Handling and Storing FPCs

This section explains how to avoid damaging the FPCs that you install into routing platforms. The instructions in this section apply to all FPCs.

Caution: Many components on the FPC are fragile. Failure to handle FPCs as specified in this document can cause irreparable damage.

Holding an FPC

Caution: To prevent damage when handling or carrying FPCs, observe the following precautions.

Note: An FPC configured with PICs installed can weigh as much as 37 lb (17 kg). Be prepared to accept the full weight of the FPC as you lift it.

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

Do not grasp the FPC anywhere except places that this document indicates. In particular, never grasp the connector edge, especially at the power connector in the corner where the connector and bottom edges meet (see Figure 2).

Figure 2: Do Not Grasp the Connector Edge

Do not carry the FPC by the faceplate with only one hand (see Figure 3).

Figure 3: Do Not Carry an FPC with Only One Hand

Do not rest any edge of an FPC directly against a hard surface (see Figure 4). 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.

Figure 4: Do Not Rest the FPC on an Edge

Holding an FPC Vertically

You hold an FPC vertically or horizontally when installing it into the chassis or an equipment rack. To hold an FPC vertically (see Figure 5):

1. Orient the FPC so that the faceplate faces you.
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. If the FPC has heat sinks about midway between the faceplate and connector edge, place your other hand against the heat sinks.

Figure 5: Holding an FPC Vertically

Holding an FPC Horizontally

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 6):

1. Orient the FPC so that the faceplate faces you.
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 6: Holding an FPC Horizontally

Storing an 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 7).

Figure 7: Do Not Stack FPCs