There's no safety requirement that DC return be connected to chassis.

SS30 is an SMPS so a different beast than the prior discussed linear supplies. It's possible that the DC return to chassis connection is needed for EMC compliance. That's providing a low impedance return path for noise generated by switch elements. Without the connection, noise will take an unwanted path and come out as common mode noise. A frequent source of the noise is capacitive coupling from MOSFETs to chassis, sometimes via a heat sink.

I would be hesitant to simply insulate the DC neg from chassis. One possibility would be to cut the copper around PCB mounting screws (carefully!), and put a cap between them so you maintain an AC connection but block the unwanted DC path. You want the capacitor value to be much greater than the parasitic capacitance.

73,
Josh W6XU

On 4/18/2018 11:10 AM, Michael Blake wrote:
I though I would separate this from the other discussion. It seems that my 
newest Astron SS30 power supply does not allow for the negative post to be 
isolated from the chassis. The green wire can be disconnected from the chassis 
but the negative rail of the DC output can not be isolated from the chassis.  
The negative rail is firmly connected to the chassis via two of the circuit 
board mounting screws. Separation would only be possible by using insulating 
washers and nylon screws.

This is not true in one of my older supplies. Has there been an NEC or UL 
change that requires that one side of the output of a DC supply be grounded?

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