6 General Maintenance
146 5977B Series MSD Operating Manual
Some procedures in this chapter require access to the inside of the MSD while
the power switch is on. Do not remove any of the electronics safety covers in
any of these procedures. To reduce the risk of electric shock, follow the
procedures carefully.
Dangerous temperatures
Many parts in the MSD operate at, or reach, temperatures high enough to
cause serious burns. These parts include, but are not limited to:
• GC inlet
• GC oven and its contents
• GC detector
• GC valve box
• Foreline pump
• Heated MSD ion source, interface, and quadrupole
The GC inlets and GC oven also operate at very high temperatures. Use the
same caution around these parts. See the documentation supplied with your
GC for more information.
Never touch these parts while your MSD is on. After the MSD is turned off, give
these parts enough time to cool before handling them.
The GC/MSD interface heater is powered by a thermal zone on the GC. The interface
heater can be on, and at a dangerously high temperature, even though the MSD is
off. The GC/MSD interface is well insulated. Even after it is turned off, it cools very
slowly.
The foreline pump can cause burns if touched when operating. It has a safety shield
to prevent the user from touching it.