Ohio Pen - Why You Should Consider Using Isolated Measurement Systems

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CLEVELAND - OhioPen -- The Benefits of System Isolation

In today's data-driven world, isolated measurement systems with electrical isolation are crucial for accuracy and safety. This white paper explores the benefits of isolation, the potential risks of non-isolated systems, and essential applications for isolated data acquisition systems.

What is Electrical Isolation?

Many data loggers and acquisition systems have electrical isolation to prevent signal interaction and electrical issues. Check your equipment's specification sheet to confirm isolation. Multiplexed systems may already have channel-to-channel isolation. High-capability devices typically require galvanic isolation.

Why Isolate Your Systems?

Isolation is often required in real-time data acquisition applications such as:

Automotive manufacturing
Machine monitoring (turbines, motors, etc.)
Food processing operations
Materials Engineering (alloys, etc.)
Many other heavy industrial uses

One excellent reason to use isolated data acquisition systems is to protect yourself or your personnel from electrical accidents. In particular, galvanically isolated systems protect operators from being exposed to unintended current paths or high voltage in the case of a fault.

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Galvanic isolation offers an additional benefit in the form of common-mode voltage rejection, which reduces signal noise by ignoring those signals (voltages) that are common to both the + and – input connections. This is especially useful if you're trying to record accurate measurements in areas where the output voltage of a sensor may be floating concerning the earth's ground.

What Risks are Posed by Non-Isolated Systems?

While isolated measurement systems are fractionally more costly than non-isolated products, you may find that the cost of repairing or replacing your system is much higher!

For the average user of a data acquisition system, the most likely risk is that the analog/digital signals will be corrupted or that the system will be damaged as a result of unintended ground current flow.

However, Ground loops pose one of the greatest threats, both to measurement signals and to users themselves:

Data Loss: Networked data systems lacking isolation are at great risk of losing data through signal degradation. Isolation safeguards data from signal degradation while also helping to protect your initial investment in your data acquisition system.
Physical harm: Users of non-isolated systems face a real risk of harm caused by high current or voltage.

Summary:

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Before purchasing a data acquisition system or data logger, it's important to determine if built-in isolation is necessary. The slightly higher cost is justified by the potential risks it mitigates. If in doubt, consult a trusted solutions provider.

For more info on Data Acquisition Systems, or to find the ideal solution for your application-specific needs, contact a CAS Data Logger Applications Specialist at (800) 956-4437 or visit us at https://www.dataloggerinc.com.