How can two similar SCRs be connected to safely distribute the power load?

Connecting two similar Silicon Controlled Rectifiers (SCRs) in parallel with reverse polarity is a common method to safely distribute the power load. This configuration allows each SCR to share the load effectively while providing individual protection against the voltage spikes that can occur in a circuit.

By connecting the two SCRs in parallel but with their anodes and cathodes reversed relative to each other, each device can take turns conducting current. When one SCR conducts, the other is reverse-biased and does not conduct. This arrangement helps balance the load and prevents excessive stress on a single SCR, which can lead to failure. Additionally, if one SCR fails, the other can still manage the load to some extent, enhancing the overall reliability of the system.

On the other hand, connecting SCRs in series with the same polarity would require both to be on the same voltage level to share the load equally. If one SCR does not trigger or turns off, it will affect the whole circuit. Connecting them in series with opposite polarity could lead to contention between the devices, potentially causing short circuits or erratic behavior. Connecting them in parallel without consideration of polarity risks creating short circuits if one SCR turns on while the other is reverse-biased, leading to damaging conditions.