ADInstruments PowerLab 2/20, Owner'S Manual

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Chapter 1 — Overview 9
You can safely turn on or off, or disconnect or reconnect, a USB-
connected PowerLab while the computer remains on, in most cases.
The application program (Chart or Scope) must not be running while
this occurs, though. Read the details on USB in Chapter 2 of this
guide before connecting your PowerLab to your computer using USB.
Serial Port
The PowerLab is fitted with an RS-485 serial communication port. It
is not currently in use, but is meant for connection in the future to
specialised devices controlled from the PowerLab system.
Ground Connection
A special earthing (grounding) stud has been provided on the rear of
the PowerLab. This is an equipotential bonding connection post
compatible with the DIN 42801 standard. If the ground connector
post is used, the power cord ground connection should not be used: a
power cord with no ground connection should be used instead.
The ground connector post on the rear panel is used as a primary
earth connection (equipotential connection point) in situations that
require this type of connection, or if there is no ground provided via
the power cord. Safety standards in laboratories and similar
environments may require additional grounding protection when
connecting equipment to human subjects. In such cases, an
equipotential connection may be used for all linked equipment to
prevent ground loops, and power cords with no ground connections
should be available.
Power Connections
The power switch on the back right of the PowerLab turns the
PowerLab on and off; the 3-pin IEC power socket is used to connect
your PowerLab to a 3-pin earthed (grounded) power cable. The
power supply is universal, and can use all common international
mains power supplies (auto-switching, 90–260 V AC, 50/60 Hz).
The /20 series PowerLabs are not fitted with replaceable fuses. The
power supply is short-circuit protected, and should not damage the
internal fuses unless a major fault develops. In that happens, the unit