Environmental and shipping specifications for tape cartridges
Recommended conditions for shipping cartridges are described.
Before you use a tape cartridge, acclimate it to the operating environment for 24 hours or the 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 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.
| 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 (does not apply to 3592 JE tape cartridges) | 26°C (79°F) | N/A | 26°C (79°F) |
| Maximum dew point temperature (applies only to 3592 JE tape cartridges) | 22°C (72°F) | N/A | 22°C (72°F) |
| Magnetic field | Stray magnetic field at any point on tape not to exceed 50 oersteds (4000 ampere/meter). | ||