263B

Double-anode full-wave mercury-vapor rectifier for higher-current power supplies. Its two rectifier paths each support substantial peak current with the low forward voltage drop characteristic of mercury-vapor conduction.

Directly heatedCold cathodeCommon cathodeDissimilar

Sections: 2
Base: -
Socket code: MEDIUM5
Base pins: 2
Nominal heater: 2.5 V / 15 A

Description

Double half-wave mercury-vapor rectifier using two anodes in one bulb. It provides higher voltage and current capability than the corresponding 263A argon-filled rectifier for power-supply applications.

Socket description

Medium 5-contact transmitting-tube base

General specifications

Tube and section characteristics

Properties common to every published source and operating point.

Heater and base

Base: -
Socket code: MEDIUM5
Base pins: 2
Nominal heater voltage: 2.5 V
Nominal heater current: 15 A
Parallel heater voltage: -
Parallel heater current: -
Series capable: No

Terminal pinout

Electrical assignments shared by every tube using this base designation.

No verified pinout is recorded for this base designation.

Section ratings

2 physical sections, each with unique specifications.

Section 1

Rectifier

X-ray radiationInterelectrode capacitances

Rectifier peak forward current: 10 A
Rectifier forward voltage drop: 10 V

Representative row for two identical rectifier paths sharing a common cathode. Source publishes recommended 100 V between anodes, 10 A peak space current, and 5–20 V conducting drop range; no explicit PIV maximum is stated on target sheet.

Section 2

Rectifier

X-ray radiationInterelectrode capacitances

Rectifier peak forward current: 10 A
Rectifier forward voltage drop: 10 V

Second physical rectifier section added for full-wave/double-anode structure.

Source-dependent data

Operating conditions by source

Each block preserves the test conditions and published values from one reference. Values from different sources are intentionally kept separate.

Data set 01

2026 Western Electric 200s

Published operating points and test conditions from this source.

SECTION 1

Rectifier

Other

RecommendedPotentialBetweenAnodes
100 V
PeakSpaceCurrent
10 A
RequiredHeatingTime
120 s
LoadCurrent
6 A
SinglePhaseDoubleHalfWave;1Tube;LoadPotential=25V
LoadCurrent
15 A
ThreePhaseY;3Tubes;LoadPotential=40V

Characteristic

AnodeCathodeVoltageDrop
10 V
Approximate
AnodeCathodeVoltageDrop
5 to 20 V
PublishedRange

SECTION 2

Rectifier

Other

RecommendedPotentialBetweenAnodes
100 V
RecommendedPotentialBetweenAnodes
100 V
PeakSpaceCurrent
10 A
PeakSpaceCurrent
10 A
RequiredHeatingTime
120 s
RequiredHeatingTime
120 s
LoadCurrent
6 A
SinglePhaseDoubleHalfWave;1Tube;LoadPotential=25V
LoadCurrent
6 A
SinglePhaseDoubleHalfWave;1Tube;LoadPotential=25V
LoadCurrent
15 A
ThreePhaseY;3Tubes;LoadPotential=40V
LoadCurrent
15 A
ThreePhaseY;3Tubes;LoadPotential=40V

Characteristic

AnodeCathodeVoltageDrop
10 V
Approximate
AnodeCathodeVoltageDrop
10 V
Approximate
AnodeCathodeVoltageDrop
5 to 20 V
PublishedRange
AnodeCathodeVoltageDrop
5 to 20 V
PublishedRange