TESTING GTO THYRISTORS

Testing Peak Reverse Voltage (PRV)

1.

Set the voltage control to the zero

position, (fully counter clockwise)
before turning on the tester.

2.

Install the GTO with the anode side

up. Please Note: The anode is the
side of the GTO that has the flange
(standard SCRs have the flange on
the cathode side).

a. Insert the anode paddle between the plunger and the GTO anode to provide
connectivity to the top of the GTO.
b. Adjust the plunger on the clamp to fit the thickness of the GTO.
c. The red lead from the tester plugs into the paddle.
d. Close the clamp. Only moderate pressure is required.

Anode Paddle

3.

Connect the tester Cathode (Black) lead to the clamp red plug, and connect the Gate
(Blue) lead to the white gate wire from the GTO as shown in the drawing. CAUTION:
Be careful not to mix up the Anode and Cathode leads or high voltage will be applied
to the Gate!

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4.

Set the function switch on the tester to the PRV (Peak Reverse Voltage) position, turn
the tester on, and press and hold the Test button.
a. Please Note: Most modern GTOs are Asymmetrical which means that the
Peak Reverse Voltage (VRRM) is between 17 to 20 Volts.

5.

Slowly increase the voltage control knob while observing the Voltage and Current
meters. The voltage and current meter reads - negative in the PRV function setting.

6.

In a properly functioning GTO, once the 17 to 20 Volt level is reached, the leakage
current just keeps increasing without the voltage going up.

7.

An improperly functioning GTO will not get to 17 Volts.

Testing Peak Forward Voltage (PFV)

1.

Set the voltage control to the zero position, (fully counter clockwise) before turning on
the tester.

2.

Install the GTO with the anode side up. Please Note: The anode is the side of the
GTO that has the flange (standard SCRs have the flange on the cathode side).
a. Insert the anode paddle between the plunger and the GTO anode to provide
connectivity to the top of the GTO.
b. Adjust the plunger on the clamp to fit the thickness of the GTO.
c. The red lead from the tester plugs into the paddle.
d. Close the clamp. Only moderate pressure is required.

3.

Connect the tester Cathode (Black) lead to the clamp red plug, and connect the Gate
(Blue) lead to the white gate wire from the GTO as shown in the drawing. CAUTION:
Be careful not to mix up the Anode and Cathode leads or high voltage will be applied
to the Gate!

DARRAH ELECTRIC COMPANY

Page 3 of 4

4.

Set the function switch on the tester to the PFV (Peak Forward Voltage) position, turn
the tester on, and press and hold the Test button.

5.

The GTOs block much higher voltage in the forward voltage position. Typically 1,800,
2,200, 2,500 and 4,500 Volts.

6.

Slowly increase the voltage control knob while observing the Voltage and Current
meters. The voltage and current meter reads + positive in the PFV function setting.

7.

In a properly functioning GTO, the rated voltage should be reached before the leakage
current starts to rise rapidly. This is called the break-over point.

8.

Typical leakage currents at rated voltages may be around 2.25 mA.

9.

Know your Forward Voltage Rating before you test. Dont apply excessive voltage
beyond the GTO rating.

10. A shorted GTO will not allow any voltage reading and show a high current reading.

Testing Gate:
1.

Set the voltage control to the zero position, (fully counter clockwise) before turning on
the tester.

2.

Install the GTO with the anode side up. Please Note: The anode is the side of the
GTO that has the flange (standard SCRs have the flange on the cathode side).
a. Insert the anode paddle between the plunger and the GTO anode to provide
connectivity to the top of the GTO.
b. Adjust the plunger on the clamp to fit the thickness of the GTO.
c. The red lead from the tester plugs into the paddle.
d. Close the clamp. Only moderate pressure is required.

3.

Connect the tester Cathode (Black) lead to the clamp red plug, and connect the Gate
(Blue) lead to the white gate wire from the GTO as shown in the drawing. CAUTION:
Be careful not to mix up the Anode and Cathode leads or high voltage will be applied
to the Gate!

4.

Set the function switch on the tester to the GATE position, turn the tester on, and
press and hold the Test button.

5.

Slowly raise the voltage while observing the GATE TRIGGER light.

6.

Some GTOs gradually fire or turn on. Others turn on instantly like SCRs. This
depends on the specifications when the device was made. A typical GTO will gate or
turn on around .7 to 2 Volts and 40 to 200 mA.

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Page 4 of 4

7.

A shorted Gate is observed when the gate trigger light turns on immediately upon
raising the voltage control.

8.

If the light does not turn on the device is faulty.