Chapter 1 -- Safety Considerations--Grounding in the Interface 1000
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The Interface 1000 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 Interface 1000 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 Email to techsupport@gamry.com if you
are uncertain what AC line cord to use.
Grounding in the Interface 1000
The circuitry and the metal case of the Interface 1000 are not connected to an earth ground. If they were
connected to earth ground, it would compromise the Interface 1000’s ability to make measurements in
electrochemical cells that contain earth grounded metal. A few examples of such cells include autoclaves,
metallographic stress apparatus, and detectors for capillary electrophoresis.
Most electrochemical cells are isolated from earth ground, so isolation of the Interface 1000 from earth is
not required. In these cases, connection of the Interface 1000 chassis to an earth ground may lower the
noise seen in an electrochemical test. A Chassis Ground banana jack on the rear panel of the Interface
1000 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 Interface 1000 to facilitate
this connection.
NOTE
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.
Note this connection of the Interface 1000 to an earth ground is not a “Protective Earth Ground” as defined
in EN 61010. The Interface 1000 is safe in the absence of this connection.
This binding post is not intended for any use other than connecting the Interface 1000 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.
The Interface 1000 contains surge suppressors that limit the voltage difference between the Interface
1000’s chassis ground and earth ground to about 28 volts. These surge suppressors are not part of the
safety mechanisms in the Interface 1000. Instead they are present to limit the possibility of improper
instrument operation or instrument damage due to electrostatic discharge (static electricity) and other surge
events such as lightening.
Operation with Earth Grounded Cells and Auxiliary Apparatus
As described above, the Interface 1000 circuitry is isolated from earth ground, allowing it to make
measurements on cells that include an earth ground. This ground isolation is often called floating
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