Keithley 2601B Quick Start Manual - Connect The Instrument

• 

Make sure any test fixture connected to the system protects the 

operator from contact with hazardous voltages, hot surfaces, 

and sharp objects. Use shields, barriers, insulation, and safety 

interlocks to accomplish this.

• 

Cover the device under test (DUT) to protect the operator from 

flying debris in the event of a system or DUT failure.

• 

Double-insulate all electrical connections that an operator can 

touch. Double insulation ensures the operator is still protected 

even if one insulation layer fails. Refer to IEC 61010-1 for 

specific requirements.

• 

Make sure all connections are behind a locked cabinet door or 

other barrier. This protects the system operator from accidentally 

removing a connection by hand and exposing hazardous 

voltages. Use high-reliability fail-safe interlock switches to 

disconnect power sources when a test fixture cover is opened.

• 

Where possible, use automatic handlers so operators are not 

required to access the DUT or other potentially hazardous 

areas.

• 

Provide training to all users of the system so they understand 

all potential hazards and know how to protect themselves from 

injury.

• 

In many systems, during power up, the outputs may be in an 

unknown state until they are properly initialized. Make sure the 

design can tolerate this situation without causing operator injury 

or hardware damage.

Connect the instrument

Important test system safety information

This product is sold as a stand-alone instrument that may 

become part of a system that could contain hazardous voltages 

and energy sources. It is the responsibility of the test system 

designer, integrator,  installer, maintenance personnel, and 

service personnel to make sure the system is safe during use 

and is operating properly. You must also realize that in many 

test systems a single fault, such as a software error, may output 

hazardous signal levels even when the system indicates that 

there is no hazard present. It is important that you consider the 

following factors in your system design and use:

• 

The international safety standard IEC 61010-1 defines 

voltages as hazardous if they exceed 30 V

 RMS

 and  

42.4 V peak, or 60 VDC for equipment rated for dry 

locations. Keithley Instruments products are only rated for 

dry locations.

• 

Read and comply with the specifications of all instruments 

in the system. The overall allowed signal levels may be 

constrained by the lowest rated instrument in the system. 

For example, if you are using a 500 V power supply with a 

300 VDC rated switch, the maximum allowed voltage in the 

system is 300 VDC.