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.
•
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.
• Cover the device under test (DUT) to protect the operator
from flying debris in the event of a system or DUT failure.
• 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.
