On Sat, 01 May 2004 08:23:18 -0500, dazed and confuzed
wrote:

Wayne.B wrote:

If you open up the circuit while it is under load the voltage can (and
frequently does) rise to the point where the Peak Inverse Voltage
rating of the diodes is exceeded, and the junction permantently fails.


for the few seconds required to place an ameeter in the circuit?
Perhaps. But I doubt it.

Your mileage may vary.
B

Wayne spoke wisely - it takes about 5 microseconds maybe less of
reverse overvolts - it's not a slow thermal process

Brian W