Tape Cartridges
Maintaining Tape Cartridges
Maintaining Tape Cartridges
Table 3-2
Tape Cartridge Maintenance
• Expose cartridges to magnetic fields.
• Leave cartridges in the tape drive when library
power is off.
• Expose cartridges to extreme temperatures or
extreme humidity. Acceptable operating
temperatures range from 10-40° C (50-104° F).
Acceptable storage temperatures range from
16-32° C (60-90° F). Acceptable operating humidity
ranges from 20-80%; acceptable storage humidity
ranges from 10-95%.
• Expose cartridges to moisture or direct sunlight.
• Drop the cartridges or carry them in a loose
container that could submit the cartridges to any
unnecessary physical shock.
• Open cartridges lid, exposing the tape to possible
contamination or physical damage.
• Touch the tape surface.
• Take cartridges apart.
• Use graphite pencils, water soluble felt pens, or
other debris-producing writing instruments to
label cartridges.
• Erase a label; replace it instead.
3-6
DO NOT
Do
• Store cartridges in a clean, safe
place in their protective plastic
containers when not in use.
• Remove dust on the outside of
cartridges using a damp cloth.
(Older, frequently used tapes may
build up dust.)
• Store cartridges vertically, not flat.
• Store cartridges intended for
archiving data in their plastic
containers and in environmental
conditions of 18-28° C (64-82° F)
and 40-60% relative humidity.
• Use labels like those included in the
accessories kit or that meet the
specifications listed in Appendix A
Supplies and Accessories.