Freewheeling diode

Freewheeling diode | Freewheeling diodes are protective diodes that protect electrical assemblies from overvoltage. This overvoltage occurs when an inductive DC load, e.g. relay or electric motor, is switched off, as the self-induction of the coil ensures a further current flow. Freewheeling diodes are connected in parallel to the inductive load so that they are stressed by the supply voltage in the reverse direction.