39
Smart GFI (Ground Fault Interrupt)
The high voltage power supply of the OMNIA is internally referenced to earth ground.
Since the leakage current measuring circuit of the instrument monitors only current
that flows through the return lead the possibility exists for current to flow directly from
the high voltage output to earth ground without being measured. The SmartGFI
(Ground Fault Interrupt) circuit monitors the current between the high voltage output
and earth ground. Therefore, if the operator touches the high voltage lead and earth
ground, the instrument will detect this hazardous condition and shut off immediately.
SmartGFI goes beyond a standard GFI circuit by automatically determining the return
configuration of the DUT (grounded or floating) and enabling or disabling depending
on the situation. When the OMNIA’s Return lead is floating, the SmartGFI circuit
enables, protecting the test operator from electric shock. When the OMNIA’s Return
lead is earth grounded, the SmartGFI circuit disables and the instrument operates in a
grounded return mode of operation. If the GFI were to remain active in this state, the
tester would continuously fail since all current is returning through earth ground. By
disabling the SmartGFI circuit and operating in a grounded return mode, OMNIA
allows the user to perform tests on devices that have their chassis’s earth grounded
by the test fixture or test environment.
In the Hardware Setting screen, highlight the SmartGFI parameter by using the up or
down arrow keys.
Use the numeric keypad to set the mA value of the SmartGFI in the instrument. The
SmartGFI can be set to 0 or adjusted from 0.4-5.0mA (where 0 = OFF).
Selecting the Smart GFI = 0, will only disable the ground current failure detectors. It
does not disable the capability to externally earth ground the return lead.
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
