Chapter 5: Cell Connections; Normal Cell Connections - Gamry Reference 600+ Operator's Manual

Chapter 5: Cell Connections

Normal Cell Connections

Each Reference 600+ in your system was shipped with a standard, shielded cell cable (part number 985-
00071). It is a 60 cm complex cable with a 25-pin D-type connector on one end and four banana plugs
and two pin jacks on the other end.
In some cases, your system may also include a special-purpose cell cable. The special-purpose cell cable
includes documentation describing its use.
The 25-pin male end of the standard cell cable connects to the Reference 600+'s front panel Cell Cable
connector. Always screw the cell cable into place, because this cable can fall off the unit. Disconnection
can be disastrous if it occurs during an experiment.
The other end of the cell cable terminates in a number of banana plugs and two pin jacks. Each
termination comes with a removable alligator clip. Table 5-1 identifies each terminal of the cable.
Cell Cable Terminations (Potentiostat and Galvanostat Modes)
Color Type
Blue Banana Plug
Green Banana Plug
White Pin Jack
Red Banana Plug
Orange Banana Plug
Black Pin Jack
Connect both the blue and green cell leads to the working electrode. The working electrode is the
specimen being tested. The blue pin jack connection senses the voltage of the working electrode. The
green working electrode connection carries the cell current. The working electrode may be as much as 150
mV above the circuitry ground (floating ground).
Connect the white pin jack to the cell's reference electrode, such as an SCE or Ag/AgCl reference
electrode. The measured cell potential is the potential difference between the blue and white cell
connectors.
Connect the red banana plug to the counter or auxiliary electrode. The counter electrode is usually a large
inert metal or graphite electrode. The counter electrode terminal is the output of the Reference 600+
potentiostat's power amplifier.
The orange lead is only used in ZRA mode, where it senses the counter electrode potential (see following
section). Automatic switching to ZRA mode is possible if this lead is connected to the counter electrode. If
you are not using ZRA mode, this lead may be left open as long as you insure that it will not short against
any other electrode.
The black pin jack is connected on the Reference 600+ end to Floating Ground. This is the circuitry
ground for the analog circuits in the Reference 600+. In most cases, leave this terminal disconnected at
the cell end. When you do so, take care that its metal contact does not touch any of the other cell
connections.
Table 5-1
Name Normal Connection
Working Sense Connect to working electrode
Working Electrode Connect to working electrode
Reference Connect to reference electrode
Counter Electrode Connect to counter electrode
Counter Sense Used in ZRA mode; connect to counter electrode
Floating Ground Leave open or connect to a Faraday shield
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