System Blade Rules All P-7500 system blades are subject to damage from rough handling or from electrostatic discharge. To avoid damage, system blades that are shipped separately from the shelf come in antistatic packaging. You must follow these rules to prevent damage to blades: • Blade Handling Rules • Blade Installation (and Replacement) Rules • Blade Storage Rules • Blade Transport Rules Blade Handling Rules Follow these rules when handling P-7500 system blades: • always observe proper ESD handling techniques and use of personal grounding devices before removing a blade from its package • protect each blade that is not in active use on the shelf by storing each one separately in antistatic packaging • handle each blade by the faceplate • do not touch the solder side of the blade, pin connectors, or any exposed components • do not stack blades on or against each other • do not force blades into their packaging material Blade Installation (and Replacement) Rules Follow these rules when installing or replacing P-7500 system blades: • always observe proper ESD handling techniques and use of personal grounding devices when before installing a blade into the Fabric Expansion Cartridge (FEC) • blades must reach room temperature before being inserted in the FEC • inspect all blades, including pin connectors and soldering, for damage before inserting into the FEC • do not force a blade into a slot • blades that have potentially hot surfaces can cause burns. When handling these blades, take the necessary precautions. Blade Storage Rules Follow these rules to prevent damage to spare system blades while in storage: • always leave blades in their original antistatic packaging and storage containers until you need them • ensure that the ambient temperature of the equipment storage location never exceeds 50°C (122°F) Following these blade storage rules prevents: • accumulation of dirt or dust on the blade pin connectors • damage to the blade or its components • warping of spare blades due to storage areas where the humidity can exceed 95 percent and the temperature can exceed 70°C (158°F) Blade Transport Rules When transporting P-7500 blades, pack each blade in its original antistatic packaging, shielded container, and padding. If the original packaging material is not available, use another shielded container.