Description
The SCS Common Point Ground Monitor confirms the
integrity of the resistance path from the common ground
point to electrical ground. It is designed in accordance
with ESD TR 12-01 to “monitoring equipment ground
connections.”
When the Common Point Ground Monitor is plugged
into an electrical receptacle, its green LEDs illuminate
when both the power outlet's wiring is correct and
the path-to-equipment ground via the equipment
grounding conductor is intact. The monitor provides
12 verified ground points when in a PASS condition.
The monitor's red LEDs illuminate and audible buzzer
sounds when either the outlet’s wiring is incorrect or the
path-to-equipment ground is defective. Mounting tabs
make it suitable to install in workbench or equipment
settings.
The outlet ground line is tested by measuring voltage
between it and the neutral line. It is normal to have
a few volts of AC induced on the neutral line. If the
Common Point Ground Monitor measures only a few
volts, the ground line to neutral impedance is low and
the ground line would make a suitable ESD ground
point. If the monitor measures more than just a few volts
between ground and neutral, this indicates either that
they are not referenced to each other or that the outlet
and associated wiring should be checked for loose
connections. In this case, the Common Point Ground
Monitor will sound a warning alarm and display a red
FAIL indication and should not be used for an ESD
grounding point until corrected.
Use the Common Point Ground Monitor to fulfill the
ANSI/ESD S6.1 section 6.3.1 requirement. “The hot,
neutral and equipment grounding conductor shall
be verified to be in the proper wiring orientation in
accordance with the National Electric Code (NFPA
70®).”