ADSL Safety Precautions

· GROUND! Know those connections that are grounded, and those that are not. The most common cause of equipment damage is unintended shorts to ground. Remember that oscilloscopes are designed to measure voltage relative to ground, not between two arbitrary points.

· RATINGS! Before applying power, check that the expected voltage, current, and power levels do not violate any ratings. What is the power you expect in a given resistor?

· HEAT! Small parts can become hot enough to cause burns with as little as one watt applied to them. Even large resistors will become hot if five watts or so are applied.

· CAREFUL WORKMANSHIP! Check and recheck all connections before applying power. Plan Ahead: consider the effects of a circuit change before trying it. Use the correct wires and connectors for the job, and keep your bench neat.

· WHEN IN DOUBT, SHUT IT OFF! Do not manipulate circuits or make changes with power applied.

· LIVE PARTS! Most semiconductor devices have an electrical connection to the case. Assume that anything touching the case is part of the circuit and is connected. Avoid tools and other metallic objects around live circuits. Keep beverage containers away from your bench.

· NECKTIES AND LOOSE CLOTHING SHOULD NOT BE WORN WHEN WORKING WITH MOTORS OR ROBOTS! Be sure that motors are anchored properly and do not come in contact with circuitry.

· Remember the effects of inductive circuits - high voltages can occur if you attempt to disconnect an inductor when current is flowing.

· Fire extinguishers and emergency kits are at the door between lab and hall, and door between lab and TA office.

· EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER: 9-911 (Make sure you know the location of the phone in the lab!)

Please return tools and parts boxes to their proper places after you are done using them. Please help keep the lab organized.

Please use the proper tools for each job; for example, don’t use the Dreml Drill when you need the drill press, and vice versa!