Track width 230V AC

Sergei · Joined: 30 Dec 2005 Posts: 58

This ths the first time that I work with pcb's and AC power but I wonder what the track width should be is a PCB track has to withstand 300W @230V AC

Well, there are several sections:

1x 300W
1x 90W
2x 80W
2x 50W
1x20W

There is a common supply so that track should be able to hold 540W @230V AC

If the track would be to wide, anything to fix that?

tkordaso · Joined: 11 Feb 2007 Posts: 4

i don't have exact values, but from my memory: max allowed current for copper conductor is 3A/mm2 if insulated (in cable) or more in free air.
so you make calculation depending of copper thickness on your PCB.
if space is tight, you can add more solder to copper tracks, thus extending track thickness (and max current).
br
Tom

Sergei · Joined: 30 Dec 2005 Posts: 58

OK, sounds logical and found confirmation also on the net.
Thanks tkordaso

tkordaso · Joined: 11 Feb 2007 Posts: 4

u r welcome. Just make sure to have good clearance between 230V tracks and rest of your circuit.

Sergei · Joined: 30 Dec 2005 Posts: 58

Plenty of room, ac part is placed on it's own board and even the connections to the processor are protected with optical solution.

ryoung · Joined: 14 Nov 2005 Posts: 7

There are standards applicable to pcb spacing for any voltage applied. These are not arbitary values , the standards are there for reasons, NEVER forget this. It also depend on coating on pcb, humidity, type of pcb (all are not the same). Call up your local PCB manufacturer, mthey will probably willingly supply the local requirements. There are 2 x main standard groups, USA and the rest of the world ie EU standards. Dont get me wrong, this is not a USA vs others thing it is really separate groups that have set up differnt testing and monitoring systems that differ. If I remember correctly, the enclosure manufacturere "Rittal" have an electronics enclosure section that has spacing values for voltages vs environmental conditions etc. Have a look on the web.
I hope this helps a little.

Frankeman · Joined: 11 Aug 2004 Posts: 948 Location: the Netherlands

Google is your friend.
http://www.desmith.com/NMdS/Electronics/TraceWidth.html
http://www.pcbco.com.au/tracecalc.html
http://www.4pcb.com/index.php?load=content&page_id=95
And much more, search for "trace width calculator"

Frank.