Holding an M120 FPC

Many components on the FPC are fragile. Follow these procedures and guidelines to avoid damaging the FPCs.

Caution: Failure to handle FPCs as specified can cause irreparable damage.

When carrying an FPC, you can hold it either vertically or horizontally.

Note: An FPC configured with four PICs weighs 12.3 lb (5.6 kg). Be prepared to accept the full weight of the FPC as you lift it.

You hold an FPC vertically when installing it into the chassis or an equipment rack. If the FPC is vertical before you grasp it (for example, if it is installed in a router), you can place either hand around the faceplate and your other hand under the bottom edge.

To hold an FPC vertically (see Figure 1):

1. Orient the FPC so that the faceplate faces you. To verify orientation, confirm that the text on the FPC is right-side up and that the EMI strips are facing up.
2. Place one hand around the FPC faceplate about a quarter of the way down from the top edge. To avoid deforming the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding strip, do not press hard on it.
3. Place your other hand at the bottom edge of the FPC.

   Figure 1: Holding an M120 FPC Vertically

   

If the FPC is horizontal before you grasp it, place your left hand around the faceplate and your right hand along the bottom edge.

To hold an FPC horizontally (see Figure 2):

1. Orient the FPC so that the faceplate faces you. To verify orientation, confirm that the text on the FPC is right-side up and that the EMI strips are on the right-hand side.
2. Grasp the top edge with your left hand and the bottom edge with your right hand. If the FPC has heat sinks about midway between the faceplate and connector edge, place your right hand against the heat sinks.

You can rest the faceplate of the FPC against your body as you carry it.

Figure 2: Holding an M120 FPC Horizontally

As you carry the FPC, do not bump it against anything. FPC components are fragile.

Never hold or grasp the FPC anywhere except places as indicated in the documentation. In particular, never grasp the connector edge, especially at the power connector in the corner where the connector and bottom edges meet (see Figure 3).

Figure 3: Do Not Grasp the Connector Edge

Never carry the FPC by the faceplate with only one hand (see Figure 4).

Figure 4: Do Not Carry an FPC with Only One Hand

Do not rest any edge of an FPC directly against a hard surface (see Figure 5).

Figure 5: Do Not Rest the FPC on an Edge

If you must rest the FPC temporarily on an edge while changing its orientation between vertical and horizontal, use your hand as a cushion between the edge and the surface.