Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided with a fuel cell stack assembly which includes a plurality of fuel cells which convert chemical energy from a fuel into electricity through a chemical reaction with an oxidizing agent, the plurality of fuel cells being stacked together in electrical series; a base member upon which the plurality of fuel cells are stacked such that the base member is in electrical communication with the plurality of fuel cells; an attachment member fixed to the base member, the attachment member being maintained at electrical ground; and a dielectric barrier which electrically isolates the base member from the attachment member.