Do I need a diode here...

Other Hardware General Electronics
1

I'm going to use a TIP120 to turn control a #44 bulb (.25 amp, 6 volt DC). Do I need to use a diode on the light bulb terminals the same way I would if, say, I was controlling an electric motor or relay? will there be a voltage spike when the light shuts off?

2

no

3

Ok, thanks!

4

The diode is there on inductive loads* to absorb the reverse voltage spikes when power is removed from the inductive load. An incandescent bulb is a resistive load.

  • Motors, mechanical relays, solenoids and such.
5

groundFungus:
The diode is there on inductive loads* to absorb the reverse voltage spikes when power is removed from the inductive load. An incandescent bulb is a resistive load.

  • Motors, mechanical relays, solenoids and such.

Thank you for clarifying that.