Motor Speed Control

This circuit will allow you to control the speed of an AC motor, for example an electric drill. The way that this circuit works is as follows. The bridge rectifier produces dc voltage from the 120vac line. A portion on this current passes through the 10K ohm pot. The circuit comprised of the 10k pot, the two 100 ohm resistors and the 50uf capacitors delivers gate drive of the SCR.

The diode D1 protects the circuit from reverse voltage spikes. The ratings of the bridge rectifier and the SCR should be 25 amps and PIV 600 volts. The diode D1 should be rated for 2 amps with PIV of 600 volts. The circuit can handle a load up to 10 amps. The SCR should be very well heat sinked.