All AFG3000 Series instruments are safe when used in accordance with the user manual instructions. This safety notification is a precaution to alert users of the potential risk that may result from improper use. User-installable upgrade kits, which remove the potential safety hazard, are being sent to all owners of AFG3000 Series instruments.

1. What is this safety issue concerning the AFG3000 Series?
   
   Tektronix has determined that certain improper use of the AFG3000 Series instruments may potentially expose the user to hazardous voltages, posing the risk of serious personal injury or loss of life. The risk exists only if you use the chassis grounding post on the rear panel of the generator, and the grounding provided through the three-prong power cord is unreliable or missing. Under these conditions, inserting a wire or other metal object through the hole in the rear panel chassis grounding post, or using a screw longer than the specified length of 6.35 mm (0.25 in), can elevate the chassis of the generator to the line voltage potential. This includes exposed metal surfaces of connectors that are connected directly to the chassis.




2. How serious is the risk to users?
   
   No risk to a user exists when AFG3000 Series instruments are used in accordance with instructions in the user manual. Certain improper use of AFG3000 Series instruments, as specified in the answer to question #1, may potentially expose the user to an electric shock of line-level voltage. The severity of the electric shock depends on the environmental conditions. A user with dry skin who is wearing insulating shoes might only feel a tingling sensation. If the user has moist hands and is barefoot, the electric shock could result in loss of life.




3. Will there be a recall of the product?
   
   No risk to a user exists when AFG3000 Series instruments are used in accordance with instructions in the user manual. This safety notification is a precaution to alert users of the potential risk that may result from improper use. User-installable upgrade kits, which remove the potential safety hazard, are being sent to all owners of AFG3000 Series instruments, either directly or through their distributors. Therefore, Tektronix is not asking for a physical return of any instruments.
4. How do I determine if my AFG3000 Series instrument is subject to the safety concern?
   
   Only AFG3000 Series instruments with serial numbers that begin with C01 are affected. Instruments with other serial numbers, such as those beginning with C02, are not subject to this safety concern.
   
   To tell if your instrument has already been updated, see question #5.
   
   You can also check whether your instrument is affected with the AFG3000 Serial Number Tracking Tool on the Web site.
5. How do I determine if my AFG3000 Series instrument has already been modified?
   
   For AFG3000 Series instruments with serial numbers that begin with C01, if the grounding post on the rear panel is almost flush with the case, as shown in the photograph on the left, you must install this kit. If the rear-panel grounding post extends approximately 12 mm (0.5 in) beyond the case, as shown in the photograph on the right, this kit has already been installed.
   
   
   
6. How can I get my unit fixed?
   
   If your unit is affected, you should install the upgrade kit that Tektronix will send to you. This kit contains a grounding post extender (spacer post) that requires only a screwdriver for installation. If you have not received an upgrade kit for your instrument by September 15, 2006, please contact your local Tektronix sales office and order Tektronix part number 040-1719-00, free of charge. In the U.S., call 1-800-833-9200 and select Option 1.
7. How do I obtain the parts to update my unit?
   
   The parts are included in the upgrade kit that Tektronix will send to you. If you have not received an upgrade kit for your instrument by September 15, 2006, please contact your local Tektronix sales office and order Tektronix part number 040-1719-00, free of charge. In the U.S., call 1-800-833-9200 and select Option 1.
8. Can I send my unit to Tektronix to have it fixed?
   
   This is not necessary. If your unit is affected, you should install the upgrade kit that Tektronix will send to you. This kit contains a grounding post extender (spacer post) that requires only a screwdriver for installation. The instrument does not need to be opened to perform the procedure. If you have not received an upgrade kit for your instrument by September 15, 2006, please contact your local Tektronix sales office and order Tektronix part number 040-1719-00, free of charge. In the U.S., call 1-800-833-9200 and select Option 1.




9. Can Tektronix update my unit here on site?
   
   This is not necessary. If your unit is affected, you should install the upgrade kit that Tektronix will send to you. This kit contains a grounding post extender (spacer post) that requires only a screwdriver for installation. The instrument does not need to be opened to perform the procedure. If you have not received an upgrade kit for your instrument by September 15, 2006, please contact your local Tektronix sales office and order Tektronix part number 040-1719-00, free of charge. In the U.S., call 1-800-833-9200 and select Option 1.
10. I have a unit in for service - will Tektronix add the safety update?
    
    Yes. Tektronix will verify that all affected AFG3000 Series instruments returned for service have the safety update added.
11. Can I trade in my unit for a new instrument with the safety update?
    
    This is not necessary. If your unit is affected, you should install the upgrade kit that Tektronix will send to you. The components provided with this kit are identical to those that are being used in the production line at the time of this writing. If you have not received an upgrade kit for your instrument by September 15, 2006, please contact your nearest Tektronix sales office and order Tektronix part number 040-1719-00, free of charge. In the U.S., call 1-800-833-9200 and select Option 1.
12. What exactly is the problem?
    
    The risk exists only if the grounding provided through the three-prong power cord is unreliable or missing. Under these conditions, a wire or other metal object inserted through the hole in the rear panel chassis grounding post, or a screw longer than the specified length of 6.35 mm (0.25 in), can touch hazardous, line-level voltages on the power supply. If the instrument is properly grounded, such action will result in a blown fuse and damage to the instrument. However, if the instrument is not properly grounded, user accessible metal on the instrument exterior will be elevated to a hazardous voltage level. Touching these metal parts would then result in an electrical shock to the user.
13. What are the causes of the problem?
    
    The safety issue came about because the original grounding post had a through thread. For new instruments, the design of the grounding post has been changed from a through thread to a closed thread end. This eliminates the potential safety hazard.
14. Can the problem occur if an AFG3000 Series instrument is used in accordance with user manual instructions?
    
    No. The AFG3000 Series instruments are completely safe when properly grounded as instructed in the user manual. The safety notification is a precaution to alert users of the potential risk that may result from improper use. This safety risk can be completely removed by installing the upgrade kit.
15. Is there a design fault in the AFG3000 Series? If so, what is it?
    
    The problem is related to the design of the grounding post. Since this post has a through thread, an inserted screw that is longer than the correct length of 6.35 mm (or 0.25"), a wire, or other thin metal object may touch power supply circuitry situated behind the post. For new instruments, the design of the grounding post has been changed from a through thread to a closed thread end. This eliminates the potential safety hazard.
16. When did Tektronix first learn about this problem?
    
    Tektronix first discovered the potential safety hazard in June of 2006. Tektronix promptly modified the grounding post on all new products shipping from the factory, and started the process of notifying all distributors and customers.
17. How did Tektronix find out about the problem?
    
    Tektronix discovered the potential hazard after a customer instrument with a damaged power supply circuit was received for repair. In that particular case, the user had caused the defect by inserting a longer than specified screw or other thin metal object into the grounding post. Following a diligent analysis by Tektronix safety engineers, it was determined that this form of improper usage could have exposed the user to line-level voltage if the instrument had not been properly grounded.
18. Is the problem the result of some production line or quality issue and if so what?
    
    The problem is related to the design of the grounding post, and not any production line or quality issue.
19. Has anyone been hurt?
    
    Tektronix is not aware of any case where someone was hurt or injured as a result of this safety issue.
20. What is Tektronix doing about this potential safety hazard?
    
    Tektronix is notifying all owners of AFG3000 Series instruments and providing them with user-installable upgrade kits, either directly or through their distributors. For new instruments, the grounding post has been modified from a through thread to a closed thread end. This prevents users from being able to access power supply circuitry by inserting a longer than recommended screw or other thin metal object.
21. Is a change being made to the design of the AFG3000 Series?
    
    Yes. At the time of this writing, all instruments shipping from the factory have a grounding post extender with closed thread end preinstalled, which resolves the potential safety hazard. In the near future, the mechanical design of the grounding post will be changed from a through thread to a closed thread end. With the implementation of this change, the grounding post extender will not be needed on new products.
22. Will a warning label be attached to the product?
    
    No. Instruments shipping from the factory do not pose any potential safety hazard. Tektronix is notifying all owners of AFG3000 Series instruments and providing them with user-installable upgrade kits either directly or through their distributors. These measures make any warning label unnecessary.
23. I know someone who has an AFG3000 Series instrument. What should I tell them to do?
    
    Ask them to visit the Tektronix Web site at http://www.tek.com/safety or contact their local Tektronix sales office or service center to learn about the safety notification. The Web site helps them to identify whether their instrument is affected. Tell them that user-installable upgrade kits, which remove the potential safety hazard, are being sent to all owners of AFG3000 Series instruments.
24. If I have questions about this Safety Notification, whom can I contact?
    
    You can call (1) your local Tektronix sales office or service center, (2) e-mail Tektronix, or (3) in the U.S. call 1-800-833-9200 and select Option 2.
25. Are you sure the recommended modification fixes the problem?
    
    Yes. Installing the upgrade kit will eliminate the safety hazard.
26. Will you continue to sell the AFG3000 Series?
    
    Tektronix will continue to sell the AFG3000 Series with a modified grounding post that no longer poses a potential safety hazard.
27. Has Tektronix ever issued safety notifications or recalled any other products?
    
    Safety notifications or recalls have occurred only a few times for Tektronix products in our 60 year history.
28. Are other Tektronix products involved in this safety notification?
    
    No. Only the AFG3000 Series is involved in this safety notification.
29. I have a newer AFG3000 series product, with suffix "B" or "C", is it subject to this safety concern?
    
    No. Only the AFG3000 Series with any alphabetic suffix is involved in this safety notification.