Re: hot scope leads?


BobFlintsTone@xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Normally, you DO NOT use a scope to measure AC mains leads, unless you
have a
special attachment to allow it, usually a signal transformer. At work, we
rent a
power analyzer when we want to see the AC.


** That seems over cautious to me - a standard 10:1 probe is well able to
safely cope with 120 / 240 volts AC.

( I also own a 100:1 probe rated at 1500 volts max - guess what THAT is
for, Bob.)

Also, when working with triac and SCR circuits that "chop" the AC supply,
one cannot use a transformer to safety isolate the waveform from the scope
as it may well have a large DC component.

Transformers are such snobs, don't like DC one bit - they get all snooty
and refuse to pass it and just sit there, fuming at you !




........ Phil




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