Hi,
I've purchased a 20MHz Dual Trace Oscilloscope (see previous thread called "Opinions on Oscilloscopes") and it's been quite fruitful so far. Thanks to all who helped me make a decision.
I've been working on low voltage circuits, and building simple rectifiers. It's great to see the actual wavefrom change from AC to half-wave AC and so on.
Now, I'm not stupid, and I know not to play around with mains. But I do want to see mains in action.
I am interested in alternative power sources (solar to battery to inverter etc.)
I want to see the "modified sine wave" output of my little 150W inverter and when I buy my 1500W inverter I want to see that too.
I also have 3 phase power to my house (from the electricity company), and I'd really like to see the 3 sine waves on my scope (with the dual trace, I guess I can look at two at a time).
Why? Seeing is believing....it really helps me to actually see what's there. It's just the scientist in me, I guess.
So, a very simple question....
My scope has 1MOhm probes with a 10X switch. I believe this switch makes the probe 10MOhm.
It seems to me that this is safe to apply to a mains socket (with all other sensible safety precautions in place - e.g. DON'T TOUCH the metal tip of the probe or its ground clip!).
Am I wrong?
If you say it's OK, all risk is on me. My widow will not come and find you and sue you. :-)
BTW, My house (and workshop) has a Residual Current device. I know not to rely on it, and I also know it doesn't protect against putting yourself between active and neutral.
tia, RR