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How to Troubleshoot a Zener Diode

Zener diodes are special electronic components that control voltage. A Zener diode keeps a node in the circuit within a few millivolts of the Zener diode-rated voltage, so long as the electrical current in the circuit stays within the Zener diode current range. Since a Zener diode is an active electronic component, testing a Zener diode requires a digital multimeter with a "diode test" function.

Things You'll Need

  • Digital multimeter
  • 12-volt DC power supply
  • Potentiometer
  • 1 Kiloohm resistor
  • Electrical wire
  • Electrical pliers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut three lengths of wire, and strip 1/2 inch of insulation from each wire end. Attach one end of the first wire to the positive terminal on the power supply. Attach one end of the second wire to the negative terminal on the power supply.

    • 2
      A diode (right) has a line on the casing indicating the cathode lead.
      A diode (right) has a line on the casing indicating the cathode lead.

      Turn on the digital multimeter, and switch the scale setting to "Diode Test." Attach the negative probe to the cathode lead, which is marked with a line across the diode casing, and attach the positive probe to the anode lead. Check the multimeter display. If the diode fails the test, the diode should not be used.

    • 3

      Disconnect the diode from the multimeter probes. Twist together the first wire jointly with the cathode lead and one end of the third wire. Twist the other end of the third wire onto one of the end terminals on the potentiometer.

    • 4

      Twist one of the resistor leads onto the potentiometer wiper terminal. Twist the remaining resistor lead together with the Zener diode anode lead and the free end of the second wire.

    • 5

      Turn on the power supply. Turn the multimeter scale setting to "Volts DC." Attach the positive probe to the Zener diode cathode lead. Attach the negative probe lead to the diode anode lead. Turn the potentiometer knob. Check the multimeter display. The reading should be approximately 12 volts.

Tips & Warnings

  • If the diode fails the diode test, or if the diode fails to maintain the rated voltage, dispose of and replace the diode.

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  • Photo Credit tech parts image by naolin from Fotolia.com

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