But I've been reading pros and cons about using an isolation transformer especially if the device under test and the test equipment are all plugged in to the same isolation transformer. When powering up an unknown condition piece of electronics like an old Tektronix oscilloscope it would be best to slowly raise the input voltage slowly in case there was a bad short in the scope. Then, you also recommend having a Variac and an isolation transformer. Anyway Omni, you recommend using a GFCI for safety. He wrote his answer in 2007 and I'm asking in 2021. I'd like to ask OMNI a question (if he's still alive). Your one of the few that view safety as a primary caution! The latter will only produce more danger and risk of electrocution.Ī lot depends on what you plan to troubleshoot and/or design. When higher voltages are present, extra resistance (0.75 megohm per 250V) is added in the path to ground to protect the wearer from excessive currents etc.Įxcessive HV (RF amplifiers) that use larger voltage/current to excite a tube should refrain from using any wrist strap and/or anti-static smock etc. The latter allows high-voltage charges to leak through but prevents a shock hazard when working with low-voltage parts. Remember, do not get the above confused with a ground wrist strap!Ī wrist strap is connected to ground through a coiled retractable cable and 1 megohm resistor. However, make sure the Xfmr or Variac has a decent current capability 20A I hold an EE and EC License in three States, your idea of using a GFCI is excellent!įurthermore, down the road consider purchasing an isolation transformer and/or a variac! So, can someone experienced please chime in and tell me if I'm mistaken in my concerns and should use a GFCI outlet, or if I'm correct and therefore shouldn't? If GFCI outlets don't cut the Ground when tripped, than that alleviates that concern, but there's still the issue of nuisance tripping - which isn't a big issue for a regular guy just using appliances, but someone working on electronics makes very active use of Grounds, and I would think it would trip often.

The same holds true for any self-grounding tools like soldering irons, etc. batteries, a different outlet, etc.), and a problem comes up, I'm going to need that Ground for safety. If it does cut off Ground, than I would imagine that to be a safety issue - since if I'm working on something that's powered by anything other than that outlet (i.e.

I don't know if a tripped GFCI only cuts off Hot, or if it cuts off everything including Ground. I plan on constructing a grounding station that would be wired into the grounding prong of a standard plug, which would be plugged in, of course. I'm setting up an electronics workbench, and I wanted to get some expert advice as to whether I should or should not use GFCI outlets.

Electronic workbench eevblog