Reverse Voltage Protection in Lighting — A Must-Have for DIYers
🔍 The Problem: Reversed Connections Burn Out LEDs
Whether it’s a home automation prototype or a decorative lighting system, reversing polarity due to incorrect wiring is a frequent issue. Once reversed, power flows the wrong way—destroying your components almost instantly.
✅ The Solution: Use a Diode or a P-Channel MOSFET
For small current loads, a Schottky diode does the trick due to its low forward voltage drop. For higher current or efficiency needs, a P-Channel MOSFET wired correctly blocks reverse flow with minimal power loss. These are affordable and compact—perfect for prototyping.
🔧 Practical Example
Say you’re building a 12V LED strip driver. If you add a P-Channel MOSFET in series with the supply line, you create a gate-controlled “valve” that only opens for correct polarity. No manual checks needed!
🧮 Sample Calculation
If your LED strip draws 1.5A and you use a Schottky diode with a 0.4V drop:
Power loss = 0.4V × 1.5A = 0.6W — manageable, but avoidable with a MOSFET!
🛍️ Product Suggestions
Schottky Diode
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