Storing an M40e FPC

When not installed in the routing platforms, FPCs must be either stored in the container in which a spare FPC is shipped or stored horizontally and component-side up on a flat, stable surface.

When you store an FPC on a horizontal surface or in the shipping container, always place it inside an antistatic bag. Because the FPC is heavy and because antistatic bags are fragile, inserting the FPC into the bag is easier with two people. To do this, one person holds the FPC in the horizontal position with the faceplate facing the body, and the other person slides the opening of the bag over the FPC connector edge. If you must insert the FPC into a bag by yourself, first lay the FPC horizontally on a flat, stable surface, component-side up. Orient the FPC with the faceplate facing you. Carefully insert the FPC connector edge into the opening of the bag, and pull the bag toward you to cover the FPC.

Caution: To prevent damage when storing FPCs, observe the following precautions: Never lay an FPC component-side down. Never stack an FPC under or on top of any other component (see Figure 1).

Figure 1: Do Not Stack FPCs