EMC Confidential Information version: 2.9.0.4
General information for handling hardware components
This section describes precautions you must take and general procedures you must follow when
removing, installing, or storing field-replaceable units (FRUs) or other hardware components. The
procedures in this section apply to handling components during hardware upgrades or FRU replacement.
You add or replace most hardware while the cabinet is powered up. To maintain proper airflow for cooling
and to ensure EMI compliance, ensure that all front bezels, filler panels, and filler modules are in place
after the replacement/upgrade is complete.
Removing, installing, or storing FRUs
Follow these precautions to protect FRUs:
Do not remove a bad FRU from the cabinet until you have the replacement available.
Do not remove the replacement FRU from its antistatic bag and/or container until you are ready to
install it. After installing the FRU, save the bag/container in case you need to return the FRU later.
Handle the replacement FRU gently, and do not use excessive force to remove or install a FRU.
Avoiding damage from electrostatic discharge
Handling a hardware component incorrectly can damage sensitive electronic circuits by discharging static
electricity that has accumulated on your body. Follow these procedures to prevent damage to the
equipment:
If the air in the work area is very dry, operate a humidifier in the work area.
Provide enough room to work on the equipment. Clear the work site of any unnecessary materials or
materials that naturally build up an electrostatic charge, such as foam packaging, foam cups, and
cellophane wrappers.
Do not remove a FRU from its antistatic packaging until you are ready to install it.
Gather the ESD (electrostatic discharge) kit and all other materials you will need before you service a
component. Once servicing begins, avoid moving away from the work site, to avoid building up an
electrostatic charge.
Use the ESD kit when handling any hardware component. (If an emergency arises and no ESD kit is
available, follow the steps in “Emergency procedure when an ESD kit is not available.”)
Attach the clip of an ESD wristband to any bare (unpainted) metal on the cabinet enclosure, and
fasten the strap around your wrist, with the metal button against your skin.
Emergency procedure when an ESD kit is not available
In an emergency when an ESD kit is not available, follow these steps to reduce the possibility of ESD by
ensuring that your body and the subassembly are at the same electrostatic potential:
IMPORTANT: Follow these steps only in an emergency. They are not a substitute for using an ESD kit.
Before you touch a hardware component, touch a bare (unpainted) metal surface of the enclosure.
Before you remove a FRU from its antistatic bag, place one hand firmly on a bare metal surface of the
enclosure, and at the same time, pick up the FRU while it is still sealed in the antistatic bag.
When you remove the FRU from the antistatic bag, do not touch any electronic components and
circuits on it, and do not move around the room or contact other surfaces or people until you have