Safety Considerations – Grounding in the Reference 3000
10
The Reference 3000 is normally provided with an AC line cord suitable for your location. This AC line cord
connects the AC mains to the AC power adapter. If your Reference 3000 has been provided without an AC line
cord, or a cord that is not compatible with your local AC mains socket, obtain a line cord certified for use in
your country. Contact your local Gamry Representative or e-mail to
if you are
uncertain what AC line cord to use.
Grounding in the Reference 3000
The circuitry and the metal case of the Reference 3000 are
not
connected to an earth ground. If they were
connected to earth ground, it would compromise the Reference 3000’s ability to make measurements in
electrochemical cells that contain earth grounded conductors. A few examples of such cells include autoclaves,
metallographic stress apparatus, chemical storage tanks, and most large fuel-cell stacks.
Most electrochemical cells are isolated from earth ground, so isolation of the Reference 3000 from earth is not
required. In these cases, connection of the Reference 3000 chassis to an earth ground may lower noise seen in
electrochemical tests. A
Chassis Ground
binding post on the rear panel of the Reference 3000 makes for easy
implementation of this connection. Simply run a wire from this binding post to a suitable source of earth
ground. A black 1.2-meter wire is provided with the Reference 3000 to ease this connection.
Note this connection of the Reference 3000 to an earth ground is not a “Protective Earth Ground” as defined in
EN 61010. The Reference 3000 is safe in the absence of this connection.
This binding post is not intended for any use other than connecting the Reference 3000 to an earth ground to
improve shielding against noise. Connecting this binding post to a hazardous voltage can create a significant
safety hazard.
Warning:
Do not connect the chassis ground binding post to any voltage other than
earth ground. An improper connection can create a safety hazard, which could result in personal injury or
death.
Sources of earth ground include
• Most metal water pipes,
• The chassis of
most
electronic apparatus (which are generally earth-grounded), and
• The protective ground terminal of an AC mains power plug.
We recommend that you discuss grounding with an electrical or electronics professional prior to making
this earth-ground connection.
The Reference 3000’s AC Adapter is rated for operation from 100 to 240 V AC, 47 to 63 Hz.
It should therefore be useful throughout the world.
