Using a Diode Across a Coil to Eliminate Back EMF

When there is a coil, or inductance in a circuit, there is a possibility of getting current in the reverse direction when the coil is switched off (current is released from that load). A diode is a device that can insure that a current in the reverse direction does not affect the surrounding components. The diode in this video clip is a 1N4001 signal diode rated at 1 amp. The circuit in this case is .2 amps.