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Chapter 1: Safety Considerations
The Reference 30k Booster is a high-power electrical device used to test electrochemical cells—many of which
can be dangerous when misused. The dangers can include fire, explosion, and emission of hazardous
chemicals, and can be severe enough to cause personal injury or death. Gamry Instruments recommends a
careful study of potential hazards before you start any experiments.
Your Reference 30k Booster has been supplied in a safe condition. The Reference 30k Booster includes safety
features that can minimize some possible hazards encountered when testing high-power electrochemical
devices.
This chapter of the Reference 30k Booster's Operator's Manual contains some information and warnings that
you must follow to insure continued safe operation of the Reference 30k Booster. It starts with safety
information generally applicable to AC powered electronics devices, and then discusses dangers specifically
associated with testing energy storage devices.
Inspection
When you receive your Reference 30k Booster, inspect it for evidence of shipping damage. If any damage is
noted, please notify Gamry Instruments, Inc. and the shipping carrier immediately. Save the shipping container
for possible inspection by the carrier.
Warning:
Booster is damaged in shipment. Do not operate damaged apparatus until a qualified service technician has
verified its safety. Tag a damaged Reference 30k Booster to indicate that it could be a safety hazard.
Protective Grounding and Product Safety
As defined in IEC Publication 348, Safety Requirements for Electronic Measuring Apparatus, the Reference 30k
Booster is a Class I apparatus. Class I apparatus is only safe from electrical shock hazards if the case of the
apparatus is connected to a protective earth-ground.
In the Reference 30k Booster this protective ground connection is made via the ground prong in the AC line
cord. When you use the Reference 30k Booster with an approved line cord, the connection to the protective
earth-ground is automatically made prior to making any power connections.
Warning:
Reference 30k Booster with a two-wire extension cord, with an adapter that does not provide for protective
grounding, or with an electrical outlet that is not properly wired with a protective earth-ground. If the
protective ground is not properly connected, it creates a safety hazard, which could result in personal injury
or death.
The Reference 30k Booster is supplied with a high-current line cord suitable for use in the United States. In
other countries, you may have to replace the line cord with one suitable for your electrical outlet type. Always
use a line cord with a CEE 22 Standard V female connector on the instrument end of the cable.
Only use line cords rated to handle at least 1.5 kW power. Some 18 AWG cords provided with most
computers in the USA are only rated for 10A (1150 W). The line cords supplied with personal computers are
generally not rated for high-power applications.
Safety Considerations – Inspection
The protective grounding can be rendered ineffective if the Reference 30k
Do not negate the protection of the earth ground by any means. Do not use the
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