How To Build 230 Volts Flashing Lamps

This is a simple circuit of  230 Volts Flashing Lamps to make easy. This circuit is intended as a reliable replacement to thermally-activated switches used for Christmas tree lamp-flashing. The device formed by Q1, Q2 and related resistors triggers the SCR. Timing is provided by R1, R2 & C1. To change flashing frequency do not modify R1 and R2 values: set C1 value from 100 to 2200µF instead.

Best performances are obtained with C1= 470 or 1000µF and R4= 12K or 10K. Due to low consumption of normal 10 or 20 lamp series-loops intended for Christmas trees (60mA @ 230V typical for a 20 lamp series-loop), very small and cheap SCR devices can be used, e.g. C106D1 (400V 3.2A) or TICP106D (400V 2A), this last and the suggested P0102D devices having TO92 cases.

230 Volts Flashing Lamps Circuit Diagram:

Parts List:

R1___________100K   1/4W Resistor
R2,R5__________1K   1/4W Resistors
R3,R6________470R   1/4W Resistors
R4____________12K   1/4W Resistor

C1__________1000µF  25V Electrolytic Capacitor

D1-D4_______1N4007  1000V 1A Diodes
D5__________P0102D  400V 800mA SCR

Q1___________BC327  45V 800mA PNP Transistor
Q2___________BC337  45V 800mA NPN Transistor

PL1__________Male Mains plug

SK1__________Female Mains socket

Important Note:

• For proper operation it is absolutely necessary to employ high Gate-sensitive SCRs.
• If you are unable to find these devices you can use Triacs instead. In this case the circuit operates also with relatively powerful devices. A recommended Triac type is the ubiquitous TIC206M (600V 4A) but many others can work.
• Please note that, in spite of the Triac, diode bridge D1-D4 is in any case necessary.