Maximum voltage for breadboards?

[Topher925]

Anyone know what the maximum voltage you should put to a breadboard is? I've got a project that I need to prototype but it involves voltages of around 100V. I have a couple fairly high quality breadboards, do you think this is safe?

 

[Wetmelon]

From Wikipedia:

The spacing between the clips (lead pitch) is typically 0.1" (2.54 mm). Integrated circuits (ICs) in dual in-line packages (DIPs) can be inserted to straddle the centerline of the block. Interconnecting wires and the leads of discrete components (such as capacitors, resistors, inductors, etc.) can be inserted into the remaining free holes to complete the circuit. Where ICs are not used, discrete components and connecting wires may use any of the holes. Typically the spring clips are rated for 1 ampere at 5 volts and 0.333 amperes at 15 volts (5 watts).

If you have high quality breaboards, you may want to check the manufacturers' specs for those boards.

 

[Topher925]

From Wikipedia:


If you have high quality breaboards, you may want to check the manufacturers' specs for those boards.

I already tried. Most manufactures have no such specs including the ones that manufactured my boards.

 

[Wetmelon]

I already tried. Most manufactures have no such specs including the ones that manufactured my boards.

Are you pushing 100V DC? How many amps are you running? I think there's two issues here: The wattage the breadboard can handle, and the contact insulation.

 

[Topher925]

Yes, 100V DC. I'm pushing about 100uA max.

 

[Wetmelon]

Hmm. You can try it. According to one response on Yahoo Q&A that I saw, a guy successfully tested a 110V AC circuit on a breadboard, with low current. Give it a try with non-critical components?

 

[Curl]

It will work.

 

[berkeman]

Anyone know what the maximum voltage you should put to a breadboard is? I've got a project that I need to prototype but it involves voltages of around 100V. I have a couple fairly high quality breadboards, do you think this is safe?

Is this a plated through hole per pad type of breadboard? Can you post a link to what it looks like?

Plated through 0.1" breadboards are meant to be used with SELV voltages, which is basically 60V and below (although the specs vary...). If you can remove interstitial pads/holes/metal to create a wider spacing between energized pads, that would be the best approach.

What is it for? Are you following safe practices in the project (UL safety-type specs regarding fusing, creepage and clearance specs, user access to non-SELV voltages, etc.)?

 

[roeb]

I've used breadboards for 170 V with currents in the hundreds of microamps. But you should definitely use caution if you decide to try it.

 

[berkeman]

I've used breadboards for 170 V with currents in the hundreds of microamps. But you should try at your own risk because something could go wrong.

Do you mean the white plastic plugboards, or FR4 plated pad per hole soldered breadboards? Did you have 170V directly between adjacent holes?

 

[roeb]

The white plastic plugboards, I gave it a generous spacing. I should also mention that I only ran it for five minutes or less at a time.

 

[waht]

I've had a small high voltage transformer hooked up directly on the breadboard and following a diode voltage doubler at ~700V. No problems there.

 

[Topher925]

Is this a plated through hole per pad type of breadboard?

Its the white plug solderless type breadboards that are made of a thermoset kind of plastic.

This kind of device:

 

[Topher925]

I think I'm going to give it a shot. I'll just keep the pins a few spaces apart and I think it should be alright. I won't ever be putting more than 10mW through the board so I doubt anything's going to melt. As long as nothing arcs it should be fine I would think.

I've had a small high voltage transformer hooked up directly on the breadboard and following a diode voltage doubler at ~700V. No problems there.

I wish I was half the man you are. I start to get squeamish with anything over 240V and I wouldn't even dare working with stuff like that on a breadboard.