Tips for Preventing Damage to Power Sensors and Meters

Avoid overpowering the power sensor

• Avoid burning the power sensor by having some idea of the signal level to be measured with the sensor. 
• Before turning on or turning off the connected equipment or the DUT, reduce the signal level to the minimum safety level. 
• Properly apply a DC block, limiter or external attenuator as needed. 

Read the warning labels and specifications

• Do not exceed the values provided in the specifications guide or as indicated by the yellow warning labels on the power sensor and meter.
• Refer to the specification guide for conditions required to meet the listed specification. 

Protect the RF input connector

• Be careful not to bend, bump or flex any device under test (DUT) connected to the input of the analyzer (such as filters, attenuators, or large cables). 
• Ensure externally connected items are properly supported (not freely suspended) from the input.
• Always use torque wrench and gauge tools for connecting RF connectors.

Follow proper RF cable and connector care

• Avoid repeated bending of cables. A single sharp bend can damage a cable instantly.
• Limit the number of connections and disconnections to reduce wear.
• Inspect the connectors prior to use; look for dirt, nicks, and other signs of damage or wear. A bad connector can ruin the good connector instantly.
• Clean dirty connectors to prevent poor electrical connections or damage to the connector.

Ensure proper grounding

• Always use the three-prong AC power cord supplied with the power meter.
• Proper grounding of the instrument will prevent a build-up of electrostatic charge which may be harmful to the instrument and the operator.
• Do not damage the earth-grounding protection by using an extension cable, power cable, or autotransformer without a protective ground conductor.
• Check AC power quality and polarity; typical AC voltage required is 100 V, 120 V, 220 V ± 10% or 240 V +5%/–10%. 

Follow electrostatic discharge precautions

• Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage or destroy electronic components. Whenever possible, conduct testing at a static-safe workstation. Keep electrostatic-generating materials at least one meter away from all components. Before connecting any coaxial cable to instrument, momentarily short the center and outer conductors of the cable together to ground.
• Always put connector cap on the unused power sensor for preventing ESD.

Check for proper temperature and humidity

• Keep power sensor and meter in a clean and dry environment. Temperature for typical storage condition is between –40 and 75 °C, humidity < 95 % RH.
• Ensure proper ventilation among racks. Optimal operating temperature is 23 to –5 °C, always keep instrument ambient temperature at < 30 °C.
• Cooling vents and fans should be inspected and cleaned frequently