WaveSurfer Accessory
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Do not float the WaveSufer oscilloscope when it is powered by
DC Adapter. Use the safety ground cable to connect
oscilloscope to earth ground.
When operating the WaveSurfer oscilloscope from AC line power
with the standard power cord the oscilloscope is connected to
earth ground via the third-wire in the AC power cord. When
operating the WaveSufer oscilloscope with the WS-DCADAP,
there is no connection to earth ground and the oscilloscope is
floating.
Operating the oscilloscope in this manner causes accessible metal
parts to be at the same potential of the probe ground leads. This
results in a dangerous condition with the potential of elevated
voltages present on the oscilloscope causing a shock hazard to the
operator and also places stress on the power transformer insulation.
Over time this stress may result in dangerous failures which create
a shock and fire hazard even during properly grounded operation.
Without AC power and the standard AC power cord the
WaveSurfer oscilloscope is not grounded and will be floating
unless the included grounding cable is connected between the
oscilloscope and earth ground. If the oscilloscope probes or
channels are connected to circuits or devices that have voltages
less than 30Vrms or 42Vpk from earth ground the ground cable is
not required. For any circuits where voltages greater than
30Vrms or 42Vpk may be present the ground cable must be
connected. If the operator is unsure if a higher voltage is present
the ground cable should be used. Operating the oscilloscope in
the presence of these voltages without properly grounding the
instrument may result in electrical shock which can result in
serious personal injury or loss of life.
It is also important to remember not to connect a grounded device
such as a computer or printer to the oscilloscope while it is
floating. To connect a grounded device to the WaveSurfer
oscilloscope while using the WS-DCADAP the ground cable must
be connected between the oscilloscope and earth ground.
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