Grounding In The Interface 1010; Operation With Earth-Grounded Cells And Auxiliary Apparatus - Gamry Instruments Interface 1010 Operator's Manual

The Interface 1010 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 1010 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 e-mail to
uncertain what AC line cord to use.

Grounding in the Interface 1010

The circuitry and the metal case of the Interface 1010 are not connected to an earth ground. If they were
connected to earth ground, it would compromise the Interface 1010'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 1010 from earth is not
required. In these cases, connection of the Interface 1010 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 1010 easily
implements 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 1010 to facilitate this connection.
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.
This connection of the Interface 1010 to an earth ground is not a "Protective Earth Ground" as defined in EN
61010. The Interface 1010 is safe in the absence of this connection.
This binding post is not intended for any use other than connecting the Interface 1010 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 1010 contains surge suppressors that limit the voltage difference between the Interface 1010's
chassis ground and earth ground to about 28 V. These surge suppressors are not part of the safety mechanisms
in the Interface 1010. Instead, they are present to limit the possibility of improper instrument operation or
instrument damage caused by electrostatic discharge (static electricity) and other surge events such as lightning.

Operation with Earth-grounded Cells and Auxiliary Apparatus

As described above, the Interface 1010 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 operation.
Cells with earth ground include many autoclaves, pipelines and storage tanks, and many fuel cell systems.
Safety Considerations – Grounding in the Interface 1010
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