7. General Safety

Safety Essentials

When working on the DCA-X, DCA-M, and other instruments, always observe the safety information presented in the topics. When operating these instruments, avoid costly repairs by following these guidelines:

  • Always use ESD precautions.
  • Observe the maximum RF inputs level for front-panel connectors which are documented in the module introductory topics, printed on remote heads, and often printed on the front panel next to the RF connector.
  • Prevent cable discharge damage. Before connecting any coaxial cable to the front-panel input connectors, momentarily short the cable's center and outer conductors together.
  • Avoid touching the front-panel input connectors without first touching the instrument's frame.

Safety Information

A WARNING notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the like that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in personal injury or death. Do not proceed beyond a WARNING notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the like that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to the product or loss of important data. Do not proceed beyond a CAUTION notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

A NOTE calls the user’s attention to an important point or special information in the text.

Additional Safety Notices

The front-panel ON/Standby switch places the instrument in Standby. The instrument is still energized.

The main power cord can be used as the system disconnecting device. It disconnects the mains circuits from the mains supply.

If this product is not used as specified, the protection provided by the equipment could be impaired. This product must be used in a normal condition (in which all means for protection are intact) only.

No operator serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel. To prevent electrical shock do not remove covers.

This is a Safety Class 1 Product (provided with a protective earthing ground incorporated in the power cord). The mains plug shall only be inserted in a socket outlet provided with a protective earth contact. Any interruption of the protective conductor inside or outside of the product is likely to make the product dangerous. Intentional interruption is prohibited.

To prevent electrical shock, disconnect the Keysight Technologies models 86100D or N1000A from mains before cleaning. Use a dry cloth or one slightly dampened with water to clean the external case parts. Do not attempt to clean internally.

VENTILATION REQUIREMENTS: When installing the product in a cabinet, the convection into and out of the product must not be restricted. The ambient temperature (outside the cabinet) must be less than the maximum operating temperature of the product by 4°C for every 100 watts dissipated in the cabinet. If the total power dissipated in the cabinet is greater than 800 watts, then forced convection must be used.

Always use the three-prong AC power cord supplied with this instrument. Failure to ensure adequate earth grounding by not using this cord may cause product damage.

This instrument has autoranging line voltage input. Be sure the supply voltage is within the specified range.

Do not use too much liquid in cleaning the oscilloscope. Water can enter the front panel, damaging sensitive electronic components.

This product is designed for use in INSTALLATION CATEGORY II and POLLUTION DEGREE 2 environment.

Installation Category: Installation Categories (overvoltage categories) are determined by the transient overvoltage levels that may be expected. CAT I: Mains isolated. CAT II: Line voltage in appliance and to wall outlet. CAT III: Line voltage behind wall outlet to next level of distribution.

Install the instrument according to the enclosure protection provided. This instrument does not protect against the ingress of water. This instrument protects against finger access to hazardous parts within the enclosure.

If the DCA-X is mounted in a rack or cabinet, do not use the system's power switch to disconnect power from the DCA-X. Instead, use the DCA-X's front-panel power switch. Using the system power switch may corrupt the Windows XP registry requiring you to perform a recovery process to restore normal operation to the DCA-X.

Avoid touching the screen with a sharp object, as this could result in damage to the display. Instead, use your finger.

Electrical channel input circuits and the trigger input circuit can be damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD). Therefore, avoid applying static discharges to the front-panel input connectors. Prior to connecting any coaxial cable to the connectors, momentarily short the center and outer conductors of the cable together. Avoid touching the front-panel input connectors without first touching the frame of the instrument. Be sure that the instrument is properly earth-grounded to prevent buildup of static charge. Wear a wrist-strap or heel-strap. More information can be found in the online help.

Optical channel fiber-optic connectors on plug-in modules are easily damaged when connected to dirty or damaged cables and accessories. When you use improper cleaning and handling techniques, you risk expensive instrument repairs, damaged cables, and compromised measurements. Before you connect any fiber-optic cable to the 86100D or N1000A, refer to information in the online help.

Install the instrument so that the detachable power cord is readily identifiable and is easily reached by the operator. The detachable power cord is the instrument disconnecting device. It disconnects the mains circuits from the mains supply before other parts of the instrument. The front panel switch is only a standby switch and is not a LINE switch. Alternatively, an externally installed switch or circuit breaker (which is readily identifiable and is easily reached by the operator) may be used as a disconnecting device.