Environmental and shipping specifications for LTO tape cartridges

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Specific storage and shipping environmental conditions apply to LTO tape cartridges.

Before you use an LTO tape cartridge, acclimate it to the operating environment for 24 hours or the amount of time necessary to prevent condensation in the drive. The time varies depending on the environmental extremes to which the cartridge was exposed.

The best storage container for the cartridges (until they are opened) is the original shipping container. The plastic wrapping prevents dirt from accumulating on the cartridges and partially protects them from humidity changes.

When you ship a cartridge, place it in its jewel case or in a sealed, moisture-proof bag to protect it from moisture, contaminants, and physical damage. Ship the cartridge in a shipping container that has enough packing material to cushion the cartridge and prevent it from moving within the container.

Table 1 gives the environment for storing and shipping LTO tape cartridges.

Table 1. Environment for storage and shipping the LTO tape cartridges
Environmental Specifications
Environmental Factor Allowable Storage Recommended Storage Shipping
Temperature 16 to 32°C

(61 to 90°F)

 16 to 25°C

(61 to 77°F)

 -23 to 49°C

(-9 to 120°F)
Relative humidity (noncondensing) 20 to 80% 20 to 50% 5 to 80%
Maximum wet bulb temperature 26°C

(79°F)

 26°C

(79°F)

 26°C

(79°F)
Magnetic field Stray magnetic field at any point on tape not to exceed 50 oersteds (4000 ampere/meter).