The recommended environment for storage and shipment of LTO data cartridges is
shown in Table 12.
Table 12. Recommended Environment for LTO Data Cartridges
Environmental Factor Storage Shipping
Temperature
5°C to 32°C
(41° to 90°F)
−40 to 52°C
(−40 to 125°F)
Relative Humidity
(noncondensing)
20 to 60% 5 to 90%
Maximum Wet Bulb
26°C
(79°F)
27°C
(80°F)
Tape Cartridge Storage
Tape drives record data using densities similar to hard disk drives. Because most
computer systems are not located in a dust-free, climate-controlled environment,
you must exercise special care when dealing with tape cartridges and tape drives.
They need to be treated as a valuable asset used to protect your business data.
Use the following guidelines for storing your tape cartridges:
v Temperature and humidity should be kept constant at a level comfortable for
you.
v Tape cartridges should always be stored in their protective cases. The storage
case helps prevent damage from dust and physical misuse. When the tape
cartridges are not in use or being stored, they should be in their storage cases
and stood on edge in a designated storage location. Do not stack cartridges on
the flat side or stack other items on top of the tape cartridges. Handle your tape
cartridges with care to reduce archival problems.
v Tape cartridge protective cases should be kept closed except when inserting or
removing a cartridge. Contamination can build up and be transferred to the tape
cartridge if the protective case is left open.
v Stored tapes should be exercised at least once every 12 months. Run the tape
from Beginning of Data (BOD) to End of Data (EOD) and back to BOD at
normal operating speeds. Tapes stored in a warmer environment should be
exercised more frequently.
v Sunlight can damage the tape and the cartridge shell. Store tape cartridges out
of the direct sunlight
Attention: Operation outside of the recommended environment can result in
possible loss of data or failure of the drive.
94 7226 Storage Device Enclosure Setup, Operator and Service Guide