Oscilloscope ground and unit under test ground issue

groundisolationoscilloscopepower supplysafety

I am working with an instrument which has a supply of 230V AC or 400V DC. AC source is isolated at the input via 1:1 transformer and DC source is a floating supply.

I have a Yokogowa DL1620 oscilloscope. The power cord of scope does not have an earth pin. So my question is: I know unit under test shall be isolated always as I done however, can I work on an isolated unit with unearthed scope?

Also if scope is earthed then "ground" of unit under test will be at 0V. Is it desirable?

Best Answer

I think we can sum up your question as:

Can I work on an transformer isolated "unit under test" with an unearthed scope? Is it desirable to earth the scope given that the ground of the unit under test (when the scope return is connected) will then be the that of the scope?

Rather than answer that myself I'll redirect to great previous answers from others which will help you more than I can!

Why do we need an isolation transformer to connect an oscilloscope?

Isolation transformer and scope when troubleshooting SMPS

How is using a transformer for isolation safer than directly connecting to the power grid?