Electrical Safety and Damage Prevention for Quantum FaroArm - Customer Education for Users, EHS, and Facilities Teams
Purpose
This document explains common causes of electrical damage to FARO® Quantum, Quantum Max, and Quantum X measurement arms and outlines how facility conditions and user practices can contribute to permanent equipment failure. It is intended to support users, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), Facilities, IT, and operations teams in maintaining a safe and reliable operating environment.
General Overview
Many field electrical failures are environment or use related. Preventive controls at the facility level are the most effective way to reduce risk of damage to the FaroArm.
FARO measurement arms are precision electrical devices designed for accurate dimensional inspection. All arms are functionally tested and calibrated prior to shipment.
The supplied external power supply accepts a universal input of 100–240 VAC at 47–63 Hz and provides a low voltage 24VDC to the FaroArm. When powered from an outlet, the system must be connected using the original FARO power supply and a three‑conductor power cord. A properly grounded (protective‑earth) AC outlet is required.
The FaroArm contains sensitive low‑voltage electronics, including multiple processors, sensors, and encoders. Electrical damage may occur when energy enters the system outside normal operating limits. Once electrical components are damaged, factory replacement and recalibration is required.
Electrical and Safety Standards Compliance
The FaroArm is tested to IEC 61010‑1, Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use, which includes protection against electric shock, fire hazards, thermal limits, power supply and battery safety, and mechanical stability.
For electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), the systems are tested to EN 61326‑1, ensuring compliance with emissions and immunity requirements suitable for light industrial shop‑floor environments. This includes resistance to electrostatic discharge (ESD), radiated and conducted RF interference, electrical fast transients (EFT), and surge events within specified limits.
The FaroArm complies with CE regulations for products under the Low Voltage Directive and EMC Directive, and UKCA conformity for the UK market. Systems equipped with laser line probes are evaluated under IEC 60825‑1 laser safety requirements, typically classified as Class 2 or Class 2M eye-safe visible lasers. Wireless features such as Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth, where present, comply with regional radio regulations such as Radio Equipment Directive (RED) in the EU, FCC Part 15 in the U.S., and ISED requirements in Canada.
Common Causes of Electrical Damage
1. Grounding Deficiencies
Risk Description
Electrical damage to a FaroArm most commonly results from improper grounding. Proper grounding provides a controlled path for unwanted electrical energy. If grounding is inadequate, excess energy may pass through the FaroArm itself, damaging internal electronics. When connected over USB, the Arm must be on the same power outlet/ground as the computer to prevent ground loops.
Common Facility Conditions
- Ungrounded or improperly wired outlets
- Buildings with high‑impedance or shared industrial grounding systems
- Use of extension cords or power strips without protective earth
- Ground loops between the Arm and computer
Potential Consequences
- Damage to control boards, encoders, and probe electronics
- Intermittent or unstable system behavior
- Permanent failure of communication interfaces
2. Power Quality
Risk Description
Unstable or poor‑quality power is another major contributor to damage. Industrial electrical systems can generate transient voltage events that exceed what precision electronics can tolerate. Power surges, spikes, or switching transients from nearby equipment such as welders, plasma cutters, or large motor drives inject voltage spikes or fast transients into the facility wiring. These events can overstress internal protection circuitry. If the FaroArm is plugged directly into building power, that energy may travel through the external power supply and damage the arm electronics.
Typical Sources
- Welders, plasma cutters, or induction heaters
- Large motors, compressors, or variable‑frequency drives
- Electrical storms or nearby lightning strikes
- Older facilities without surge suppression
- Lightning strikes
Potential Consequences
- Communication disruption
- Sudden or intermittent system shutdowns
- Damage to electronics and power‑on failure
3. Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
Risk Description
Electrostatic discharge may cause system disruption or damage, particularly in low‑humidity environments. Static electricity can build up to over 10 thousand volts and discharge into the FaroArm. ESD damage may not be visible or immediately apparent.
High‑Risk Conditions
- Low relative humidity environments
- Insulated flooring or non‑conductive footwear
- Lack of an earth reference on FaroArm or inspected parts
Potential Consequences
- System disruption
- Damage to electronics
- Progressive or latent electrical failure over time
4. Use of Non‑Approved Power Supplies or Batteries
Risk Description
Use of incorrect or third‑party power supplies is prohibited. Even if voltage and current ratings appear similar, differences in grounding, output ripple, transient suppression, or connector wiring can lead to potential damage including overheating or damage to internal components. Power supplies and batteries not specified by FARO may deliver unstable voltage, excessive ripple, improper grounding, or inadequate safety protections.
Common Causes
- Replacement adapters intended for other equipment
- Third‑party or refurbished power supplies or batteries
- Assumptions that “matching voltage” is sufficient
Potential Consequences
- Battery charging failures
- Overheating or damage to internal components
5. Moisture, Condensation, and Environmental Exposure
Risk Description
Electrical damage can occur without direct liquid contact. Moisture reduces electrical insulation and promotes corrosion. Exposure to moisture, coolant mist, condensation, or cleaning fluids can compromise insulation and create leakage paths on circuit boards and connectors. Electrical failures from moisture are often delayed, appearing days or weeks after exposure as corrosion develops.
Common Sources
- Condensation from temperature changes
- Coolant mist or airborne contaminants
- Cleaning agents, vapors, or humid storage
Potential Consequences
- Latent electrical faults
- Corrosion of connectors and circuit boards
- Failures occurring days, weeks, or months after exposure
6. Proximity to High‑Energy Equipment
Risk Description
All electronics create some unwanted electrical signals, sometimes referred to as electrical noise or Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). Certain types of equipment are known to produce especially strong electromagnetic fields that can induce unwanted voltages in nearby electronic equipment, even without direct connection. Energy may carry through the A/C power lines causing high voltage spikes on the power or on poor earth ground connections. Energy may also transfer through the air in the form of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) which can couple onto equipment or cabling causing communication disruption.
Examples
- Welders, plasma cutters, or induction heaters
- Large motors, compressors, or variable‑frequency drives
- High‑current switching equipment
- Industrial machinery
Potential Consequences
- Signal interference
- Communication disruption
- Electronics damage
Recommended Preventive Controls
To reduce risk of electrical damage:
- Use only properly grounded electrical outlets
- Use FARO‑approved power supplies, cords, and batteries
- Install surge protection or industrial‑grade UPS systems
- Maintain moderate humidity levels where feasible
- Avoid placement near high‑energy or high‑EMI machinery
- Allow equipment to stabilize after large temperature changes
Summary
Electrical damage to FARO measurement arms is most often the result of unpredictable industrial or environmental conditions interacting with sensitive precision electronics. Understanding these risks and applying basic facility controls significantly reduces the likelihood of permanent damage, unplanned downtime, and costly repairs.
To minimize the risk of electrical damage, the FaroArm should always be operated from a verified grounded power source using only FARO‑supplied power accessories. In shop environments, power conditioning or an industrial‑grade UPS is strongly recommended. Maintaining controlled environmental conditions, avoiding operation near high‑energy equipment, and allowing temperature stabilization before use all reduce failure risk.
For questions regarding installation, power quality, or facility suitability, consult FARO Support or your authorized FARO representative.