Safety Information

The following section contains important safety information that you must follow when installing and using the module.

Do not operate the module in a manner not specified in this document. Misuse of the module can result in a hazard. You can compromise the safety protection built into the module if the module is damaged in any way. If the module is damaged, return it to National Instruments (NI) for repair.

Do not substitute parts or modify the module except as described in this document. Use the module only with the chassis, modules, accessories, and cables specified in the installation instructions. You must have all covers and filler panels installed during operation of the module.

Do not operate the module in an explosive atmosphere or where there may be flammable gases or fumes. If you must operate the module in such an environment, it must be in a suitably rated enclosure.

If you need to clean the module, use a soft, nonmetallic brush. Make sure that the module is completely dry and free from contaminants before returning it to service.

Operate the module only at or below Pollution Degree 2. Pollution is foreign matter in a solid, liquid, or gaseous state that can reduce dielectric strength or surface resistivity. The following is a description of pollution degrees:

Pollution Degree 1 means no pollution or only dry, nonconductive pollution occurs. The pollution has no influence.

Pollution Degree 2 means that only nonconductive pollution occurs in most cases. Occasionally, however, a temporary conductivity caused by condensation must be expected.

Pollution Degree 3 means that conductive pollution occurs, or dry, nonconductive pollution occurs that becomes conductive due to condensation.

You must insulate signal connections for the maximum voltage for which the module is rated. Do not exceed the maximum ratings for the module. Do not install wiring while the module is live with electrical signals.

Do not remove or add connector blocks when power is connected to the system. Avoid contact between your body and the connector block signal when hot swapping modules. Remove power from signal lines before connecting them to or disconnecting them from the module.

Operate the module at or below the installation category¹ marked on the hardware label. Measurement circuits are subjected to working voltages² and transient stresses (overvoltage) from the circuit to which they are connected during measurement or test. Installation categories establish standard impulse withstand voltage levels that commonly occur in electrical distribution systems. The following is a description of installation categories:

• Installation Category I is for measurements performed on circuits not directly connected to the electrical distribution system referred to as MAINS³ voltage. This category is for measurements of voltages from specially protected secondary circuits. Such voltage measurements include signal levels, special equipment, limited-energy parts of equipment, circuits powered by regulated low-voltage sources, and electronics.
• Installation Category II is for measurements performed on circuits directly connected to the electrical distribution system. This category refers to local-level electrical distribution, such as that provided by a standard wall outlet (for example, 115 AC voltage for U.S. or 230 AC voltage for Europe). Examples of Installation Category II are measurements performed on household appliances, portable tools, and similar modules.
• Installation Category III is for measurements performed in the building installation at the distribution level. This category refers to measurements on hard-wired equipment such as equipment in fixed installations, distribution boards, and circuit breakers. Other examples are wiring, including cables, bus bars, junction boxes, switches, socket outlets in the fixed installation, and stationary motors with permanent connections to fixed installations.
• Installation Category IV is for measurements performed at the primary electrical supply installation (<1,000 V). Examples include electricity meters and measurements on primary overcurrent protection devices and on ripple control units.

Footnotes

¹ Installation categories, also referred to as measurement categories, are defined in electrical safety standard IEC 61010-1.

² Working voltage is the highest rms value of an AC or DC voltage that can occur across any particular insulation.

³ MAINS is defined as a hazardous live electrical supply system that powers equipment. Suitably rated measuring circuits may be connected to the MAINS for measuring purposes.