ASTM E528-95 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM E528-95 — Practice for Grounding Basic Optical Emission Spectrochemical Equipment. This short practice describes recommended grounding and radio‑frequency (r‑f) grounding arrangements for high‑power spark/arc optical emission spectrometers and associated excitation and readout units to reduce radio‑frequency interference and intermittent malfunctions of readout systems.

Abstract

Provides recommended practices for establishing a low‑impedance r‑f ground separate from building ground, grounding connections for excitation source units, spectrometers/spectrographs, and readout units, and guidance on when a separate r‑f ground is required versus when building ground is adequate. Includes references to applicable electrical codes and related military and ASTM documents.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (withdrawal date: 09 May 1998).
• Publication date: Current edition approved January 15, 1995; published March 1995.
• Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 29.120.50 (Fuses and other overcurrent protection devices); jurisdiction: Committee E01 — Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials.
• Edition / version: Designation E528-95 (1995 edition).
• Number of pages: 3 pages (short practice).

Scope

The practice covers grounding specifications for basic optical emission spectrochemical equipment that use high‑power spark or arc excitation sources and have components (excitation source, spectrometer or spectrograph, readout) that may produce radio‑frequency energy. It addresses when a separate r‑f ground system is required, how the r‑f ground should originate and terminate, grounding connection methods (for example, copper tubing or flattened tubing contact), and limitations such as not superseding applicable national or local electrical codes.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of "basic spectrochemical equipment" (excitation source, spectrometer/spectrograph, readout) and applicability to high‑power spark/arc systems.
• Requirement for a separate, electrically isolated radio‑frequency (r‑f) ground system originating in a ground well and terminating on the equipment (when necessary).
• Guidance on grounding conductors and connections (use of copper tubing/pipe, large contact areas, low‑impedance chokes to keep equipment ground from carrying r‑f).
• Notes on when building ground may be adequate (equipment not generating r‑f current) and how to determine the need for a separate r‑f ground.
• References to National Electrical Code, MIL‑STD‑1857 (grounding, bonding, and shielding design), and ASTM E135 (terminology).

Typical use and users

Laboratory engineers, instrument technicians, and facility electrical engineers responsible for installation, commissioning, and maintenance of optical emission spectrometers (spark and arc excitation systems) in metallurgical, materials testing, and analytical chemistry laboratories. Useful for instrument manufacturers and laboratory safety officers who need to reduce r‑f interference and ensure reliable readout operation while complying with local electrical codes.

Related standards

Referenced documents and related guidance include the National Electrical Code (NEC) sections on grounding, MIL‑STD‑1857 (Grounding, Bonding, and Shielding Design Practices), and ASTM E135 (Terminology relating to analytical chemistry for metals, ores, and related materials). Users should also consult current local and national electrical codes and any manufacturer‑specific grounding instructions.

Keywords

grounding, radio‑frequency ground, r‑f ground, optical emission spectrometry, spectrometer grounding, spark excitation, arc excitation, instrument grounding, ASTM E528, laboratory grounding, electrical interference mitigation

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E528-95 is a short practice that provided recommended grounding arrangements for basic optical emission spectrochemical equipment (spark/arc excitation, spectrometer, readout) to control radio‑frequency interference.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers when a separate r‑f ground is needed, how to establish an r‑f ground (origin, termination, and conductor recommendations), grounding connection techniques to equipment bodies, and references to applicable electrical codes and related standards.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Instrumentation technicians, laboratory engineers, spectrometer manufacturers, and safety/electrical staff working with optical emission spectrometers and high‑power excitation sources in analytical and metallurgical labs.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The practice E528-95 was withdrawn on 09 May 1998 and is not an active ASTM standard. Users should verify whether alternative or newer guidance exists from ASTM, instrument manufacturers, and applicable electrical codes before applying the withdrawn practice.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It falls under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E01 (Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials) and relates to other fundamental practice documents and terminology standards (for example, ASTM E135). It is a standalone practice (E528) in the suite of ASTM practices for analytical instrumentation.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Grounding, r‑f ground, optical emission spectrochemical equipment, spectrometer grounding, spark/arc excitation, electrical interference, instrument installation.