Connect the instrument
Important test system safety information
This product is sold as a stand-alone instrument that may
become part of a system that could contain hazardous
voltages and energy sources. It is the responsibility of the
test system designer, integrator, installer, maintenance
personnel, and service personnel to make sure the system is
safe during use and is operating properly.
You must also realize that in many test systems a single
fault, such as a software error, may output hazardous signal
levels even when the system indicates that there is no
hazard present.
It is important that you consider the following factors in your
system design and use:
•
The international safety standard IEC 61010-1 defines
voltages as hazardous if they exceed 30 V
RMS
and
42.4 V
PEAK
or 60 VDC for equipment rated for dry
locations. Keithley Instruments products are only rated for
dry locations.
•
Read and comply with the specifications of all instruments
in the system. The overall allowed signal levels may be
constrained by the lowest rated instrument in the system.
For example, if you are using a 500 V power supply with
a 300 VDC rated switch, the maximum allowed voltage in
the system is 300 VDC.
• Cover the device under test (DUT) to protect the operator
from flying debris in the event of a system or DUT failure.
•
Make sure any test fixture connected to the system
protects the operator from contact with hazardous
voltages, hot surfaces, and sharp objects. Use shields,
barriers, insulation, and safety interlocks to accomplish
this.
• Double-insulate all electrical connections that an operator
can touch. Double insulation ensures the operator is
still protected even if one insulation layer fails. Refer to
IEC 61010-1 for specific requirements.
• Make sure all connections are behind a locked cabinet
door or other barrier. This protects the system operator
from accidentally removing a connection by hand and
exposing hazardous voltages. Use high-reliability fail-safe
interlock switches to disconnect power sources when a
test fixture cover is opened.
• Where possible, use automatic handlers so that operators
are not required to access the DUT or other potentially
hazardous areas.
• Provide training to all users of the system so that they
understand all potential hazards and know how to protect
themselves from injury.
• In many systems, during power up, the outputs may be in
an unknown state until they are properly initialized. Make
sure the design can tolerate this situation without causing
operator injury or hardware damage.
