I'm looking to help protect against frying my DUTs, oscilloscopes, logic
analyzers during testing.
I've been thinking about purchasing an isolation transformers, and I've
watched a couple video blog entries on the subject. [1]
While I'm pretty careful what I'm probing, I don't want an inadvertent
short of the test equipment ground to the positive supply rail off my
DUT to blow stuff up.
The strategy I intend on using is this:
1. Connect the primary side ground of the isolation transformer to
ground with a normal(US) 3-prong plug.
2. Float the DUT by using a 3-prong to 2-prong adapter when plugging
into the secondary side of the transformer.
3. Keep the o'scope or LA grounded with a normal 3-prong plug.
My DUT for the most part is a commodore amiga that has an external 120v
to +12v,-12v, and +5v power supply. I'm not intending on opening
supplies, troubleshooting/repairing them or generally touching anything
that has live mains power following through it.
The signals I'm probing are generally ground-referenced single-ended
signals.
Does this approach sound reasonable? I'm looking for practical
actionable advice. I'm looking at the BK1604A. [2]
Thanks,
Keith
[1]
http://www.toddfun.com/2011/04/30/isolation_transformers/ and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaELqAo4kkQ (which is eevblog #279)
[2]
http://www.tequipment.net/BK1604A.html#