2. Safety Summary
2.8. Grounding the CT100B
When the CT100B is connected to the external AC adapter, the CT100B chassis, front panel
USB, screen, and controls are grounded through the grounding conductor of the power cord. To
avoid electrical shock, it is essential that the protective ground connection is present when
operating the unit under AC power. When disconnected from external power, the CT100B is
floating relative to earth ground, unless one of the USB ports is connected to a grounded device.
In this case, the ground of the USB device is common with the CT100B chassis, screen, and
electronic controls. An isolated ground power supply is an optional accessory available upon
request.
At all times, the front panel BNC or SMA connector is floating and is isolated by at least 500
VDC from the remainder of the CT100B. This eliminates measurement errors caused by
common-mode noise and slight ground-potential differences in the cable/device under test.
However, care should be taken with respect to electrical safety, as the front panel BNC or SMA
shield is never safely grounded unless connected to a safely grounded cable or device and can be
considered a second live conductor if connected to a cable or device carrying a non-zero
electrical potential relative to earth ground. This situation carries the risk of electric shock.
WARNING: The BNC or SMA connector shield represents a floating
ground and is never safely grounded even with the use of a properly
grounded AC adapter. Never use the CT100B to test any cable or de-
vice carrying a non-zero electrical potential relative to earth ground, as
this could render an electric shock.
2.9. Danger Arising From Loss of Ground
When disconnected from the AC power adapter, the CT100B is no longer grounded unless
connected to a grounded USB device at the front panel host USB port. Because the test port
connector shield is floating relative to the remainder of the instrument, the test port connector
may be operating at an elevated voltage even when the AC adapter is connected. Therefore, the
test port connector should never be used to test any cable or device with an electrical potential
relative to earth.
WARNING: Upon loss of the protective-ground connection, all accessible
parts, including the screen, knobs, and connectors, can render an electric
shock.
2.10. Explosive Atmospheres
Do not operate the CT100B in an explosive atmosphere unless your unit has been specifically
certified for that condition. Explosive Atmospheres: MIL-STD 810G, Method 511.5, Procedure I
(+55
◦
C, sea level to 4600 m).
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CT100B TDR Cable Analyzers Operator’s Manual