ummagumma Posted February 22, 2017 Share Posted February 22, 2017 I need to replace a module type 35A ( or maybe 50A ) bridge rectifier in a salt chlorinator power unit. Old one is soldered. A lot of heat was required to melt the solder on the old one due to the bulky cables used. Just concerned about applying too much heat when re attaching. Am wondering if it is advisable to use female spades or is soldering the only option? Thanks Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addicted to music Posted February 22, 2017 Share Posted February 22, 2017 There is a reason why they use solder as spades are unpredictable. If it's like to go all the time you might wanna use spades as a last resort so it's easier to replace next time. If you decided to use spades ensure that when you slip them on that it was a very tight connection. I have seen it, but some spades now come with a spring lever contact in the centre. So if the outer end of that female spade comes loose resulting in a lose connection, the spring lever will take over. You will find that most international equipment are now either soldering on components or using screw in type terminals. Spades loosening up is an absolute fire hazard especially for equipment that draws enourmous current. I've seen pcb go up in flames because of this when I was working on 3 phase power driving AC components that was built in the 70-80. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zaphod Beeblebrox Posted February 22, 2017 Share Posted February 22, 2017 25 minutes ago, ummagumma said: I need to replace a module type 35A ( or maybe 50A ) bridge rectifier in a salt chlorinator power unit. Old one is soldered. A lot of heat was required to melt the solder on the old one due to the bulky cables used. Just concerned about applying too much heat when re attaching. Am wondering if it is advisable to use female spades or is soldering the only option? Thanks Steve I have some experience with these things. First off: Remove the bridge from the heat sink. Next: * Use a soldering iron with a really big tip and run it hot. * Solder quickly. * Use the biggest (highest current) bridge you can locate. * Use thermal compound to mount the new bridge securely to the heat sink. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ummagumma Posted February 22, 2017 Author Share Posted February 22, 2017 Thanks..was thinking that soldering was used for a reason in the original design. Replacing original with Solid State 50A original was 35A. Appreciate the advice. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F18 Posted February 26, 2017 Share Posted February 26, 2017 (edited) A number of my amplifiers use crimped connectors to the rectifiers with a 700vdc rated crimp insulator sleeve. The rectifiers are 50amps. Crimped connectors are easier for troubleshooting they still require a good bit of force to remove from the rectifier legs. Cheers, Edited February 26, 2017 by willio747 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ummagumma Posted February 27, 2017 Author Share Posted February 27, 2017 (edited) Thanks. Did Solder successfully. Followed advice above. Took a lot of heat but all worked afterwards. Will think about crimping for next time Probably with a quality crimping tool... Thanks again. Edited February 27, 2017 by ummagumma Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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