Brother International HL-1660E Service Manual - Page 16

5. STORAGE AND HANDLING OF EP-ED CARTRIDGES An EP-ED cartridge is influenced by the storage conditions even if it is sealed in its package, so its life depends on the way in which it is used or stored. EP-ED cartridges should be handled carefully. 5.1 Storage of Sealed EP-ED Cartridges When storing sealed EP-ED cartridges in a warehouse or workshop, the storage conditions shown in (25) Environmental conditions on Page 1-5 must be met. Follow the instructions below: 1) Avoid direct sunlight. 2) Do not store cartridges on a surface that is subject to vibration. 3) Do not hit or drop the packages containing cartridges. 4) The cartridges should be stored horizontal when they are removed from the body (with their label side upside). 5) Avoid putting the cartridges near a CRT screen, a disk or a floppy disk (to keep their data from being destroyed). 5.2 Storage of Unsealed EP-ED Cartridges Each EP-ED cartridge contains a photosensitive drum that has an organic photoconductor (OPC) which deteriorates when exposed to strong light. It also contains toner. The user, therefore, should be fully informed about the correct storage and handling of EP-ED cartridges. (1) Storage requirements 1) Avoid places exposed to direct sunlight or near a window. Do not leave an EP-ED cartridge in a car in warm or hot weather even if it is in its storage box. 2) Avoid places with a too-high or too-cool temperature and/or humidity. Also avoid places exposed to sudden temperature or humidity changes (such as near an air conditioner outlet). 3) Avoid dusty places or places exposed to ammonia fumes or other harmful fumes. 4) Do not store an EP-ED cartridge in a temperature above 40°C. (2) EP-ED cartridge life The effective life of an EP-ED cartridge is 2.5 years from the date of manufacture (printed on the cartridge.) The expiry year and month (date of manufacture plus 2.5 years) is shown on the EP-ED cartridge box. An EP-ED cartridge used after the expiry may produce low-quality printing, so a cartridge should be used within the stated period. I - 10