4.4 Performance
4.4.1 Safety Data and Maximum Ratings
Important Safety Precautions Always observe these when using the USBscope50
The USBscope50 contain no user serviceable parts inside. Do not open the plastic housing.
There may be lethal voltages inside the plastic housing. Do not use the instrument if the housing is damaged or is poorly fitting. In such a case do not connect anything to the USBscope50 to avoid a hazard. The USBscope50 will have to be repaired or replaced in such a situation.
Do not exceed the maximum ratings listed below.
Never use the instrument if it becomes damp for any reason. This includes situations were condensation has formed on the unit due to sudden temperature or humidity changes.
Never use test leads that are damaged or have insufficient or incomplete insulation.
Never allow any conductive part of any test lead to contact the host computer ground. Doing so will bypass the safety isolation in the USBscope50 and could cause a lethal hazard.
Remember that the isolation is between the BNC and the USB connectors. The BNC is, of course, at the same potential as the test lead ground clip to which it is connected. Be careful when measuring hazardous voltages not to touch the BNC connector ground for this reason23.
Only use the shorter length stack connector in the bottom scope of the stack, and if using a single scope, don’t fit any stack connector at all. This is to avoid touching the contacts
23This is true of almost all scopes, except that most scopes have no isolation to safety earth…in fact normal scopes connect the BNC ground directly to safety earth. If you were to connect a probe ground clip to an earth referenced potential you would short it out on a normal scope!
Elan Digital Systems Ltd. | 37 | USBscope50 USER’S GUIDE Iss5 |