ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000 / SAS 4000
- 17 -
3.2
WARNINGS
3.2.1
Safety
Dangerous voltages and currents are transmitted by the
Terrameter via the cables and electrodes connected to it! During
the entire duration of an electrode contact test or measurement
session it is the responsibility of the operator always to have full
control of all equipment including the entire electrode cable layout,
so that unauthorized persons and stray animals do not get close to
the electrodes and measurement cables!
Due to the very high voltage in the current connectors on the SAS 1000 / 4000 it is dangerous
for personnel and animals to get in touch with these connectors and cables. It is the
responsibility of the operator to eliminate the risk for accidents with the instrument.
Some important steps to avoid accidents:
•
The instrument and connected accessories should only be operated by instructed personnel.
•
Keep unauthorized people and stray animals away from the instrument, connected accesso-
ries and cables.
•
Also when running automatic data collection (with the LUND system) the operator is
responsible for having full control of the entire cable layout.
3.2.2
Lightning
Note that semiconductors protect both the current and the potential terminal circuits.
Lightning, high voltage cattle fence or other high voltage sources may, however, damage the
instrument. Lightning miles away may induce hundreds of volts in long cable layouts, and this
entails risk for both personnel and equipment.
You should never take measurements during a thunderstorm!
If a thunderstorm should come up while you are taking measurements, disconnect the cables
from the terminals without touching any bare conductors. Never leave the cables connected to
the SAS 1000 / 4000 overnight, since a thunderstorm may occur.
3.2.3
Heat
Although each individual Terrameter is tested by operating for at least one hour in a heat
chamber prior to delivery, it is important to pay attention in order to avoid overheating.
Thermal fuses will under normal operating conditions turn off the instrument if overheating
occurs to prevent damage, but it will of course halt the measuring process.
Some precautions to avoid overheating:
•
Never operate an instrument in direct sunlight, use a parasol or other device to keep it in
the shade.
•
Do not operate the instrument in small closed spaces, like for example transport boxes,
where air cannot circulate freely.
Even if these precautions are taken production stops may occur when operating in hot
climates. Various techniques may be employed to cool the instrument in order to keep up
production. Cooling mats intended for e.g. laptop computers are recommended, these are flat
