Agilent Technologies 2712A, 2948 manual Modification for Possible Ground Wire Shock Hazard

Instrument Changes Model 8904A

7-7. MODIFICATION FOR POSSIBLE GROUND WIRE SHOCK HAZARD

(Serial Prefix 2737A and below)

On some instruments with serial prefix 2737A and below, the grounding wire from the rear-panel line socket to the metal chassis may not have been wrapped and soldered in compliance with strict safety standards. This condition does not create a safety hazard under normal use; however, a safety hazard can develop if the following two conditions occur.

(1)If the ground wire ever sustains heavy current long enough, the solder on the connections can erode, weaken, and eventually cause the connections to loosen. Should ground contact break, the chassis can no longer be guaranteed to be at ground potential.

(2)With ground contact interrupted, the chassis could become “hot”if the neutral or high lines of the power cord come in contact with the chassis through some other fault. The chassis then becomes a shock hazard.

Withproper wrapping and soldering of the ground connections, the ground wire will maintain a reasonable mechanical connection even though the solder has deteriorated.

This information explains how to check for the possible shock hazard and how to correct it. The check for the shock hazard is by simple visual inspection. Corrective action, if needed, consists of replacing the ground wire with attention paid to wrapping and soldering it to its solder lugs. Replacement of the wire should be made by someone with wire soldering skills.

The following parts may be required

1	Description	I Quantity 1 HPPart Number I
		0360-0036
	Cable Tie	1400-0249
	Wire (Green/Yellow)	8150-2919

7-10 Firmware Updates/Hardware Modifications rev.15DEC89