Configuring 
  4.9 Electrical assembly, protective measures and grounding 
S7-300, CPU 31xC and CPU 31x: Installation 
Operating Instructions, Edition 08/2004, A5E00105492-05 
4-19 
4.9.4  Modules with isolated or common potential? 
Isolated modules 
Isolated modules are installed with galvanic isolation between the reference potentials of the 
control circuit (M
internal
) and load circuit (M
external
.) 
Field of application 
Use isolated modules for: 
•  All AC load circuits 
•  DC load circuits with separate reference potential 
Examples: 
–  DC load circuits containing sensors which are connected to different reference 
potentials (for example, if grounded sensors are located at a considerable distance 
from the control system and equipotential bonding is not possible) 
–  DC load circuits with grounded positive pole (L+) (battery circuits.) 
Isolated modules and grounding concept 
You can always use isolated modules, irrespective of the grounding state of the control 
system's reference potential.