Requirements for handling drives

The drives in your storage array are fragile. Improper drive handling is a leading cause of drive failure.

Follow these rules to avoid damaging the drives in your storage array:

• Prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD):
  • Keep the drive in the ESD bag until you are ready to install it.
  • Do not insert a metal tool or knife into the ESD bag.

    Open the ESD bag by hand or cut the top off with a pair of scissors.

  • Keep the ESD bag and any packing materials in case you must return a drive later.
  • Always wear an ESD wrist strap grounded to an unpainted surface on your storage enclosure chassis.

    If a wrist strap is unavailable, touch an unpainted surface on your storage enclosure chassis before handling the drive.

• Handle drives carefully:
  • Always use two hands when removing, installing, or carrying a drive.
  • Never force a drive into a shelf, and use gentle, firm pressure to completely engage the drive latch.
  • Place drives on cushioned surfaces, and never stack drives on top of each other.
  • Do not bump drives against other surfaces.
  • Before removing a drive from a shelf, unlatch the handle and wait 30 seconds for the drive to spin down.
  • Always use approved packaging when shipping drives.
• Avoid magnetic fields:
  • Keep drives away from magnetic devices.

    Magnetic fields can destroy all data on the drive and cause irreparable damage to the drive circuitry.