is the value of the AC capacitor. See the table showing output current and
voltage of common capacitors given in the article. Convert the rectance into Kilo
ohms by dividing it with 1000. Then the current is supply voltage / rectance in Kilo
ohms. Resulting current is in Milli amps
sajjad
on May 19, 2012 at 8:36 pm
i got very helpful knowledge from this discussion
k.raghvban
sir,
is it essencial to use bleeder resistor except for safety purpose.what r the basic
difference whenever we use bleeder resistor or not for .22uF ? is any variation in voltage
and current.please advice me.
D.Mohankumar
Dear Raghvban
The bleeder resistor parallel to the AC capacitor is a must in capacitor power supply.
The AC capacitor is rated 400V,600V or up to 2 KV. The capacitor charges fully up
to this high voltage, and keep this high voltage for many days even if the unit is not
connected to AC lines. This can give a lethal shock, if the pins of the AC cord is
touched. If you add a bleeder resistor, this stored current will be removed
immediately when the cord is un plugged.Adding a high value bleeder resistor like
470K or IM will not affect the properties of the capacitor, voltage, current etc in
practical conditions.
BENHUR
Need to have a conversation with you sir, your explaninig things very easyly
understandable,great stuff.
Ahmad Muis
on February 1, 2011 at 4:59 am
Dear
Please let me know about life time. its good and long life tine?
Thank
Sheeptrik on "You tube"
on March 21, 2011 at 10:52 am
Thanks Mr. D, Mohankumar,

I like Your tutorials, the simple man ore woman can understand now how to calculate if
its needed.
I hope to see and find more of Your tuts.
Greets from Estonia,
Daniel.
Nicusor Chirca
on April 3, 2011 at 3:43 am
Thank you for posting the circuits (this and others) on the internet.I found them with
google, searching for key words like led circuit capacitor bridge rectifier 120 220 volts
AC and how to calculate voltage output of AC series capacitor afterr bridge rectifier.
Until recently, I was under the assumption that C1 only regulates current, which would
vary somewhat with the always changing AC input voltage (0 volts to V*sqrt(2) volts to 0
volts again), 50 or 60 times a second. If C1 drops the voltage, is that output voltage
constant, or does it vary ? Also, for a given V, C1, XC1, f, etc what are the
steps/formulas needed to calclate the output voltage after the bridge rectifier ?
Thank you !
Nicusor Chirca
on April 20, 2011 at 4:05 am
In this circuit, where and how can we connect a TVS (transient voltage suppressor) diode
? Same way as the MOV (metal oxide varistor) in the circuit ? I connected a TVS across
the input wires of another led circuit (led string) and it kept frying the fuses. I am thinking
it was because I had no resistor before the TVS, but I cant tell for sure why and I am
trying to figure out what I did wrong and how to incorporate TVS in my circuits and use
them with MOV, together.
patrick vaz
on May 8, 2011 at 6:39 am
Hi,
Good article, very well explained,
I have few queries
1- How do you caclulate R1, R2 and MOV from your example circuit.
Thanks in advance.
patrick vaz
on May 11, 2011 at 5:26 am
Mr. Mohan Kumar,

Your above article is excellent, but we readers are bombarded with doubts, which if
answered could help us in many (understanding of electronics and the various functions
each components tend to play in a circuit)ways. but you have not responded since
october 2010, Sir are you on vacation!
pls respond
Pratik Bhagat
on May 12, 2011 at 8:02 pm
How to calculate output voltage ? can I get 150volt 50mA from capacitive transformerless power-supply. Please do reply. As this article have no info about selecting the
capacitor for desired output voltage.
abhin raj
on June 2, 2011 at 7:46 pm
sir i thank for your great contribution. i tried this circuit but the R1,100 ohm 1 W in the
neutral line is burned off and another problem is the R3, 1 W is becoming hotter. kindly
reply.
sir can i use the R1 in the phase line before the dropping capacitor.
do i want to increase the wattage of resisters(R1 & R3)
nicusor chirca
on June 2, 2011 at 8:15 pm
Abhin raj, I think you are describing what happens when C1 fails, so make sure C1 and
the connections/wiring going to C1 are in working order. R1 acts as a fuse and should
burn out when C1 fails and that is what did for me, when I did not have a R2, which
keeps R1 from burning and protects the circuit when C1 fails.
shafi
on June 18, 2011 at 6:57 pm
Sir, please let me know about the life time of this circuit? Is it 24/7 or not?
Shush
on June 20, 2011 at 12:58 pm
What about power factor of this circuit? From my (extremely limited) understanding the
reactive power if this power supply is used, say, to light a LED, will be much higher than
the true one. Is this at all something to be concerned about in circuits with such low
currents?
ahsan
on June 26, 2011 at 11:11 am
hi
dear sir i read Your whole article and I like it very much, sir you write this article very
clearly and simply. Even a first year student of Electronics or Electrical can understand
this article.I personally admire your work.
Thank you very much.
Mushtaq
on July 2, 2011 at 1:13 pm
hi
Dear sir ,I read Your whole article and I like it very much, sir you wrote this article very
clearly and simply. Every one can be banifitted from this artical.
Dear Sir Can we take 1A current from this circuit to change the capacitor value.
Thank you very much.
Armine
Hi Sir
Thank you very much for the explanation. This circuit was puzzle to me and you made it
so clear.
Regards
mak2x
gud day sir,,,

im nterested of how kvar can make my electrical consumption can be lessen
can u gave me the circuit diagram of capacitor bank and their sample computation
for my 100 amp residential building,,,
mak2x
by the way we are using a line to ground power supply
kominki
Its the best time to make some plans for the future and its time to be happy. I have read
this post and if I could I desire to suggest you some interesting things or tips. Perhaps
you can write next articles referring to this article. I want to read more things about it!
BENHUR
Dear Sir You Article is great to the greast.
BENHUR
Sir Pls Drop a mail to me regarding is power supply
tymid honaro
This article is very understandable. Thank you very much for that. And we are grateful if
you can answer us. Hope you will be able to do that soon because we are waiting.
And I will add another to the question list. Can we calculate the output DC voltage by
seeing this circuit as a voltage divider?, where the resistance of the capacitor works as
the 1st resistor and the resistance of the load works as the 2nd resistor.
In other words if R1 = 1st resistor and R2 = 2nd resistor,
the output voltage = [Input Voltage]*[R2/(R1+R2)]
Is it work that way?
thanks again.
ms
Anyone not experienced with power electronics should understand that this circuit is not
isolated from the power line and risk of electrocution is possible. These types of power
supplies are only used where there is no possibility of touching any electrically
conducting part of the power supply or conducting part of any component connected to
the power supply or its DC output.
karsang Dorji
Sir,
Your article is great and i really appreciate it.
Regards
Bilal
hi sir,
hope u are fine ,,,sir i have to ask u a question
i hve (center tapped)transfomer whose specification is:
input=220V
oupt=122 V
power=8W
i want to give (operate) 12V dc motor,and i am using LM7812 regulator for 12V but when i
connect the motor ,after some time the regulator comes soo much hot,,,,,what should i
do ???please hlp me ,,i shall be very grateful to you .waiting for ur nice reply
regards
bilal
Vinodh
hi this is vinodh im looking for the thing that how to suppress an interference in the o/p of
power supply.
Some refeers to connect the capacitor in the o/p, but the thing is im working in high freq
like 640Khz. pls suggest some thing and how to connect
shailesh patoliya
Sir,
I want to design I/p is 230V A.C 5A
and I want to get out put is 12V DC and 3A is it possible for capacitive power supply?
SEKHAR
Hello Sir,
greeting for you.
I want to design 45VDC and 5VDC power supply for DC motor.
i/p 230VAC, Transformer output 45VAC
need to get 45VDC (for DC motor) and 5VDC for microcontroller
Please send me the circuit for my requirement.
Thanks and regards
Sekhar
sekhar
on December 1, 2014 at 5:47 pm
Hello Sir,
I have 42vAC transformer (i.e. 230VAC to 42VAC stepdown transformer), I want to
get 42VDC (from AC to DC) to drive DC motor. Please send me circuit diagram for
converting 42VAC to 42v DC. and also i need to get 5 V DC from same 42 V DC
supply to connect microcontroller.
Transformer is not center tapped. I need to drive 5 amps dc motor.
I request you to send me circuit diagram for this.
Sekhar
SEKHAR
Hello Sir,
greeting for you.
I want to design 45VDC and 5VDC power supply for DC motor.
i/p 230VAC, Transformer output 45VAC
need to get 45VDC (for DC motor) and 5VDC for microcontroller
Please send me the circuit for my requirement.
Emil ID: bapanapalle@gmail.com
Thanks and regards
Sekhar
Kumar.A
What is the necessity of R1=100R,1W in capacitor (transformer less)power supply

circuit? Its connected series in capacitor
JOY
dear sir, i hav a doubt in power supply circuit.

i need to charge a 12V battery, i used 3 resistors & LM7818 regulator to drop the voltage
from 22 to 14.5V.
the voltage gets dropped, but there is no output current from this connection..
i need to charge a 12V battery,so what type of components should i use to get desired
14.5V & required current.
and how much current is required to charge a 12V battery? pls reply sir..
seb
thank you so much. your article helped a lot.
Jacob Ooko
Hello Mohan, i first came across a transformer-less power supply while repairing a LED
sign flasher an i was amazed. i did not understand at-all what the heck that was but my
eyebrows were really raised. when i Google i was refered to your notes which have
turned out to be very useful. thanks for the good work man.
Jack from Kenya (East Africa)
SEKHAR
Hello Sir,
I have 42vAC transformer (i.e. 230VAC to 42VAC stepdown transformer), I want to get
42VDC (from AC to DC) to drive DC motor. Please send me circuit diagram for converting
42VAC to 42v DC. and also i need to get 5 V DC from same 42 V DC supply to connect
microcontroller.
I request you to send me circuit diagram for this.
Sekhar
Neeraj
on December 26, 2011 at 11:24 am
Hi Sekher,
You havent mentioned the current required.
Bangladesh
Hi Shekhar, It is very simple. But before you get a diagram please let me know the
Transformer you have is Center tapped or what?
K.S.Prabhakaran
hello sir i want the circuit for 7watt high power LED to connect the main pls send to me
the circuit to my mail
ID :(pkn0808@gmail.com)
Renu
Dear sir currently I am working on capacitive power supply of 3.3V .

I am using 1uF Capacitor with 330K bleeder resistor.
my voltage get drop down slowly
Renu
Dear sir currently I am working on capacitive power supply of 3.3V .

I am using 1uF Capacitor with 330K bleeder resistor.my voltage get drop down slowly.
please tell me what will the effect of running this capacitive power supply on ups instead
of mains power supply
raj
Dear Sir,
Very good artical and nice question answering.
Sir I want to know how smoothing capacitor value and voltage calculated ?
What are the parameters to be considered ?
raj
sir i want to known how output voltage of x-rated capacitor calculated in above circuit ?
Sam Thomas
Dear Sir,
thax 4 sharing ur knowledge with us
prakash
sir,
what is the capacitor importance here?
what happens if the capacitor is not present in the design?
explain me.
MS
Dear Sir,
thanks for a good article. It might be good to stress even more clearly that the minus of
the DC side is not GND or not floating, but possibly tied to a high potential instead.
Im constructing an op-amp sense to the speaker terminals of an amplifier for switching
on a separate sub-woofer amplifier. The relay/op-amp board would be powered with this
kind of a power supply. Im happy I understood the potential issue before entering the
realization stage of the project. I think I would have destroyed the amplifier.
The DC side must not be connected to the outside world.
Is this correct?
am transmitter|am transmitters
I do believe all of the ideas you have offered in your post. Theyre very convincing and can
certainly work. Nonetheless, the posts are very short for beginners. May just you please
lengthen them a bit from next time? Thanks for the post.
Ishan
Dear sir please tell me, how will we determine the value of capacitor in microfarade & volt
after bridge rectifier.
francis
pls tell me how to kwon the values of a capacitor voltage in a circuit diagram.for example
am working on a subwoofer amplifier as a project but the circuit diagrams i have does not
indicate the values of the capacitor voltage values.pleas help me out
mohamed
splendid work . thnx sir
Peter O
D.Mohankumar,
May I add to the many comments of appreciation.
This is possibly the best tutorial of its type available today. Very well presented &
obviously aimed at aspiring electronics newcomers.
I would suggest including a more detailed BOM specifically using value terms to describe
components & not the shortcut descriptions because these are not used in the typical
parts cataloges we mostly use to source components.
Its a small point but you can see from several comments that this has caused some
confusion.
Again sir, thankyou for an exceptional contribution.
Gerry
Thank you for such a detailed and well thought out explanation a rare gift indeed.
Cheers
Gerry
fahad tk
dear sir
i am fahad,from calicut.now i am in dubai working in GEEPAS electronics as a service
engineer.
sir this circuit is very useful in my life.
sir i have a doubt,what is the problem when replace the capacitor with a high value
resistor?
ani
Dear sir,
How do i get 230 volts DC output so as to supply a load of 50 series connected LEDs?
Venkat.R
Hai,
I would like to know about any shock hazard on the LV(12V) side of the circuit.
I have constructed a similar x,mer less power supply for miniature circuits but i always
had a doubt of shock hazard if the same is used as battery charger or as a power
adapter for any utility.
could you please clarity.
Martin
on March 16, 2014 at 12:53 am
The entire circuit is live, as is EVERYTHING connected to it. Although the voltage
across the output terminals is low, the terminals will be at mains potential relative to
ground for the negative portion of the incoming AC waveform. Also if phase and
neutral are reversed (if plugged into an unpolarised outlet for example) the current
limiting will be in the neutral line, not the phase line, increasing the shock risk
further, a 100 ohm resistor and 1N4007 diode being all that stand between the
negative output terminal and the incoming mains supply.
Adam Gulyas
@ani: Assuming that youre using 230V AC as your input, you could switch it to DC by
skipping the initial capacitor, and resistor, going straight from the fuses to the diodes.
Then its into a capacitor to make it more flat, as whats before the capacitor is a really
bumpy signal, rising from 0 to 230V (Well, not exactly 230V. The Diodes steal a volt or
two.)and back down to 0V. The capacitor smooths this out a great deal. You could then
use some sort of voltage regulator IC, which would cost you another few volts, or you
could try to find a zener diode for 230V, again losing a few volts.
This method uses some of the same pieces as the circuit posted up above, but in a
different order. I hope this helped?
Steve
on April 4, 2014 at 1:13 pm
Dont forget that once the 230Vac is rectified the output DC peak is 1.414 times as
large. i.e 230 x 1.414 = 325Vdc so components must be selected rated above this
and you also need to regulate this down to 230 dc with additional components.
Steve
Colin Mitchell
on March 3, 2012 at 10:33 am
There are a lot of mistakes in the article above and a lot of poor descriptions.
Selection of the dropping capacitor and the circuit design requires some technical
knowledge and practical experience to get the desired voltage and current. An ordinary
capacitor will not do the job since the device will be destroyed by the rushing current
from the mains. Mains spikes will create holes in the dielectric and the capacitor will fail
to work. X-rated capacitor specified for the use in AC mains is required for reducing AC
voltage.
The above statement is entirely incorrect.
Any capacitor rated at 400 volts will work in the circuit.
An X-rated capacitor is simply better-made and guaranteed to withstand the peaks for
the life-time of the capacitor.
Selection of the dropping capacitor
The capacitor is not a dropping-capacitor
If you connect the capacitor to the active line and touch it and an earth wire, you will get
not only a 240v shock but a 336v shock.
The way the capacitor works is this:
Connect the capacitor to a 100R resistor and place the two components across the
mains.
The mains voltage will rise and this will put an electrostatic charge on the left-plate. This
electrostatic charge will influence the right-hand plate of the capacitor and a charge
(called current) will flow in the 100R resistor.
When the mains reverses direction, the current will flow in the opposite direction.
Due to the size of the capacitor, this current happens to be 16mA.
When 16mA flows in a 100R resistor, a voltage of 1.6v develops across it.
This is how the voltage develops.
Colin Mitchell
on March 3, 2012 at 10:37 am
Most of the general purpose rectifier diodes in the 1N series have 1 ampere current
rating.
This is entirely untrue.
The 1Nxxxx means it has one junction.
A 1N5404 is a 3 amp diode.
Colin Mitchell
on March 3, 2012 at 10:58 am
The explanation of the output voltage is entirely incorrect.

The output voltage depends on the zener voltage. Nothing else.
Suppose we select a 24v zener diode.
The output voltage will be 24v.
You do not need R3 (100R) as the circuit contains a current-limiting resistor R1 (100R).
The current available will be about 8mA for each 100n capacitance of the X-rated
capacitor.
Its that simple.
The way the zener diode works is this:
When no-load is connected, the 8mA flows through the zener diode.
You can take up to 8mA and the output voltage will remain at exactly 24v. As soon as
you take more than 8mA, the output voltage will drop. Its as simple as that.
Exactly the same reasoning applies to an 18v zener or 12v zener.
Mathew
on March 17, 2012 at 11:39 am
Dear sir,thanks fr a good job,i would lik to see more of yr posts $ yr personal websit.
Prabhath Manjula
Thanks for valuable information.
Randy
Editor of this article

thank u for the xplanations about capacitive voltage lowering.sir will it be okey f i ask
about your nationality,
greatfully randy
jay
on April 17, 2012 at 12:07 pm
Hi everyone
i guess mr mohan has left the building !!!!!
Its upto us to sort out things
firstly great article, although misleading explanations as pointed by mr Mitchell
i tried out the circuit without the zener, i measured about 180 v dc at the bridge output
then i tried to put1k resistor in series with a blue diode, the the 1k res in series with the
load started smoking
anybody can explain why this happened
Colin Mitchell
on April 17, 2012 at 12:24 pm
Remember this:
A 100n cap (104) will deliver 7mA RMS or 10mA peak in full wave. (when only 1 LED is
in each string).
Thus 225 will deliver 22 times 7mA or 154mA.
154mA will pass though the 1k resistor.

Wattage (or heat) being dissipated = 0.154 x 0.154 x 1,000 = 23 watts.
Now you can see how dangerous and how stupid the circuit is.
P. Marian
on April 18, 2012 at 9:38 am
I think you are wrong, first of all, the current thru R4 1K resistor is at maximum
24V/1000 + LED resistance => 24V/1470 = 16mA.
If you are talking about R3 with the value of 100 then the power dissipation will vary
depending on power consumption.
Colin Mitchell
on April 18, 2012 at 11:20 am
He said he tried the circuit without the zener.

Where do you get 24v from??????
P. Marian
on April 19, 2012 at 12:51 pm
I didnt read what Jay said. I thought you are talking about the complete circuit.
jay
on April 18, 2012 at 9:15 am
Thanks for the prompt reply

let me come to the point straight i want to power a 1 watt led from this circuit
do i need to put a zener
The led can go upto350 mA . Can i connect the led
across the bridge output without frying it
Colin Mitchell
on April 18, 2012 at 11:22 am
Yes you can put a 350mA LED on the output. The circuit is basically a CONSTANT
CURRENT CIRCUIT.
Thats where everyone is making the mistake.
PRATIK .R. BHAGAT

r
thats true . capacitive power supply is niether constant voltage or constant current
supply. s input current varies o/p volt and current varies.
But if you want to add 1watt powerled then you can use two 2.2uf x-rated capacitors
with 1% tolerance rating.
If you are not using MOV then led life will be reduced .
A rectifing capacitor is must after the bridge. 16volt/1000uf works like charm.
jay
on April 18, 2012 at 11:59 am
Sorry to bother you again just that i am weak in electrical

as i mentioned earlier i measured 180 volt dc at the bridge output
the led data sheet says vf max is around 4volts
i also read some where that led are current driven
so from what you are saying i should be able to connect the 1 watt led without any
problem although the voltage is much higher
Colin Mitchell
on April 18, 2012 at 12:39 pm
The circuit is called a CONSTANT CURRENT SUPPLY.

It will deliver a maximum of 154mA to anything connected to the output.
This includes a short-circuit, a LED or even a 1k resistor.
When no load is applied, the output voltage will be about 315v. If the voltage
developed across the load is 100v, the maximum current will be about 100mA. If the
voltage is 200v, the current will be 50mA. If the voltage is 300v, the current will be
0mA.
This is something that has never been covered before. ANYWHERE.
jay
on April 18, 2012 at 12:04 pm
Or should i put in a zener
Colin Mitchell
on April 18, 2012 at 12:40 pm
What is the zener going to do???????
jay
on April 19, 2012 at 7:49 am
I guess i will connect the 1watt led directly to the bridge output.
i have a doubt . i opened a led light in my house that runs off 220mains. inside i saw the
same circuit with .22 micro farad 250volt capacitor a bridge rectifier the bridge out is
connected to about 15 led go series i measured the ac volt between cap out and neutral i
got about 20volts
does this mean that the voltage drops once a load is applied
please clarify
Colin Mitchell
on April 19, 2012 at 9:27 am
The voltage generated across a load (especially a LED load) is a characteristic of the
LED device and cannot be altered when the prescribed current is flowing.
For a high power LED such as 1watt to 10watts, this voltage can be about 4.5v. For a
white LED it can be about 3.5v
jay
on April 19, 2012 at 5:30 pm
Hi again
i connected the 1 watt led without R3 the led flashed very brightly and burnt off
i connected another led and this time i connected R3 com measured the current it was
around 120mA . Voltage across led was 3.2 volt. voltage across led and R3 together was
15 volts
R1 and R3 were getting very hot but every thing was steady. so again i removed R3 and
tried it was working. but somehow the led hot burnt again . i have run there leds at
200mA without any trouble
Any theories on this
ps i am not using the zener and mov
jay
on April 19, 2012 at 5:39 pm
I have to add something

i was doing all the testing with a multimeter
so i was quite frequently making and breaking circuit while measuring current would this
have caused the led to burn due to transient high currents . both the times the leds burnt
there was no R3. isnt R3 required to limit any transient currents
Colin Mitchell
on April 19, 2012 at 7:12 pm
You obviously did not discharge the electro before connecting the LED.
jay
on April 19, 2012 at 7:23 pm
So it is not advisable to frequently switch on off this circuit
Colin Mitchell
on April 19, 2012 at 7:37 pm
The 1,000u gives you plenty of protection against spikes but you connected it directly
across the LED when it was charged and damaged the LED.
jay
on April 20, 2012 at 8:45 pm
I am using 2.2u not 1000u
K B D Prasadrao
C1 is 2.2u but out put voltage extremely high why
jay
on April 20, 2012 at 7:23 am
I have the 470k across 225k cap shouldnt that discharge the cap
in the worst case what will be the max current
is it a mistake to connect the led after switching on the circuit: like i did when testing the
current
jay
on April 20, 2012 at 8:12 am
Isnt the value of R1 and R3 high

As per your calculations current through r3 is 150ma so I sqr R equals 2.25watt
is it ok to send 2.25watt through 1watt res
another doubt : i read in another forum that by using another cap in parallel with the load
the sudden inrush of current can be avoided
is this correct
Colin Mitchell
on April 20, 2012 at 9:31 am
is it a mistake to connect the led after switching on the circuit: like i did when testing the
current
ABSOLUTELY
I told you the circuit has lots of mistakes.
The 100R should be 2 watt or higher
i read in another forum that by using another cap in parallel with the load the sudden
inrush of current can be avoided
is this correct
Thats what the 1,000u is for.
Colin Mitchell
on April 20, 2012 at 9:32 am
The 1,000u is to protect the LED
jay
on April 20, 2012 at 1:05 pm
Thankss a lot i think that should do it

i will post once i have tried the circuit
jay
on April 20, 2012 at 8:55 pm
Hi
i tried the circuit without R3 zener and mov
i connected the 1 watt led as load
it worked out good the current was around 120mA
all components were fine except R1 which is getting very hot
R1 is 100R 1 watt
any ideas
Albus
Jay can you put the final circuit diagram ?
Colin Mitchell
on April 20, 2012 at 9:11 pm
Make it 2watt
jay
on April 21, 2012 at 9:21 am
Is it ok if i dont use R1 and R3
Colin Mitchell
on April 21, 2012 at 10:53 am
You need one of the resistors to buffer the huge inrush of current when the circuit is
connected and the mains happens to be at a high part of the voltage-curve.
jay
on April 22, 2012 at 10:34 am
What is the minimum value of R3

can i use 56ohm
Colin Mitchell
on April 22, 2012 at 12:48 pm
You can use any value at all but remember that a high value provides more protection
and reduces the inrush current to the electrolytic.
jay
on April 22, 2012 at 1:02 pm
Thank you for your patience in answering all my questions . i have learnt a lot . The
circuit i built is working fine except for R3 which is getting heated up i will have to get a 2
watt res
what if i use two 56 ohm 1 watt res in series
Colin Mitchell
on April 22, 2012 at 2:29 pm
Yes.
Thats 112R 2watt
JR Joserra Zierbena

y
Colin Mitchell: Your response to jay basically wrong:

- Two 56 ohm 1 watt res in series have: The double 112R but the (same 1 watt
power).
May be you can go again to the Australias beginners school to learn serial and
parallel adding.
Colin Mitchell
To: JR Joserra Zierbena

You dont know what you are talking about.
Learn about Capacitor-fed Power Supplies before you make any more comments.
jay
on April 23, 2012 at 8:45 am
Hi Mr Mitchell thanks
Are there any other postings by you
i certainly would like to read them
swamy bommedi
on April 24, 2012 at 1:03 pm
we having problem with voltage. sometimes we are having about 35 volts ac current, so
how can i get 35 volts ac to 230 volts ac current
Colin Mitchell
on April 24, 2012 at 1:38 pm
Come to Australia. We have 230v AC all day, every day, rain, hail or shine.
JR Joserra Zierbena

r
Colin Mitchell: Your response to jay basically wrong:

- Two 56 ohm 1 watt res in series have: The double 112R but the (same 1 watt
power).
May be you can go again to the Australias beginners school to learn serial and
parallel adding.
You can go to even every day, rain, hail or shine!
jay
on April 26, 2012 at 9:08 am
Hi
can i use an lm317 in series to get regulated current
i know this is already a constant current source but the current varies with input voltage
but the voltage out from bridge is around 180 lm317 rated max volt in is 60 volt i think
so the question can i use lm317 as current regulator in this circuit
is there any other ic that can handle higher input volts
Colin Mitchell
on April 26, 2012 at 10:06 am
No.
No.
NO.
NO.
Raghab
on April 26, 2012 at 6:42 pm
if i use 220 volt DC as input then what we have to change in the cicuit to get only 9 volt
DC for LED @ 20 mA.
jay
on April 27, 2012 at 8:30 am
where will u get 220dc from

u will get it if u use a bridge across your mains ac
instead of putting the bridge there first it is better you put the capacitor so you get
current control to run your led
for the values of capacitors look up the article
jay
on April 27, 2012 at 8:37 am
if you still insist on dc i guess you have to go with resistor you can hook up a resistor in
series
you can get res value from R=V/I
R=220/20X1000000=11M
NEAREST STD VALUE IS 10M OR 22M SO USE TWO 22M IN PARALLEL
but still the above ckt is ok if you want it off 220v mains
jay
on April 27, 2012 at 8:40 am
sorry a blunder 1mA is divided by 1000 so

R=220/201000=11000ohm or 11kohm nearest std value is 12 k ohm
jay
on April 28, 2012 at 2:09 pm
I am getting x2 275 v ac rated capacitor from a nearby shop can i use it or should i use
ones with rating above 400 v

doesnt 275 v ac rating mean rms value
Colin Mitchell
on April 28, 2012 at 2:13 pm
275v AC is ok
jay
on April 29, 2012 at 10:30 am
jay
on May 1, 2012 at 1:23 pm
Thanks
I have these ceramic caps rated at 2kv

can i use them they look very small and feeble
please clarify
Colin Mitchell
on May 1, 2012 at 1:39 pm
What is the value printed on the ceramic cap?
jay
on May 1, 2012 at 7:52 pm
224K
2KV
Colin Mitchell
on May 1, 2012 at 10:40 pm
224K
2KV
Each ceramic capacitor of 220n will deliver a constant current of 15mA on 240v supply
when using a bridge.
Bappa
on May 15, 2012 at 8:21 pm
Dear Sir ,
I am using capacitive power supply. designed for 50mA Iout current. I have doubt in
selecting capacitor voltage rating.I have supply of 230V AC lines. So can I use 250v
rating? and X2 rated is compulsary?
Bappa
on May 15, 2012 at 8:26 pm
Dear Sir ,
I am using capacitive power supply. designed for 50mA Iout current. I have doubt in
selecting capacitor voltage rating.I have supply of 230V AC lines. So can I use 250v
rating? and X2 rated is compulsary? 1
Colin Mitchell
on May 15, 2012 at 10:46 pm
X2 capacitors are needed for commercial products. You can use 250v ceramic or poly for
your own supply.
Bappa
on May 16, 2012 at 10:18 am
Thank you Colin sir

1. Still I have one doubt according to IEC664 standard its recommended that X2 rated
capacitors should be used for such applications as these capacitors has to pass the
test of few kV voltage test.
2. the application I am using having a tiny micro controller and a 12V relay and a tact
switch well I have provided a acrylic cover to it to protect from shock. whether its a
safe design without using X2 rated capacitors? or what exactly it differs from normal
ceramic or poly capacitors?
Please focus more light if I am going wrong.
Your suggestions are valuables
Bappa
on May 20, 2012 at 7:37 am
Hi,
can anybody help me as I have doubt regarding the capacitor selection. what is
difference between normal ceramic cap and X2 rated capacitors.please help
Colin Mitchell
on May 20, 2012 at 11:19 am
I have already explained:

X2 capacitors are needed for commercial products. You can use 250v ceramic or poly for
your own supply.
There is no difference between any of the capacitors.
Colin Mitchell
on June 10, 2012 at 3:04 pm
230 Volt,A.C., 50 C/S to 50 volt A/C, for 30 ma current

A capacitor-fed power supply delivers 7mA for every 100n capacitance.
Adams otaru
on June 20, 2012 at 6:22 pm
Pls im trying to design a 70v power supply and am confiuse of how to select my
components like diode, capacitors resistors can u help me?
Colin Mitchell
on June 21, 2012 at 2:05 am
Just use the same components as shown in the circuit above.
Agus Syahri
on June 21, 2012 at 6:08 am
Hi, Colin Mitchell

its possible to appear spike current at the start up condition. Im measure this circuit
with an Osciloscope.
Pls, help me how to reduce this ,
Or in the other way, it must be transferred to resistor or something??
Colin Mitchell
on June 21, 2012 at 6:47 am
Put a 1k resistor in series with the capacitor
Agus Syahri
on June 21, 2012 at 9:17 am
Colin mitchell
Thank you for your help.
you mean to drawn the current passing 1kOhm..
hmm..any other solution?
how about adding some material like inductor,,can it work??
Pls
Colin Mitchell
on June 21, 2012 at 9:41 am
You can use an inductor with a DC resistance of about 100 ohms but it is more
expensive than a resistor.
Agus Syahri
on June 22, 2012 at 9:52 am
Yes..its more expensive if adding a inductor..

so,,adding an resistor is cheaper solution..
okay,,i will try..
thank you for you help
Agus Syahri
on June 23, 2012 at 6:23 am
hey,,,mitchel,,,
i asking you again
the x rated capacitor dimension is too big..
can we use a DC capacitor?
pls give me suggestion about that?
shridhar
on July 5, 2012 at 9:15 am
sir i have 4440 double ic audio amplifire bord it requires 12 volt 3 amps so how can get it
please tell me and also how much capacity doide na dcapacitor can i use please tell me
Colin Mitchell
on July 5, 2012 at 11:27 am
Use a transformer for the 3 amp power supply.

Kunal
on July 10, 2012 at 1:53 pm
is this circuit safe or dangerous due to all voltage drop on capacitor not voltage is step
down.
Colin Mitchell
on July 10, 2012 at 2:31 pm
A capacitor-fed power supply is very dangerous.

They are illegal in Australia and I dont recommend them AT ALL.
You can get a power supply from an old computer for $1.00, so why risk it?????
Agus Syahri
on July 13, 2012 at 6:00 am
Mr. Colin,,
I dont know about capacitor-fed,,
why its very dangerous?
Colin Mitchell
on July 13, 2012 at 7:03 am
A capacitor-fed power supply is dangerous because if you touch one of the wires and a
toaster you will get a 345v shock.
sonny
on July 15, 2012 at 6:59 am
this topic is an excellent guide how to calculate the right resistance and capacitance
values for LED lighting fixture,i am not an expert but i learned a very useful tool in my
next electronic projectkeep up the good work
thanks
sekhar
on July 18, 2012 at 1:56 pm
sir, i want to do the project on our issues for power supply. there was a lot of confusion
to select a theme.. but my project should be useful to society .. please guide me.
ahmed
on July 21, 2012 at 3:31 am
sir i want to a power supply transformerless how we calculate the capistor and resistor
veleo for difrent voltage and current
thanks very much
Ariel
hello,
I have done and attained the voltage I want but the reisistor R3 100ohms creates heat
and increasing around 60 degee C, Is this normal or theres something wrong on the
circuit. what can I do to decrease the temperature of R3
Note: I use this to supply my 3 watts LED downlight. Please can you give me any
recommendation and I very appreciate a lot on your help
thanks
Colin Mitchell
Use a large wattage 100R or put 4 x 100R in the circuit by placing two in series and the
other two in series then connecting the first two across the other two and soldering them
to the circuit.
This will give you 100R with four times the originl wattage dissipation.
Alex
Very nice article! One thing that i dont understand at all and ive been searching for the
solution for quite some time: how do I calculate how much voltage the main capacitor will
drop? I can see that the current is calculated with I = V / X but how about the voltage?
Id really appreciate an answer. Thanks!
Jim Keith
View this as a simple series circuit:

Peak capacitor V = Peak Mains V DC output voltage.
Generally, the capacitor voltage will be only slightly lower than the mains voltage.
Alex
That is very interesting. So the output is close to max (mains) if I have no load it
basically supplies as much voltage as the circuit draws from it, right?
I asked this because I am building a led bulb just to see if I can. I used an online
calculator to get the exact values for the components in relation to my leds. But the
problem is that the calculator outputs raw values for the capacitor (microfarads) in my
case they needed approximation. I thought that using a slightly different value for the
capacity would give more volts to the circuit, thus burning my leds. Seems that I was
wrong though.
The calculator is found here (I hope I can post this here):
http://danyk.wz.cz/ledzar_en.html (bottom of page)
Many thanks for your time!
Sallam
Hello
Greeting for you
I find this is very useful for me.
But I think there are an error between your schematic and your calculation for C1,
In schematic the value of C1 is 225 that equal 2.2 uF but you use in formula 0.22 uF.
please take care about this.
Best & Thanks.
Jim Keith
Note to our readers: check our work and alert others when things do not add upwe
sometimes make mistakes, but electrons never make mistakes.
Thanks for alerting us on this one. However, this may not really be a discrepancy as
0.22uF can be used as wellthe table supplied lists the results for several capacitor
values including 2.2uF, but 0.22uF just happens to be missingduh?
Another issue not mentioned is the power rating of the zener is not indicated for the
higher current versions, it should be 5Wand be careful to derate the 5W zener to
about 1.5WI know from experience that they run extremely hot. The 1W zener must
be derated to 0.5W as well. To determine zener power, assume that all current goes
through the zener when the load is completely disconnected, and of course, P = E * I
In calculating average current the 0.9 Average/RMS factor (0.637/0.707) comes into
effect when dealing with sine waveskeep this in mind to make sure that you have
sufficient current for your applicationallow at least about 20% additional to make
sure that the zener remains in conduction at all times.
Also the table should have the minimum filter capacitor size indicated as 1000uF is
grossly large in most cases.
Colin Mitchell
The 0.22u is just an example.

The table in the discussion is correct.
0.22u provides about 10mA
2u2 provides about 100mA
Alex
@Jim, I see. Is there a formula to calculate the output voltage after the AC passes
through C1? This is what bothers me actually.
I have been using an online calculator for the values of my led bulb components, but for
the capacitor I needed to approximate its capacity to the nearest one I can buy. This
must also affect the amount of output voltage which might damage the leds I suppose?
Thanks for your time!
Jim Keith
@Alex, Because the input voltage is much greater than the output voltage (Ein >>
Eo), the voltage difference and the capacitive reactance form a limited current source
that varies little with changes in the output voltage. In short, the output voltage is set
by the zener voltage.
Jim Keith
@Alex, Regarding your LED current, it is set via the LED series limiting resistor.
R_series = (Zener V LED V drop)/ desired LED current
Otherwise, you must have adequate current available to keep the zener in conduction
under low line voltage conditions.
e.g. if LED current = 100mA, total available current should at least = 100mA + 20%
or 120mA.
Colin Mitchell
Otherwise, you must have adequate current available to keep the zener in conduction
under low line voltage conditions.

This is not true.
You can use up ALL the current from the capacitor-fed power supply. The zener does not
have to be kept in conduction!!!!!!!
Jim Keith
Yes, you are correct, but what happens if the load then increases slightly? Due to
the existence of the current source feed, as soon as the zener drops out of
conduction, the voltage will drop like a rock. Good design practice adds safety factor.
Good, healthy discussion going on here
Colin Mitchell
How do I calculate how much voltage the main capacitor will drop?
Answer from Keith:
Generally, the capacitor voltage will be only slightly lower than the mains voltage.
This is not true.
As the delivered voltage increases, the current-capability of the capacitor-fed power
supply decreases.
For instance, if the input voltage is 240v and the output is 5v, the delivered current will be
5mA for 100n.
But if the delivered voltage is 100v, the current will be 2.5mA.
Jim Keith
It all boils down as to semantics or what much greater really means. I say that
much greater indicates greater than a factor of 10 or soif so, this starts to fall apart
when the output voltage exceeds about 24V with a 240V mains. For most practical
purposes, your voltage requirement will not exceed 24V.
If the output is 100V, then the current source is definitely reduced and yes, the
output current will be lessthe capacitor size calculation will be more complex in this
case.
Colin Mitchell
as soon as the zener drops out of conduction, the voltage will drop like a rock.
This is not true.
You dont understand the concept of adding a zener.
You have got the whole concept around the wrong way.
The zener voltage should be higher than the voltage required by the LEDs (or any device)
on a capacitor-fed power supply.
This means the zener will be taking NO CURRENT and all the available current will be
delivered to the LOAD.
The zener is just a safety device.
It is included for the following purpose:
Suppose the load takes less current due to one of the items in the load either failing or
being turned off.
The voltage across the other devices will increase and to prevent the voltage increasing
too much and damaging them, a zener is included. It is also included if you have say a
100u 25v electrolytic on the output. If the load is removed, the output voltage will rise to
300v and the electrolytic will be destroyed. The zener prevents the voltage rising above
the zener voltage.
As I said before, the load can take all the current from the capacitor-fed power supply. If
it requires less current than the supply can deliver, the voltage will rise and the zener will
come into conduction.
Jim Keith
This can be set up either wayfirstly, as you indicate as a current source to drive
LEDs with a safety zener clamp, or as a voltage regulated supply in which the load
current is always less than the current source with the zener picking up the
difference.
Application dependent.
Alex
I need to read more about the principles behind this power source.
My whole problem arised from the fact that in the other schematic I found (which looks
like the one on this page except it doesnt have the following parts: the zener, the red led
and R4) I couldnt find the way the voltage was lowered. I cant post links here but you
can find the schematic by googling LED lamp online calculator.
So I guess that my best shot is using this power source the one that includes the
Zener for regulation. My bulb (~ 400 lumens) would use 14 leds rated 2.9 to 3.2 volts and
maximum 100 mA. I just need to calculate the components and it should work.
Many thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.
Colin Mitchell
14 x 3.1v = 43v
2u2 capacitor will deliver 100mA
You can use the circuit above. The zener will need to be 47v at 5 watt rating and the
100R will need to be 1 watt.
You dont need the zener or the 100R
You can put the electro directly across the LED string. The 100R 1watt on the input is
needed to prevent the LEDs being damaged.
The only problem with removing the zener is this:
If one LED dies, the elecro will blow up.
Alex
Its all clear now. Thank you for the help, its much appreciated. When its done, ill
make a comment about the results. Cheers :-).
ariel
Hi Sir
Thanks for your response regarding my last comments..
Sorry I try to increase the voltage output of the circuit and decide it around 12 volts+ but
whenI try to load it with 3 WATTS LED lights the voltage drop to 9.5 volt.
Is there anything else I can do to increase the voltage to 10.5 volts with load?
thank you very much
Ariel
Colin Mitchell
If you are talking about a single 3-watt LED, you will need to build a 1-amp capacitor-fed
power supply.
For 1Amp you will need a 10u 400v X2 capacitor.
Ariel
hi Sir
Thank you very much, the LED is on Series connection (3 leds). Do I only change the X
rated capacitor to 10uf 400v and the rest are still the same value? capacitor resistor etc?
Ariel
Colin Mitchell
The problem is this:

x2 capacitors are very expensive and very hard to get.
2u2 400v will cost a few dollars.
Ariel
Hi
Sorry if Iam going to change from 2.2uf to 10 uf.400v do I have to change also the Diode,
resistor, capacitor and zener? Please give what do I do and what the value on each
thanks
Jim Keith
Very large capacitor

What is your mains voltage?
What is your required output voltage?
Required load current?
Ariel
Hi
230V 50hz output 10.5 volts at 3 watts LEDs
Jim Keith
Bad choiceavailable current far too high and will cause many problemsselect
proper value via the matrix in the article.
Colin Mitchell
If you are talking about 1watt LEDs, the current will be 300mA and you will need 2 x 2u2
in parallel (x2 400v) capacitors.
The 100Rs will need to be 47R at 15watt and you can see how the power supply is
getting quite out of hand.
Anil
Sir,
can u tell me what value of capacitor and resistors to be used in a case were we have to
step down 230v ac supply means to get dc 5v, 20ma output.
Colin Mitchell
330n X2 capacitor and 5v1 400mW zener
Johnny
Hi [mr] colin mitchell plz can u just tell the maximum current/voltage for charging each
battery and how charger drop current and voltage
Colin Mitchell
I dont want to help you too much because a capacitor-fed power supply is very
dangerous and I dont recommend it AT ALL.
devkaran
i want to know that what can i change out put voltage of a capacitor.
Johnny
Actually:-*what am refering to is that i want you to help me in some cases apart from
this project {capacitor%power%supply}..i am not experience enough to correct circuits
from any authors just little..sentimentality..as@now i, m extremely confused plz/plz
MR={COLIN-MITCHELL}you the only person to through more light in my problem..as a
matter of..that i am good in electronics despite that i found it difficuits..corrects little error
all what i need from you is..give more details of the listed below {1}why rough d.c is
suitable for charging..if its true how to select {capacitance}uf for d.c ripples {2}can you
just tell the maximum current/maximum voltage for charging 3.7v860mah=
6v4.5AH=12v7ah=12v200ah=12v180ah=..and others batteries
{3}sk100=sl100=TIP127..bd140=bd139 datasheet.. {4}and what are the main electronic
component that drop voltage and current in a circuitsexplain how it happen {5}fomular
to calculate primary/secondary currents of a transformer for me to figure out the AWG is
suitable for a typical xtran..also how to calculate the efficiency of a transformer and why
xtrans can=ever be 100%.. .and some relevant example for better understanding.. {6}the
difference between half wave/full wave retification in a circuits..in anyway which one is the
best voted for electronics project {7}how to regulate output voltage without droping voltge
{8}how to regulate output current without droping current {9}capacitor is not well
understood@allwhat are the other uses of capacitor except.from.smoothing d.c time
delay.. {9}How to calculate current limiting resistor for zener diode and their watt
{10}fomular to calculate a sensible value resistor for LDR {11}fomular to calculate
darlinton pair of transistor current..
Johnny
colin mitcell help ooooooooo..:
Johnny
colin mitcell help me plz responed to me :
Sachin Bonde
what are the common type of failures in capacitive drop power supply ? and what
corrective actions should we take to improve efficiency or durability or life of the circuit?
Colin Mitchell
Use only X2 capacitors
SAMIUDDHIN
What is the formula to determine the No load output voltage And Load Current?
ahmed
dear how i get 220v ac to 14v 2amp and 10amps with out transformer only capistor suply
pleas help me for this circuit
Colin Mitchell
I dont want to help you too much because a capacitor-fed power supply is very
dangerous and I dont recommend it AT ALL.
Anything over 500mA is getting dangerous and expensive.
Abhiram
Sir
thank u very much.pls help me about the different capacitors available and there areas
of applications..
Abhiram
Sir,
Please tell me about different capacitors and there uses and applications
..
Jim Keith
For power supply applications like this the capacitor of choice is the metalized
polypropylene X or Y type with X for Line to Line applications and Y line to neutral.
The only other acceptable type that I know of are oil impregnated paper that are used
for permanent split capacitor motor applications. Generally they are greater than 1uF
and are rated for 440VAC.
The old Sprague Vitamin Q series is also oil impregnated paper and can hold up
under the AC voltage stress, but unfortunately they are available only as old stock or
used.
R.VENKATESWArAN
sir,
how to calculate voltage across capacitor,in table it was given 22ma,10v for 334k.. pls
explain sir
Colin Mitchell
A capacitor in a capacitor-fed power supply only does one thing. It allows a certain
current to pass or flow though it.
The voltage on the input side of the capacitor is the same on the output side of the
capacitor.
The capacitor has no effect on the voltage. It only passes or limits the current.
This is the first point to understand.
Now, why is the voltage on the output of the capacitor only say 10v when the capacitor is
connected to a 240v supply?
The voltage on the output of the capacitor is determined by the LOAD.
This is how the output voltage becomes 10v:
The capacitor can only supply 10mA.
When the load receives 10mA, a voltage develops across the load and in this case the
voltage is 10v.
That is how the voltage is developed. It has nothing to do with the capacitor. If you put
another load on the circuit, the 10mA may develop 35v across it. Another type of load
may only develop 5v or 1v. This is why I say the capacitor has no control over the voltage
on the output. It is the load that determines (or generates) the voltage.
R.VENKATESWArAN
sir,
thanking you for clear explanation sir,what will happen(necessity of) without 100R
resistor..
R.VENKATESWArAN
sir ,
suppose if we using for 1 led or series of led bulbs for X rated capacitor ,then how should
we determine the value & power of THAT 100R series resistor.waiting for ur reply
J.AMIT
Hi
In this circuit R1 and R3 is getting very very hot in 10-15 seconds i tried replaced with 2
watt and 5 watt but the problem is same, only getting hot time increased to 15-25
seconds. Please help me where i did mistake.
Colin Mitchell
What is the value of the capacitor?
J.AMIT
Dear Colin Mitchell

Capacitor is Metallized Polyester Film Capacitor 450V 225K marking on capacitor is
(MM225K 450Vob)
J.AMIT
Dear Colin Mitchell

Capacitor is Metallized Polyester Film Capacitor 450V 225K marking on capacitor is
(MM225K 450Vob)
Thanks for reply.
Colin Mitchell
A 225 capacitor will allow 140mA to flow.

140mA through a 100R resistor will produce a wattage (loss) of 2 watts.
Thats why the resistor is getting hot.
J.AMIT
Thanks for your reply. Please suggest what to change resistor or capacitor(what
rating has to put) i only require to run one led and 12v relay(approx 30ma). Please
suggest that this circuit will work 24hours continues(247) or not.
Colin Mitchell
How many mA for the relay?
J.AMIT
Sorry for wrong typing, relay coil is 12v and consumes 30mA.
Colin Mitchell
What type of relay is it? 30mA is very small.

How many mA for the LED?
J.AMIT
yes it is very small PCB mounted Relay(JQC -3F(T73))Coil Ratings: Nominal

Operating Power : 0.36W
So i converted watt to mA (I =V/P, I = 12/0.36 = 33mA)and LED is 5MM 20mA.
So i think i need total of 53mA(33mA+20mA). I am new to electronics and confused

also. Thank you Mr. Colin Mitchell for helping me.
Colin Mitchell
You need 53mA. Use 105 capacitor or put two 225 capacitors in series.
This will give 70mA.
53mA plus 10mA for the zener and 7mA for the indicator LED.
J.AMIT
Thanks Mr.Colin Mitchell

I relapsed 225 to 105 and output getting is 60mA. But the problem remain same the
R1 and R3 is getting very very hot in 60-70 seconds i tried replaced with 2 watt
resistors but result is same. I am not able to understand where i am doing mistake
Please help!
Colin Mitchell
R1 and R3 will dissipate 1watt with 105 capacitor instead of 2watts when using 225
capacitor.
This is the best the circuit can do.
This type of circuit is very wasteful.
J.AMIT
Thanks Mr.Colin Mitchell

for giving your valuable time for replying my queries. Is there any other circuit can
build transformer less which give output of 50mA 12V DC from input 220V AC which
will work 247 without any problem.
Colin Mitchell
You dont need R3. Remove R3.

Replace R1 with 33R.
The circuit will not be more efficient and the resistor will not get as hot.
J.AMIT
Mr.Colin Mitchell
awesome now the circuit is working fine no heating. thanks for your help.
Vivek
Mr Colin,
I want to know one thing, if you can recommend some load disconnect mechanism, and
that should be of Latching relay type.
e.g. As a load connect disconnect mechanism for Home Appliances and that should be
electronic operated not a manual one.

Purpose is not to have a continuous current consumption thats why latching type relay
is required.
Gulam
hi mr. can i touch the power supply after R4?
Jim Keith
If your mains is not connected properly and your body completes the circuit to earth,
you will receive a severe electrical shock. It is especially dangerous to curious
children.
While you may wire the mains correctly, you are now depending upon how well the
building outlets are wired wherever this power supply circuit may be plugged in
This circuit is intended for double insulated applications where all circuitry (power
supply and load) is fully enclosed within an insulating plastic enclosure.
R.VENKATESWArAN
colin sir ,
suppose if we using for 1 led or more series of led bulbs for X rated capacitor ,then how
should we determine the value & power(WATTAGE)of series resistor.pls ans me
Colin Mitchell
The series resistor does not change.
R.VENKATESWArAN
thank you colin sir, ihave through your website and seen youtube interviews
Antony Mathew
thanks all contributors..especially colin. this is a worth read thread.. got a really gud idea
about capacitor power supplies..
Irshad
Sir,i have a doubt.I am a final year Electronics and Communication Engineering

student.Can we use optocoupler at tha output of this circuit to provide safety for load if
supply fails.Because i am going to use it in water level indicator
Jim Keith
While opto-couplers are great at isolating signals, they cannot isolate power. This is
a bad idea since the water is probably at ground potential and there is extreme risk
of electrical shock hazard. Check out my recent submission on Wall Warts & Wall
Transformers.
Irshad
Sir,please suggest me a safe power supply for water level indicator
Jim Keith
If using this circuit:

electroschematics.com/5764/simple-water-level-indicator-2/
the power supply need not be regulated. It can accommodate up to 7 level probes if all
sections of the ULN2003 or ULN2004 are utilized. I would perhaps make most of the
LEDs the same color except for the top ones. Brightness is adjusted via the series
resistors. Then use a transformer isolated 12VDC wall wart like one of the ones in this
article:
electroschematics.com/6938/of-wall-warts-wall-transformers/
Jim Keith
and use 1K (or greater) series resistors for the LEDs because 100 is altogether
too low.
Irshad
Thank you sir.If i have any doubt,i will ask u
Irshad
Sir, transformer makes my cicuit big.I need some other alternative to make my water
level indicator compact.Please help me
Irshad
Please reply
Ambuj
Hi,
This was great explanation for transformerless power supply
pooja
how to calculate the value of R1 & bleeder resistor R2 connected parallel to capacitor
Colin Mitchell
Always use 100R and 470k
ARAVINDA.D.S
please can you help me how to calculate the ratings and value should be use in power
supply circuit we are using these are all components bridge rectifier 4 capacitor and lm7815 & lm-7915 and again we are connecting inductor to the out of the 7815 and 7915
and parallel we are connecting2 capacitor output of lm7815,7915 and we connecting
other two capacitorto output of inductors we should get out put voltage +15v and-15v
please explain briefely
ARAVINDA.D.S
i dont know the value of capacitor
Colin Mitchell
A capacitor power supply is not suitable for your application.
aravinda
colin mitchell sir

yestarday i saw its not good application but to practice how to find the value and
ratings resistor capacitor we should known the details of design i am in entry level so
please what are the steps to taken to calculate the value please send me the details
aravinda
colin mitchell i did not get ur point as per coustmer required the hardware design want to
do . please send ur email.id i will send the circuit and disscus
manupauly
Dear colin/Mohankumar,
im new to electronics ,i have a small question in the above figure ,they mention phase
and neutral.if by mistake someone inter change the phase wire and neutral wire.this will
damage the circuit or not
Colin Mitchell
The mains can be connected either way around. After all, the voltage is changing from
one direction to the other about 50 times a second, so the wires can be connected either
way.
manupauly
thankyou Mr collin,i have a small cofusion ,which is written in the beginning of the
post(The most simple, space saving and low cost method is the use of a Voltage
Dropping Capacitor in series with the phase line.)
That means if dropping capacitor is series to the neutral line(when we plug),then also the
circuit works fine,without a problem .please confirm
Colin Mitchell
It does not matter if the capacitor is in the active line or neutral line because the
mains is changing 50 times a second and the result is the same.
Nilesh Jadhav
Dear Sir,
Please tell me the design for 350 mA Current
Colin Mitchell
Put 3 x 2.2 microfarad X2 capacitors in parallel.
Nilesh Jadhav
thanks sir i will try and give you reply
Nilesh Jadhav
please tell me about led in series and led in parallel
Rkphadke
I want to give supply to my computar speaker 9volt 0.1A

supply is it possible not to have trsformar to convert 240V 50Hz to DC 9volt .1amp can
you give me the circuit
for such to convert 240V AC 59HZ to 9volt DC 9.1amp please let me know as early as
possible and oblige
Colin Mitchell
I want to give supply to my computar speaker 9volt 0.1A

supply is it possible not to have trsformar to convert 240V 50Hz to DC 9volt .1amp
The answer is NO
Colin Mitchell
on June 13, 2013 at 9:10 pm
sir, I have 105j capacitor, Can I reduce the current output to 20ma..I want use it to
A 105 capacitor in full wave will deliver about 70mA.
Use 3 strings of LEDs so each string will see about 23mA
sparta85
on June 14, 2013 at 5:43 pm
member
Use 3 strings of LEDs so each string will see about 23ma
oke thaks sir,,your explanation is very help
full for me
sparta85
on June 15, 2013 at 11:43 am
Sir.,how many leds should be set each string in series, in order I have a long life led
circuit lamp?
I looking forward to hearing from you.
Colin Mitchell
on June 15, 2013 at 11:52 am

Sir.,how many leds should be set each string in series, in order I have a long life led
circuit lamp?
Use 1 LED to 50 LEDs in EACH string. The same number in each string. You need 470
ohms in each string to reduce the current when turning the circuit ON and the resistor
will balance the currents.
sparta85
on June 15, 2013 at 12:08 pm
wow..you are very informative..Thank I like your articles
sparta85
on June 15, 2013 at 3:30 pm
dear Mr collins
I have circuited led lamp with 60 leds, I made it in 3 string. each string has 20 leds , I
use A 105j . as you said, if I make the circuit to 3 string it will deliver for about 23ma
each string,
Sir., How much watt (power) my circuit is? and how do I calculate for some circuit if I
make with different number of leds?
as you know,,Im Realy beginer to electronics
Colin Mitchell
on June 15, 2013 at 5:59 pm
Each LED is 50 milliwatts to 70 milliwatts
himavanth reddy
on July 22, 2013 at 9:16 pm
sir, i am working out on a circuit sir, my doubt is i have to run around 100 amperes
current through the capacitor so please suggest me which type of capacitor i need to
use sir.
Colin Mitchell
on July 22, 2013 at 9:52 pm
you cant run 100 amperes current through the capacitor
Stuart Meadows
on July 27, 2013 at 2:07 pm
Hello, and what a great article you have written.

My business Distributes a capacitor system that works both domestically and
commercially, IE: bars, restaurants, and Hotels.
We have been achieving savings of between 30 to 48% when the system is wired in line
to the 3 phases via the differential in a loop.
My question is can you send me a wiring diagram of how to, for example, wire on a 5
story hotel floor by floor so as not to change the installation of the building, as this would
be illegal in Spain without the energy suppliers permission.
We currently install our plug in capacitors on each floor at the main Distribution panel on
each floor.
I have a new Distributor and he would like a wiring diagram, can you help please.
Ishwar Gunjal
Hello sir,
This article really helped me a lot.
My question is regarding drawback.
Low current output. With a Capacitor power supply. Maximum output current available
will be 100 mA or less.So it is not ideal to run heavy current inductive loads. why?
But If I can design required Xc with proper selection of capacitance so that i can have
current more than 100ma, so why this is limited?
please confirm my answer
current more than this will destroy the capacitor.
michael
I appreciate what you are doing here. I would really need your help but would prefer email
communication. i have a project am working on. Its complete. i need analytic judgement.
further details will be through email.
Sanjay Chouhan
Dear Sir,
I have a circuit which input is 230 Ac and out put is 120 v DC but suddenly it has started
giving 350V DC output, its a transformer less circuit which consist two 22 micro farad
450v capacitor and much more
Colin Mitchell
it has started giving 350V DC output,

It will always be 350V DC output
faridul islam
how to calculate out put volt this circuit ? please help me sir.
Colin Mitchell
The OUTPUT VOLTAGE of all transformerless power supplies will be about 50%
HIGHER than the mains voltage if a LOAD is not connected. Thats RIGHT: The output of
a 120v CAPACITOR POWER SUPPLY (transformerless power supply) will be about 180v
and a 240v mains transformerless power supply will be about 345v.
How do you get a 12v or 24v supply????
It works like this: The transformerless power supply is a CURRENT-DELIVERED power
supply. In other words we have to talk about CURRENT-VALUES and not voltages.
For a bridge circuit (called a full-wave design) it will deliver 7mA for each 100n. Suppose
we have 220n. We have 15mA available.
We take the 15mA and say: How many volts will develop across a 100R load? The
answer = 0.015 x 100 = 15v. I f we use 82R the voltage will be about 12v. If we use 220R
the voltage will be 33v. Thats how the output voltage is developed.
If you add another 220n across the 220n, the voltages will be DOUBLE. Its as simple as
that.
faridul islam
so,volt is load dependent.
ceejay
pls sir, what is problem with a 230v and 400v transformer and rectifier that keeps tripping
the DCCB (Breaker)
Colin Mitchell
Put a fuse in the circuit in place of the breaker and see if it blows.
ceejay
this have to do with a 230V and 400V transformer and rectifier plane.
ceejay
how many banks of a 1.6v,90ah batteries can get 148vDC
Harish
Dear Sir,
I am currently working on capacitor charging circut. The capacitor rating is 2200uf 250v.
Can u suggest me schematic to charge this capacitor.

Thank you.
faridul islam
Mr.harish
you can charge this capacitor upper power supply circuit jest open Zener diode and dont
touch it when you give power .
Harish
Dear Mr Faridul Islam,

My input is 120Vac on the secondary of the transformer, and the DC ouput required
is 120Vdc to charge these capacitors. How do I design a regulator for 120Vdc? I
intend to use linear regulator using transistors. Is it possible?
Thanks.
Colin Mitchell
The capacitor rating is 2200uf 250v. Dont you mean The capacitor rating is 2200uf 25v.
Harish
Dear Mr Colin Mitchel

Yes the capacitor rating is 2200uf 250v and 2200uf 160v.
Colin Mitchell
the capacitor rating is 2200uf 250v

It must be very BIG
Get a flash camera and charge the electro from the output.
Harish
Dear Mr Colin,
Yes! Its a big capacitor only. Now i need to charge them @ 120vdc for which i am
working on. I need some idea on regulator circuit for obtaining this constant voltage of
120v dc
Colin Mitchell
How fast do you want to charge them
Harish
Dear Mr Colin
Have not got a thought on the charging time. Few ms may be. Its just a vague
answer. No sure!! Will get back. Please propose a idea if it were to be milli seconds
range.
Colin Mitchell
mS is too quick. It has to be seconds.
Harish
Dear Mr Colin
Sure. Will get back once i study it again.Any idea on regulator circuit for 120v for
seconds charging.
Thanks.
Colin Mitchell
What is your input voltage
Harish
Hi.
My Input to bridge rectifier is 120vac. i.e the secondary of the transformer.
Colin Mitchell
120vac will give you 170v DC to charge the 2,200u to 170v via a 1k 2watt resistor
Harish
Colin,
Right. But i shall need a 120v as my dc voltage. If im not wrong i need to regulate
the rectifier o/p to obtain it. How do i do that!!!
Harish
Hi.. I am getting about 149vdc at the o/p of capacitor filter 200uf/400v and 1k 2w resistor.
Got to bring down to 120v constant DC voltage. pls Help.
Harish
Hi.. I am getting about 149vdc at the o/p of capacitor filter 200uf/400v and 1k 2w resistor.
need a 120vdc constant at my o/p.
Colin Mitchell
A 220u 400v electro is placed across the output of the bridge.

The voltage across the 220u will be about 170v. DC
Why do you want 120v DC?
How much current do you want?
How long do you want to draw the current?
Digil David
Sir I connect 225k capacitor series with my multimeter and check the output voltage, but
I saw something against my expectation. That is the voltage varies from max 230 to 0. In
my expectation it must be nearly 25v. But when I put 1M resistor parallel with capacitor
the output willbe nearlly 118 volt. I get the same range for some other values of capacitor.
Is it correct, pls rply.
Allwin
Sir i want to connect 5 blue leds in series I have 24v 1amps transformer . my question
is how much power need for tis cicuit
Colin Mitchell
How much current do the LEDs take
Allwin
25ma .
Colin Mitchell
If each blue LED has a characteristic voltage-drop of 3.5v, the total voltage-drop will be
17.5v for 5 LEDs. This means you have 24v 17.5v = 6.5v to be dropped across the
current limiting resistor.
But a 24v transformer specifies the voltage as an AC RATING and when this AC voltage
is converted to DC via a bridge and electrolytic, the output will be 24 x 1.4 = 34v. There
will be 2v lost across the bridge, making the output voltage 32v. This means the voltage
to be dropped across the current-limiting resistor will be 14.5v.
If the current is 25mA, the resistance of the current-limiting resistor must be 580 ohms.
Use 560 ohms
Allwin
Tq Colin sir I understand from u so now i want to now about CA Blue color 4
inch 7 segment . I not get data sheet .. Now how much current & voltage need for
each segment. Inside each segment they connect 5 leds in series . pls HELP ME
SIR..
Allwin
For power supply we can use IN4007 diode and Electrolytic how much uF to
use.???
Colin Mitchell
IN4004 diode and Electrolytic 470uF
Allwin
Tq Colin sir I understand from u so now i want to now about CA Blue color 4
inch 7 segment . I not get data sheet .. Now how much current & voltage need for
each segment. Inside each segment they connect 5 leds in series . pls HELP ME
SIR..
Colin Mitchell
so now i want to now about CA Blue color 4 inch 7 segment . I not get data sheet .. Now
how much current & voltage need for each segment. Inside each segment they
connect 5 leds in series
I cannot help you
Allwin
why ,,,,,???? for five blue leds in series we can give 560ohms /32v means . Then
we can give same voltage with 560ohms resistor to each segment .
Allwin
Min and max input voltage for 7805 Ichelp me
sarang
Sir, please explain

how to design half wave power supply of 10 volt 100ma using 684k capacitor. Actually I
want to make 4 min timer circuit using cd4060. Triac is use to switch AC to external
bulb.
manish verma
hello sir ,
i need ur help , for making a led message display ,
http://www.electronicsforu.com/electronicsforu/lab/ad.asp?
url=www.electronicsforu.com/electronicsforu/circuitarchives/view_article.asp?
sno=354&title=LED-Based%20Message%20Displayplz check this website and if i
wantt to use thousands of led instead odf 172 led what change in this circuit plz help.
Sandip
on March 20, 2014 at 6:43 am
Hiii,
my Problem is, Power factor of my circuit is in (-ve) side, can you help me..
SURESH KUMAR
on March 20, 2014 at 10:41 am
sir,i I have one doubt .How to choose the capacitor rating for single phase motor .THE
motor rating is
VOLTAGE=230v,CURRENT=6.7A,FR=50HZ,HP=1,SPEED=1430.PLEASE SENT THE
VALUE.
zafer
hi
can we add mor then 1 led for thise circuit
can we put 10 or morr leds
thanks
Colin Mitchell
Remove the zener diode and increase the voltage of the electro and you can add up to 50
LEDs in series
zafer
thanks Mr colin
Mr Colin
can i find mobile solar circuit charger about 1350 MA
i put solar cell and diod 4007 and 4 v batary 2 AM
but dosnt charge the mobile phon and thy battry is full ?
how i can solve the problem
if there is any circuit solar charger for mobile (cill phone )
thanks
Howard
on May 1, 2014 at 3:07 pm
Lethal! Never use a transformerless supply of this type. Anything connected to it can
easily be raised to full mains potential even without any faults. As an alternative, there
are hundreds of wall-wart psus to be found in trash: they either have a conventional safe
transformer inside, or a pulse-mode circuit. Both give the necessary isolation from
mains. Some have a built in rectifier, and some also a regulator. It is easy anyway to add
those, and they provide a much more stable supply for your equipment.
Could save a life. Yours or someone elses! Take care.
Jim Keith
on May 1, 2014 at 10:25 pm
Thanks Howard, I have been warning everyone about the dangers here for some time.
While some think that they are essentially getting something cheap, they are
sacrificing safety (both human and equipment). Consider an oscilloscope that is
attached to suchand the scope is plugged into a USB port on your PC (that is
grounded)and then you throw the switch (turn on the fault current). Something just
may blow up in your face and take your valuable equipment with it or you just
happen to bridge your body across the hot side of the line to ground. Get a wall wart
power supply.
http://www.electroschematics.com/6938/of-wall-warts-wall-transformers/
Howard
on May 2, 2014 at 4:21 pm
Hello Jim, glad to make your acquaintance. The great electronic experimenters are
young people: least concerned with safety, and the most likely to try any schematic they
come across. The mains is no joke. Fifty years on, I still remember what it felt like to
touch the 240 volt live chassis of a cheap radio and get a jolt right through to my feet
standing on a damp stone floor. Momentarily thrown unconscious, but fortunately still
around to tell the story!
Neil
on May 3, 2014 at 12:28 pm
Hi there. Can I use this capacitive circuit on a modified sine-wave inverter system? I used
sensor lights and they both failed after a few minutes. Thanks for a great article.
faridul islam
on May 3, 2014 at 7:42 pm
No ,its not possible.
Sagar
on May 15, 2014 at 9:07 am
Dear Sir,
I want Cap drop power supply with 3.3V /.250A is it possible with below calculation
please let me know.
X = 1 / {2 x 50 x 2.7 x( 1 / 1,000,000) } = 1150 Ohms
&
I = 230 V / 1150 = 0.2A
Sagar
on May 15, 2014 at 9:08 am
Yes, i like it
Colin Mitchell
on May 15, 2014 at 11:30 am
each 100n provides 7.5mA

Thats ALL you have to know.
prashanth suvarna
on May 26, 2014 at 1:17 am
Hey,Hey! hold on guysThis is a simple circuit 4simple applications requiring a few

milliamps only. If u want2 draw more current over what Mr Collins & other well meaning
people state then be prepared 4the consequences.The circuit can suddenly become
unstable esp if the cap,s are stressed out2much as they usually are.One other point is
that exploding caps esp of ratings >225or more can also unsettle lots of stable folks
around the said pwr unit.For Lo pwr or 4curiousity okmore than that use the
transformer approach.Its mush safer n stable.(Its not live also!)Jus 4 the rec I had
observed many Chinese LED powered flashlight batteries getting spoilt using this
ckt.Rewire the same by using a Zener of 12Vand then 2a 7806 with a small clip on
heatsink(Heats up when batt is Lo/dead.)try2use a 1000/12V and a 470/12 at the
input&@the output.Ur batt will last a very,very long time.U dont have2 worry abt getting
overcharged also(The reg limits the I flow2the Batt after it reaches full charge)(:-)Take
care Bye..
Vinod Chavan
on July 15, 2014 at 1:57 pm
hell sir, i want a 75 v dc output voltage. so which capacitor i can can use in series with
mains. thanks in advance
Colin Mitchell
on July 15, 2014 at 3:08 pm
It doesnt work like that. ALL capacitor-fed power supplies produce 350v output and it is
the load that determines the final voltage along with the value of the capacitor.
Alberto
on July 24, 2014 at 7:16 pm
Good day mr. Colin.

I will try 3 strings of up to 50 leds, at 20ma each string i guess 70-80 ma will be enough.
My question is about durability, (having read all the coments about failing capacitors) i
want to make a signal and use this at least 9 hours a day, an equivalent wall wart is
more durable, or both options have about the same performance?
Also, if i want to add a ne555 (in a 4th string) can i use the same power supply (having
modified the values, assuming 12v for the ne555, reducing the number of leds in this
string), or should i use another power supply for the 4th string?
Thanks in advance.
Colin Mitchell
The way to work out the current in a capacitor-fed power supply is to take the capacitor
on the front-end and find its reactance. For a 2u2 capacitor, it is 1,450 ohms. This will
allow a current to flow of 160mA. If the power supply is 20v, we take off 10% of 160mA=
140mA.
This is the current that will flow when the zener in the power supply is about 12v.
The wattage of the 100R on the front-end = .14 x.14 x 100 = 1.96watts and it will burn
out at 1watt.
The voltage across the 100R in the power supply = .14 x 100 = 14v Power lost = 14 x 14
/ 100 = 1.96 watts and a 0.5watt resistor will burn out.
Alberto
I used this circuit (removing R3) with a ne555, and 12 strings of 4 green leds (6 strings
sink + 6 source) and it works very well, leds are bright enough. But how is this possible,
as I am using a 224K. Im on 120 V 60 HZ. According to the figures here X=12K, so I=10
mA. So where does the mA are coming? Zener? Ne555? Or the calculationes in this
circuit are wrong?
John Lam
Hi Alberto,
You are right that the maximum current is about 10mA. You can measure it with an
ammeter in series with the LED.
Since you mentioned about sink and source, the two 6-strings of 4 green LEDs possibly
lighten up alternatively. Each of the 6 strings will pass through roughly 1.5mA, thats not
much current for one LED. However, when the 6 x 4 = 24 LEDs all lighten up at the same
time, you will have the bright enough perception.
Both the zener and the 555 timer will consume a little current, leaving less than 10mA for
the LED to consume.
John Lam
The use of transformerless power supply dated back at least 15-20 years ago if not
earlier. It was a historic innovation at that time when transformer power supply that is
heavy, bulky and cost-ineffective is the mainstream power supply in small electrical and
electronic gadgets.
Transformerless power supply are normally for loads that consume a small current
ranging from a few mA to a few tenths mA. In recent years, they are also designed to
supply larger current like those inside a LED light bulb. Every transformerless power
supply is in fact custom design specific to the current load of the application, and is put
inside an insulated enclosure. The risk of electric shock is minimal. In comparison to its
transformer counterpart, it is more cost-effective in manufacturing and more compact.
They are not supposed to be used as a general power supply.
For anyone who are interested in this kind of circuits, treat them for educational
purposes, learn how and why the circuits work. One can surely try to build one to suit a
specific application, but certainly not using it as a general-purpose power supply.
Colin Mitchell
The use of a transformerless power supply dates back at least 80 years. It was one of
the earliest ways to get HT and filament voltages for a radio.
The filament voltage for the valves was taken from a very large wire wound resistor and
some of the European valves had a very high filament voltage so that 2 of them could be
connected directly across the mains.
Any form of transformerless power supply is banned in Australia and yet electronics
suppliers are still selling auto-transformers.
Alberto
Mr John Lam: You are right, this circuit isnt for everyone and shouldnt be taken lightly
insulation-wise. Danger is still present, if youre not careful. As you mention it, this
circuit should be used only for the tenths of mA, which is my idea. Still I was amazed to
see how well it worked within that range. Tomorrow Ill use the ammeter and maybe later
post some other thoughts.
Thank you for your swift response.
Saludos.
follow me
please see attached file
John Lam
Hi follow me,
Lets talk about Q.5 first. When the circuit is connected to mains, C1 starts
charging. At that instant moment, the current flows through the circuit is at its
maximum. If the mains is at its peak value at that instant moment, the high current
may trip the mains circuit breaker, and thats the reason for the inclusion of R2 to
limit the in-rush current when plug-in.
The value of R2 is chosen so as to limit the in-rush current but at the same time
wont dissipate too much heat. When mains is 200V, Vpeak = 1.414 x 200V = 283V;
with R2 = 1k, Imax (inrush) = 283 / 1k = 283mA.
Because of the inclusion of D2, which is necessary for the sequential charging and
discharging of C1 in the circuit, R2 is conducting all the time (both in positive and
negative half cycles), the power dissipated by R2(assuming 60mA current) = I^2 x R
= (0.06)(0.06)(1000) = 3.6W. For safety, add roughly 50% margin, R2 should be
rated for 5W. That explains why R2 was very hot when you ran the circuit.
Q.3 and Q.4, both are based on the specifications of the LEDs. Try reading this link
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light-emitting_diode.
Q.1 Refer to other comments in this post. Take time to read through everything in
this post before asking the question again.
Q.6 Theoretically, you can use a resistor in place of C1. The impedance of C1 at
200V 50Hz is 3.183k (Z = 1 / 2fC). At 60mA, power dissipated by an equivalent
resistor = (0.06)(0.06)(3183) = 11.5W. Realistically, such resistor will be very big and
not economical and practical to build. An ideal capacitor will only go through the
charge / discharge cycles and will not dissipate heat. Practically, resistor will be
used only when the circuit is designed to supply current of a few mA.
Q.7 Calculations are a bit complicated to show here as they involve vector
calculations. Up to 3 decimal places, the equivalent impedance of C1 and R1, which
are in parallel, is in fact the same as the impedance of C1 which is 3.183k. Since
R2 is in series, the total impedance of these three components is 3.336k. (Using
Ztotal^2 = Zc^2 + Zr^2)
Assume the total voltage drop of the four LEDs is 10.3V, and the voltage drop of D1
is 0.7V. Total voltage drop is 11V. The average current supplied by the half-wave
rectified circuit (passing through the LEDs) = (Vmax total voltage drop) / (Z x ) =
(1.414 x 200 11) / (3.336 x 3.1416) = 25.94mA.
When calculating current passing through R2, use full-wave rectified formula, Irms =
(Vmax total voltage drop) / (Z x 1.414) = 57.61mA. So voltage drop across R2 = I x
R2 = 57.61V.
The voltage drop across R1 and C1 in parallel = 57.61 x 3.183 = 183.37.
You may see that the total voltage drop does not add up to 200V. It is because
individual voltage drops are out of phase to each other. When using vector
calculations to add up for the total, the answer will be exactly 200V.
Google how to calculate voltage drop in RC circuit for more information. Hope these
will answer most of your questions.
Colin Mitchell
This is a half-wave circuit and the 105 will deliver 35mA through ALL the LEDs at the
same time.
The current will actually be 70mA for half-cycle and 0mA for the other half-cycle.
The 1k resistor will dissipate about 1 watt
kalamkar
sir, i have connected 70 no.of 5mm multicolour led in series with 1 uf poly capacitor in
ckt. it draws 10.68 ma current. please give me justification of that,
Colin Mitchell
The 1u only delivers an average of 35mA when it is driving one to 5 LEDs. When you
connect more LEDs to the circuit, the voltage on the top of the string is 70 x 2.5v = 175v
approximately and the difference between the incoming voltage and the voltage being
delivered to the LEDs is 240v 175 = 65v. The 1u will only deliver 30% of 35mA or about
10mA.
kalamkar
what is that funda of 30%
kalamkar
voltage at output of bridge showing 260volt dc, and incoming of bridge supply voltage is
208 volt ac. across 1 uf its showing 56 volt ac. kindly explain my doubts..
John Lam
Hi kalamkar,
You mentioned bridge. Did you use a four-diode full-wave bridge rectifier OR use the
exact circuit posted by follow me? If applicable, provide me with the value of R1 and
R2 used. In addition, measure and give me the values of the AC mains voltage and
the total DC voltage drop of the 70 multicolor LED in series. Moreover, tell me
whether the measurements are from an analog or digital multimeter.
I will then justify all your measurements.
Colin Mitchell
There is no DC in the circuit.
Colin Mitchell
the total DC voltage drop of the 70 multicolor LED in series.

Both of you have made the same mistake.
There is NO DC in the circuit.
The voltage across the LEDs is PULSATING DC and cannot be measured by either type
of multimeter.
John Lam
Hi Mr. Mitchell,
DC voltage may be steady, pulsating, or even has AC superimposed on it. When a
voltage does not change its sign, the voltage is termed DC voltage. Even rectified AC
with a smoothing capacitor is in nature a pulsating DC with minimal ripple voltage.
Cheap digital multimeter may not be able to measure DC voltage accurately when
the DC voltage has been coupled with AC voltage. However, when the DC voltage is
steady or just pulsating, either an analog or cheap digital multimeter will measure the
average value of DC waveform, especially here we are dealing with either a full-wave
or half-wave sinewave pulsating DC voltage.
Hi kalamkar,
You are connecting 70 multicolor LEDs in series, of which the total DC voltage drop
is based on the specification of individual LED. The current that the circuit can supply
is dtermined partly by the voltage drop of the LED string. On the other hand, the
voltage drop of the LED string is based on the amount of current flows through. That
means they are mutually dependant on each other.
To justify your measurements, the DC voltage drop of the LED string must be
measured.
Colin Mitchell
However, when the DC voltage is steady or just pulsating, either an analog or cheap
digital multimeter will measure the average value of DC waveform, especially here we are
dealing with either a full-wave or half-wave sinewave pulsating DC voltage.
So? What value is the multimeter going to read? How are you going to interpret the
result?
Any calculations are worthless.
How does a cheap multimeter measure AVERAGE DC ?????
Colin Mitchell
The whole circuit is much more complex than we are covering here.
For a start, LEDs are not like an ordinary LOAD. They are OPEN-CIRCUIT until the
characteristic voltage of the whole string is reached.
This is not important when you have a few LEDs but when you have 70 LEDs in series,
the operation of the circuit is completely different.
The characteristic voltage of a LED changes very little from a few mA to about 20mA, but
LEDs from different batches can be quite noticeable. 70 LEDs in series is going to have
a minimum characteristic drop of 120v and can be as high as 210v for white LEDs.
This means the voltage across the 1u is going to be between 150v and 225v and this will
reduced its ability to deliver current. The LEDs will only turned on for less than 30% of
the cycle and they will not be very bright.
varuna
Sir, Please check your above calculation. the X must be equal to 1.44k and not to 14.4k,
then I=159mA. Please check it.
Varuna.
sunil p.kalamkar
i made 25 led series connection in which i found 1 big problem that when dc side
disconnected accidently & reconnect it damaged my all led in seconds, what will be the
reason & how i control this, please guide me.
Colin Mitchell
What value zener diode did you use?
sunil p.kalamkar
no i didnt used any zener diode
Colin Mitchell
Without a zener diode, the electrolytic charges to 345v and when you connect the LEDs
they BLOW UP.
sunil p.kalamkar
ok sir, i will try with zener .if possible kindly clarify your answer posted on 6th nov.
still i had a doubts

for 70 no led it will require 3*70=210 volts dc. i used 1 mf capacitor which having
xc=3184.71 for 50hz. on 15 ma current it,s drop is 47.770volt. whwn we reduce this from
230v rms it remains 183 volt rms on dc side it becomes 164dc then how my series
run
Colin Mitchell
What colour LEDs are you using
sunil p.kalamkar
multicolour led==having vf=3.2
sunil p.kalamkar
sir, i have also 1 doubt that for filtering i have used 10uf,400v electroly. capacitor, if i
creased that value can i get high dc voltage.
Colin Mitchell
For 70 LEDs you just need a bridge and one current limiting resistor.
Colin Mitchell
For 70 LEDs you need a bridge and then two 1k2 resistors in series. Put the electrolytic
on the end of the resistor to 0v. Now add two more 1k2 resistors and on the end of the
4th 1k2, put the 70 LEDs.
sunil p.kalamkar
what is the formula for selection of filter capacitor please tell me?
Is there is increase in dc current or higher brightness by increasing filter capacitor value?
Colin Mitchell
Are you talking about a filter capacitor or a supply capacitor
Sunil
Respected sir, I am talking about filter( electrolytic capacitor)
John Lam
Lets start from scratch.
I have 25 white LEDs. Specifications of the white LED are, Voltage: 3.2-3.4VDC,
Forward Current: 20mADC. The LED series string will be driven by a capacitive power
supply composed of R1 and C1 connected to 120VAC @60Hz and a bridge rectifier
(1N4004)and a smoothing capacitor C2(10uF 250V).
Based on specification, the LED string will drop (3.2 x 25)VDC = 80VDC, and roughly
20mADC current is required, we first have to calculate the value of the limiting
capacitor.
1) Roughly calculate the peak voltage available on the input:
Vpeak = Vrms Vload = [120 x SQRT(2)]V 80V = 90V
Here we ignore the voltage drop of the bridge rectifier.
2) Calculate the impedance on the input that will give DC 20mA:
Z = [(90 x 2 ) / 0.02] = 2.865k
Here we ignore the resistance of the resistor in series.
3) Calculate the value of the limiting capacitor:
Z = 1 / 2fC ==> C = 1 / 2fZ = 0.9259uF; closest is 1uF.
Therefore, a 1uF capacitor is required to build the circuit.
After building the circuit, we measure the volatge and current at different points of the
circuit, and the value of the components connected using a cheap multimeter (cost
C$10) and compared with the theoretical values. By doing so, we will have a better
understanding of how and why the circuit works as well as learn some basic
calculations.
Actual figures: AC mains = 122.8VAC,
Actual resistance of R1 = 219.5
Actual capacitance of C1 = 1.043uF, ==> reactance = 2.543k;
Total impedance of R1 + C1 = SQRT ( R1^2 + C1^2) = 2.55246k
Measured voltage drop of LED string = 80.2VDC
Measured average current passing through LED = 21.80mADC
Now calculate the theoectical current:
[122.8 x SQRT(2) - 2x0.7 - 80.2} x2 ] / 2.55246 = 22.96mA; the 20.7 is the
voltage drop of the bridge rectifier in each half cycle when two diodes are conducting.
Compare the calculated value of 22.96mA with the measured value of 21.80mA, the
difference is about 5% which is very satisfactory taken into consideration
measurements are taken by a cheap meter and the actual components are not ideal
components.
Other measurements worth of interest are:
Measured current on mains input = 31.85mAAC
Measured Voltage of C1 = 73.2VAC
Measured Voltage of R1 = 6.98VAC
Total voltage of R1+C1 should be 73.53VAC based on these figures. However,
Measured Total Voltage of R1+C1 = 73.8VAC, a 0.37% error.
In my circuit, a smoothing capacitor with an appropriate higher value will theoretically
smooth the current flow and reduce the flicker of the LED that is in fact invisible to
human eyes, but certainly has no effect on voltage.
John Lam
The image file is the circuit for the related discussion.
John Lam
There is one type error in my last explanation.
When I mentioned that we want the capacitor to at least maintain 50% of its initial
charge, the equation used is time required = ln(1/2) * RC = 0.693RC; it should be
time required = ln(2) * RC = 0.693RC. 0.693 is from ln(2) which is correct in the
original equation.
Although that type error doesnt affect subsequent mathematical deductions, its
better to provide you with the right concept.
sunil p.kalamkar
sir if i used half wave rectiier i.e. 1 single diode then what should be the values, as i
tried & lost my all leds.waiting for your reply
sunil p.kalamkar
thanks for your valuable answer sir, but my basic query still unanswered.what i want to
know that if i choose correct filter capacitor is there any increse in brightness or not?
John Lam
Hi sunil,
Before I provided you with the above explanation, I read all your questions posted
since Nov. 5. You questions ranged from why a certain value of the limiting capacitor
will deliver different current for different load voltages to the justification of various
voltage drop at different points in the circuit. My explanations probably answer all
your curiosities if not helping you to design a capacitive circuit from scratch.
My circuit didnt include a 80V zener diode because the supply current is only about
22mA that probably will be all consumed by the LED string leaving the zener diode
unconductive. A zener diode requires a few mA current to function probably. The only
benefit to include a zener diode in my circuit is the protection of the LED string in
case the LED string is accidently diconnected and re-connected again or there is a
loose connection. However, the rating of the zener should be rated for 2W or higher
(P = V * I = 80 * 0.021 = 1.68W). For your 75 LED string with 10mA current, P = 225
* 0.01 = 2.25W or higher.
As mentioned, increasing the value of the electrolytic smoothing capacitive would
smooth the current flow but the effect was insignificant to human eyes, so the
calculation for choosing it is skipped.
Since you are eager to know, here is a simple way to calculate.
Discharge rate of a capacitor is an exponential function (related to e = 2.71828).
However the equation introduced here is a linear approximation that will work
sufficiently well as ripple time is a small percentage of the stable time in the
analysis.
The term Time Constant, T = RC, is the time taken for the capacitor to drop its
charge or current to 1/e (0.3679) of its initial value. For practical use in smoothing,
we want the capacitor to at least maintain 50% of its initial value, and the time
required = ln(1/2) * RC = 0.693RC. Remember this is the time the supplied voltage
(currednt) is in a more stable condition. We now call it Time(stable).
For a full-wave rectified output, the time of each half sine-wave, which is actually the
ripple, is 1/2f. For 60Hz mains, Time(ripple) = 1/120 = 0.008333. For 50Hz,
Time(ripple) = 0.01.
Ripple Ratio = Time(ripple) / Time (stable), so a ratio of 0.05 means 5% ripple.
That means: Ripple Ratio = (1/2f) / (0.693RC)
Rearranging, C = 1 / [(2f)(0.693R)(Ripple Ratio)]
For circuit with V and I available, (like our circuits), we can substitute R by V and I.
So C = I / [1.386fV (Ripple Ratio)]
Example, based on my circuit, I = 0.0218A, Voltage = 80.2V, f = 60Hz, Ripple =
0.05 (5%) ==> C = 65.37uF.
For 1% ripple, C = 326.84uF.

For your circuit, assume full-wave rectified, I = 10mA, V = 75V, f = 50Hz, and you
think 5% ripple is acceptable, C = 38.48uF, for 1% ripple, C = 153.92uF.
For half-wave rectified circuit, multiple the answer by 2 as T(ripple) = 1/f instead of
1/2f.
Let me know if you notice any difference in brightness by increase the value.
John Lam
There is one type error in my last explanation.

When I mentioned that we want the capacitor to at least maintain 50% of its initial
charge, the equation used is time required = ln(1/2) * RC = 0.693RC; it should be
time required = ln(2) * RC = 0.693RC. 0.693 is from ln(2) which is correct in the
original equation.
Although that type error doesnt affect subsequent mathematical deductions, its
better to provide you with the right concept.
Colin Mitchell
Adding a reservoir capacitor (it is not a filter capacitor) will increase the brightness
considerably. Changing from 1u to 10u to 100u will not make much difference.
Colin Mitchell
RC = 0.693RC
One Physics point to note is this:
It is silly providing an accuracy to 3 decimal places when a capacitor is +50% -20%
tolerance.
sunil p.kalamkar
thank you very much sir, ill definietly try this phanda
pradnya
i am having 1 problem in full wave rectifier with capacitor.

problem is:
A fwr with capacitor filter having load resistance 150 ohm and caspacitance is 100
microfarad. calculate ripple factor. so in this what frequency should i took for
calculation????
John Lam
Hi pradnya,
Equations for calculating FWR ripple voltage or ripple percentage in any electrical or
electronic textbooks alreday taken into consideration that ripples are twice the mains
frequency, and the denominator includes the factor 2f where f is the mains frequency.
Therefore, the frequency used should be just the mains frequency in such equations.
Unless the equation you used is a modified equation found on a website that
specifies the f in the equation is already ripple frequency, you should always use
the mains frequency for f.
If your mains frequency is 50Hz, using the general equation found in most textbook,
Ripple% = 1 / (2fRC) = 66.67%, meaning the capacitor value is too small.
Colin Mitchell
100Hz
bharath
sir im have connected a same circuit but im getting 218v across the bridge rectifier so
could tell me the solution for bcoz im stucked over here
sunil p.kalamkar
i have made 25 led series by using 5 parrallel path. 5 led in each sstring, can any one
provide me running light circuit ,
or can i use this circuit in any running light circuit . if any one having ,, then plz provide.
so that it help me to complete my project.
Colin Mitchell
What is your supply voltage?????
sunil p.kalamkar
sir,after so much try i got one running light belt circuit for 300 led i.e. 50 led in one path.
i want to run my 25 led earlier mentioned circuit on it, kindly suggest me requisite
changes in the attached circuit. i tried so much but cant succeed. plz help
sunil p.kalamkar
i want to connect our circuit output ( un filtered )to attached circuit, kindly provide me the
connection guidance accordingly
sunil p.kalamkar
waiting for reply sir
sunil p.kalamkar
where r all guys ? no solution
sunil p.kalamkar
hi john lam suppose i want to run 25 series led series by using 1 diode what will be the
values of capacitor and resistor , my input volttage is 230 volt ac ..waiting for your
valuable reply
bharath
250v
sunil p.kalamkar
is anybody hear me ? dont worry i will not ask any new question.
Colin Mitchell
25 or 50 LEDs will work on the PCB shown above
sunil p.kalamkar
no sir i have connected 25 led , all are blown within 10 sec. ,
Colin Mitchell
If 50 LEDs work, then 25 LEDs will work. It is a constant current circuit
sunil
No sir, they have used half wave I.e. Used 1 diode and supply given to 6 paths.. 6 scrs
gate fired sequentially.
25 led come across half rectified 230 volt circuit,peak 325 volt. So my basic question is
suppose I want our capacitor switching circit to use full wave,is that possible?
John Lam
Hi sunil,
Just looking at the PCB with different components on it, I was unable to figure out
what kind of circuit it is. So I gave no comment until I now better understand the
circuit by summing up all the information you gave in your last few postings.
You said the LEDs are driven by half-wave rectified DC, meaning it would
automatically turn off during the negative half cycle. The original circuit is designed to
connect 50 LEDs (50 x 3V = 150V) and can safely connected to HWR that has an
effective of Vrms = Vpeak / 2 = 162V. However, when you only connect 25 LEDs (25
x 3V = 75V), they will blown off right away with an applied voltage of 162V.
John Lam
Hi sunil,
I have to admit my last explanation is TOTALLY wrong. Mr. Colin Michell is right that
with a peak voltage of 325V, the LED string would blown off instantaneously.
The part that I agree to the LEDs are driven by half-wave rectified DC, meaning it
would automatically turn off during the negative half cycle remains valid. Of course,
its only a possibility until the PCB is flipped over for the connections.
Colin Mitchell
The board clearly shows fullwave AND SMOOTHED DC to the LEDs
Colin Mitchell
The board clearly shows fullwave AND SMOOTHED DC to the IC and halfwave to the
SCRs to turn them off.
DC will not turn them off.
Colin Mitchell
The original circuit is designed to connect 50 LEDs (50 x 3V = 150V) and can safely
connected to HWR that has an effective of Vrms = Vpeak / 2 = 162V.
This is entirely incorrect.
The half-wave rectifier still delivers 345v and any LEDs less than this will blow up
immediately.
50 LEDs are equal to a zener diode and must have a limiting resistor.
Stop putting false information on the web. It just makes my job harder.
sunil p.kalamkar
sir you are correct 50 leds are with limiting resisitors nearly 2400 ohm in each path.]
but still my basic question is not answered regarding how to use capacitive power supply
circuit in this circuit to run leds without connectingg series resistor to them?
before that i want to share some info. with you that i disconnected diode and
disconnected the return path of main supply next to ic and inserted our capacitive power
supply circuit but it only blinks at starting and not run as i desired ..please find remedy
on it so that i can save resisitive power loss in led series
Colin Mitchell
I have absolutely no idea what you are doing but you have to remember to discharge the
capacitor.
sunil p.kalamkar
ok just tell me how we can series resisitor in led path?
sunil p.kalamkar
ok how we can eliminate series resisitors in led series path ?
sunil p.kalamkar
what i did for that i have attached pcb,s reverse side image. which didn,t succeed
sunil p.kalamkar
my basic goal is use capacitor power supply circuit for running light and i hope genious
persons like you would help me to achieve this
Colin Mitchell
You need a series resistor to absorb spikes and when the circuit is turned ON. It can be
about 1k. The capacitor limits the current.
Provide a photo of the underside of the PCB shown in the photo above.
sunil p.kalamkar
i cant understand which photo u want, i already posted image of underside of pcb
sunil p.kalamkar
if possible kindly provide me circuit diagram of what u want to say
Colin Mitchell
i already posted image of underside of pcb

Where????
sunil p.kalamkar
underside of pcb
John Lam
Hi sunil,
The PCB bottom is NOT from the same PCB that shows components. Though I am
sure the LED strings are driven by FWR DC, can you post a photo of the component
side of this exact board?
Provide the component no. of the IC if you can read from it. I want to figure out the
exact reason for burning your 25-LED string. The zener probably is for regulating
voltage for the IC, and should be of comparatively low voltage. It doesnt sound like
the 25-LED string was burnt by the high voltage of the smoothing capacitor.
Annway, I will appreciate if you can take a photo of the component side of the exact
PCB that shows the bottom side.
John Lam
Another typo, FWR should read as HWR.
Albus
I completed the circuit up to bridge and then I kept both ends open. did not connect
zenor or any thing (no load) and then I measured the output across bridge outputs. It was
218V. After connecting 550K direct between bridge out no zenor no smoothing capacitor;
still it shows 218V across bridge output. Is it right or I thought It should show 15V.
sunil p.kalamkar
hi john i have to use our caopacitor FWR supply instead of this diode , is it possible to
achive ? for ref i have attache dthe back side of the respective pcb
John Lam
Hi sunil,
Attached is the circuit of your PCB. The 2.4k resistor may be locate just directly in
front of the HWR diode. For simplicity, I have only drawn one of the six outputs of the IC.
The PCB has both the capacitive and resistive power supply. The capacitive supplies
power to the IC, whereas the resistive part feeds the LED strings.
When you only connect a 25-LED string, the current is higher than connecting 50-LED
string. That might be the reason of the blown out.
Cut the PCB at the two locations marked with x and connect your capacitive power
supply output to the circled + and -. Without cutting the lower x, the current from the
CPS flows to the ground and will not light up your LED string.
Give me the number of the IC if you can see it.
John Lam
Sunil,
I dont know why you want to do it this way. Just remember the LED string will stay on
forever because the power supplied now is FWR instead of the original HWR. You might
consider using the original PCB and increase the value of the current-limiting resistor.
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Voltage Dropping Capacitor

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Capacitive Power Supply Circuit

Schematic of the Capacitor Power Supply Circuit

WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK ABOUT THE

capacitor power supply express pcb layout

Before selecting the dropping capacitor, it is necessary to

442 Responses to "Capacitive Power Supply Circuit"

on May 13, 2010 at 7:48 am

on January 29, 2014 at 8:48 am

on May 13, 2010 at 9:00 am

on November 29, 2011 at 12:56 am

Capacitor Power Supply:

on January 17, 2012 at 7:55 pm

I have Transformer 12volt 40 ampire

on February 18, 2012 at 10:08 pm

How can I correct the power factor of such a circuit easily?

on June 10, 2012 at 12:18 pm

Your artical is very good for power supply circuit.

on July 26, 2012 at 5:44 pm

on July 26, 2012 at 9:05 pm

DC at this voltage is not that difficultcan be accomplished via a fly-back or boost

on August 10, 2012 at 7:34 pm

i like your article

on June 13, 2013 at 4:40 pm

on June 15, 2013 at 3:43 pm

on November 7, 2013 at 5:15 am

on March 4, 2014 at 11:19 pm

on April 14, 2014 at 10:15 pm

I need converter 24 v dc to 12 v dc 60 w who can help me

on August 23, 2014 at 9:57 am

on May 21, 2010 at 7:40 pm

on May 22, 2010 at 6:58 pm

Rectance of the capacitor 0.22 uF is calculated as X=1/2Pi.f.C

That is 230 / 14.4 = 15.9 mA.

on May 22, 2010 at 7:30 pm

Thank you Sir, for your kind prompt reply.

on June 11, 2012 at 8:01 am

Your explaination read as,

on November 20, 2013 at 10:18 am

on June 24, 2010 at 10:36 am

on June 24, 2010 at 10:42 am

on June 24, 2010 at 11:17 am

thanksguysplease send the details of the circuit ..details of components ..is

on July 7, 2010 at 3:25 am

on July 7, 2010 at 4:41 am

on July 9, 2010 at 1:51 pm

on July 9, 2010 at 2:06 pm

on July 15, 2010 at 10:36 pm

on July 16, 2010 at 5:39 am

Thanks for the feedback

on November 24, 2011 at 6:50 pm

on August 6, 2010 at 5:39 pm

What is the device of the MOV?

on August 7, 2010 at 5:25 am

on August 7, 2010 at 10:44 am

on August 7, 2010 at 8:45 pm

Here you can read more about the MOV http://electroschematics.com/5224/metaloxide-varistor/

on November 24, 2011 at 6:52 pm

HELLO SIR,CAN I GET YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS?

on February 10, 2014 at 4:32 pm

excuse me sir, can i ask you more about MOV?

on August 10, 2010 at 5:55 pm

1. What affects the size of the output voltage

on August 10, 2010 at 6:03 pm