Zener diode higher voltage usage

[qguy]

I bought a bunch of parts, somehow the store gave me a zener diode 33v 500 mW, what is needed is 14v 500mW zener diode.

Is this higher voltage (like capacitors) safe to use ?

 

[bktheking]

Zeners don't work that way, they are voltage regulators. If the circuit requires 14v 1/2 watt replace it with 14v 1/2 or 1 watt.

 

[petehall347]

i answered already in the pioneer forum and the answer is NO .. zeners control the voltage to the rating voltage . they will bleed off excess voltage to what the circuit expects ..

 

[avionic]

^
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What they said.. No, the 33v will not work in a 14v circuit.

 

[qguy]

ok thanks !!!

 

[gadget73]

A higher wattage is generally safe here though.