AML NGC3, User Manual, Page: 8 / 37

© Arun Microelectronics Ltd 2020. All rights reserved Page 8
3. Warnings and safety
WARNING – Safe operation of Ion Gauges requires grounding of all exposed
conductors of the vacuum system, gauges and controller. LETHAL VOLTAGES may be
established under some operating conditions unless correct grounding is provided. All
exposed and isolated metal parts should be reliably grounded to a common system
earth point via 4 mm
2 or thicker copper wire/braid, the integrity of which should be
checked regularly. No ferrite components should be installed.
High voltages are present within the instrument when operating and for some seconds after switching
off. Remove the mains lead before removing the cover for any reason.
Ensure that maintenance is carried out only by suitably trained personnel.
Voltages up to 500 V in degas and 200 V in normal operation are present on the IG cable when the IG is
on. Voltages up to 600 V are present within the instrument.
•
This manual must be consulted in all cases where the warning symbol (shown above, left) appears on the
instrument.
• The safety of any system incorporating the instrument is the responsibility of the assembler of the system.
•
Use the instrument only as specified in this manual, or the protection provided by the instrument might be
impaired.
•
The mains lead must be adequately rated for the instrument.
Instruments are shipped with password protection disabled. If you set a password you must record what it is.
The conditions set at manufacture assume that you do not require any interlocks and that the Ion Gauges have a tungsten
filament. You may fuse coated Ion Gauge filaments if you do not set up the instrument appropriately.
Allow several minutes for Pirani Gauges to reach operating temperature after switching on before using them for interlock,
autostart or process control.
Two fans are used sequentially for cooling. Orange status LEDs on the front panel indicate which fan is being used. If a fan
fails a message is displayed at the time of failure and the LED for that fan flashes thereafter. Operation with only one fan is
permissible but the faulty fan should be replaced as soon as possible. If the remaining fan fails, operation of the Ion
Gauges will be disabled. Replacement fans must conform to the specification printed on the rear panel and are available
from AML.
Discharges from X-ray power supplies and other high-voltage and high-energy sources (which are commonly used in
vacuum systems) into the Ion Gauge may damage the instrument. Such damage is not covered by the warranty. Discharge
damage will be minimised by decreasing the impedance of the strap/cable from the earth stud on the instrument to the
vacuum system earth distribution point. This connection may also be essential for operator safety: follow the safety
instructions and recommendations of the supplier of any high-voltage equipment used in the vacuum system.