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Safety Instructions: Dell™ PowerEdge™ 6400 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

Overview When Working Inside Your Computer
Notes, Notices, Cautions, and Warnings Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge
Safety Caution and Warnings Ergonomic Computing Habits
Additional Safety Precautions

Overview

Use the following safety guidelines to ensure your own personal safety and to help protect your computer or storage system from potential damage.


Notes, Notices, Cautions, and Warnings

Throughout this guide, blocks of text may be accompanied by an icon and printed in bold type or in italic type. These blocks are notes, notices, cautions, and warnings, and they are used as follows:

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer system.

NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.

caution.gif (709 bytes) CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious bodily injury.

Safety Caution and Warnings

Observe the following caution and warnings while servicing this system:

WARNING: The power supplies in your computer or storage system may produce high voltages and energy hazards, which can cause bodily harm. Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the computer covers and access any of the components inside the computer. This warning applies to Dell PowerEdge 4xxx or higher servers and Dell PowerVault 20xS storage systems.
caution.gif (709 bytes) CAUTION: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
WARNING: This system may have more than one power supply cable. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, disconnect all power supply cables before servicing the system.
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Additional Safety Precautions

To reduce the risk of bodily injury, electrical shock, fire, and damage to the equipment, observe the following precautions.

General Precautions

Observe the following general precautions for using and working with your system:

  • Observe and follow service markings. Do not service any Dell product except as explained in your Dell system documentation. Opening or removing covers that are marked with the triangular symbol with a lightning bolt may expose you to electrical shock. Components inside these compartments should be serviced only by a Dell authorized service technician.

  • If any of the following conditions occur, unplug the product from the electrical outlet and replace the part or contact your Dell authorized service provider:

    • The system cable, extension cable, or plug is damaged.

    • An object has fallen into the product.

    • The product has been exposed to water.

    • The product has been dropped or damaged.

    • The product does not operate correctly when you follow the operating instructions.

  • Keep your system components away from radiators and heat sources. Also, do not block cooling vents.

  • Do not spill food or liquids on your system components, and never operate the product in a wet environment. If the computer gets wet, see the appropriate chapter in your troubleshooting guide or contact a Dell-authorized service provider.

  • Do not push any objects into the openings of your system components. Doing so can cause fire or electric shock by shorting out interior components.

  • Use the product only with Dell products or other Dell-approved equipment.

  • Allow the product to cool before removing covers or touching internal components.

  • Use the correct external power source. Operate the product only from the type of power source indicated on the electrical ratings label. If you are not sure of the type of power source required, consult your Dell service provider or local power company.

  • To help avoid damaging your system components, be sure the voltage selection switch (if provided) on the power supply is set to match the power available at your location:

    • 115 volts (V)/60 hertz (Hz) in most of North and South America and some Far Eastern countries such as South Korea and Taiwan

    • 100 V/50 Hz in eastern Japan and 100 V/60 Hz in western Japan

    • 230 V/50 Hz in most of Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East

    Also be sure that your monitor and attached peripherals are electrically rated to operate with the power available in your location.

  • Use only approved power cable(s). If you have not been provided with a power cable for your computer or storage system or for any AC-powered option intended for your system, purchase a power cable that is approved for use in your country. The power cable must be rated for the product and for the voltage and current marked on the product’s electrical ratings label. The voltage and current rating of the cable should be greater than the ratings marked on the product.

  • To help prevent electric shock, plug the system components and peripheral power cables into properly grounded electrical outlets. These cables are equipped with three-prong plugs to help ensure proper grounding. Do not use adapter plugs or remove the grounding prong from a cable. If you must use an extension cable, use a three-wire cable with properly grounded plugs.

  • Observe extension cable and power strip ratings. Make sure that the total ampere rating of all products plugged into the extension cable or power strip does not exceed 80 percent of the extension cable or power strip ampere ratings limit.

  • Do not use appliance/voltage converters or kits sold for appliances with your Dell product.

  • To help protect your system components from sudden, transient increases and decreases in electrical power, use a surge suppressor, line conditioner, or uninterruptible power supply (UPS).

  • Position system cables and power cables carefully; route system cables and the power cable and plug so that they cannot be stepped on or tripped over. Be sure that nothing rests on your system components’ cables or power cable.

  • Do not modify power cables or plugs. Consult a licensed electrician or your power company for site modifications. Always follow your local/national wiring rules.

  • To help avoid possible damage to the system board, wait 5 seconds after turning off the system before removing a component from the system board or disconnecting a peripheral device from the computer.

  • Handle batteries carefully. Do not disassemble, crush, puncture, short external contacts, dispose of in fire or water, or expose batteries to temperatures higher than 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit). Do not attempt to open or service batteries; replace batteries only with batteries designated for the product.

  • Turn down the volume before using headphones or other audio devices.

Precautions for Server and Storage Systems

Follow the additional safety guidelines for your system:

  • Unless your installation and/or troubleshooting documentation specifically allows it, do not remove enclosure covers, attempt to override the safety interlocks, or access any components inside the system. Depending on your system, installation and repairs may be done only by individuals who are qualified to service your computer or storage system equipment and trained to deal with products capable of producing hazardous energy levels.

  • When connecting or disconnecting power to hot-pluggable power supplies, if offered with your Dell product, observe the following guidelines:

    • Install the power supply before connecting the power cable to the power supply.

    • Unplug the power cable before removing the power supply.

    • If the system has multiple sources of power, disconnect power from the system by unplugging all power cables from the power supplies.

  • Move products with care; ensure that all casters and/or stabilizers are firmly connected to the computer or storage system. Avoid sudden stops and uneven surfaces.

Precautions for Rack-Mountable Products

Observe the following precautions for rack stability and safety. Also refer to the rack installation documentation accompanying the system and the rack for specific warning and/or caution statements and procedures.

WARNING: Installing Dell system components in a Dell rack without the front and side stabilizers installed could cause the rack to tip over, potentially resulting in bodily injury under certain circumstances. Therefore, always install the stabilizers before installing components in the rack.
After installing system components in a rack, never pull more than one component out of the rack on its slide assemblies at one time. The weight of more than one extended component could cause the rack to tip over and injure someone.
NOTE: Dell’s server and storage systems are certified as components for use in Dell’s rack cabinet using the Dell customer rack kit. The final installation of Dell systems and rack kits in any other brand of rack cabinet has not been approved by any safety agencies. It is the customer’s responsibility to have the final combination of Dell systems and rack kits for use in other brands of rack cabinets evaluated for suitability by a certified safety agency.
  • System rack kits are intended to be installed in a Dell rack by trained service technicians. If you install the kit in any other rack, be sure that the rack meets the specifications of a Dell rack.

  • Do not move large racks by yourself. Due to the height and weight of the rack, Dell recommends a minimum of two people to accomplish this task.

  • Before working on the rack, make sure that the stabilizers are secure to the rack, extend to the floor, and that the full weight of the rack rests on the floor. Install front and side stabilizers on a single rack or front stabilizers for joined multiple racks before working on the rack.

  • Always load the rack from the bottom up, and load the heaviest item in the rack first.

  • Make sure that the rack is level and stable before extending a component from the rack.

  • Extend only one component at a time from the rack.

  • Use caution when pressing the component rail release latches and sliding a component into or out of a rack; the slide rails can pinch your fingers.

  • After a component is inserted into the rack, carefully extend the rail into a locking position, and then slide the component into the rack.

  • Do not overload the AC supply branch circuit that provides power to the rack. The total rack load should not exceed 80 percent of the branch circuit rating.

  • Ensure that proper airflow is provided to components in the rack.

  • Do not step on or stand on any system/component when servicing other systems/components in a rack.

Precautions for Products With Modems, Telecommunications, or Local Area Network Options

Observe the following guidelines when working with options:

  • Do not connect or use a modem or telephone during a lightning storm. There may be a risk of electrical shock from lightning.

  • Never connect or use a modem or telephone in a wet environment.

  • Do not plug a modem or telephone cable into the network interface controller (NIC) receptacle.

  • Disconnect the modem cable before opening a product enclosure, touching or installing internal components, or touching an uninsulated modem cable or jack.

  • Do not use a telephone line to report a gas leak while you are in the vicinity of the leak.

Precautions for Products With Laser Devices

Observe the following precautions for laser devices:

  • Do not open any panels, operate controls, make adjustments, or perform procedures on a laser device other than those specified in the product’s documentation.

  • Only authorized service technicians should repair laser devices.

When Working Inside Your Computer

Before you remove the computer covers, perform the following steps in the sequence indicated.

NOTICE: Some Dell systems can be serviced only by trained service technicians because of high voltages and energy hazards. Do not attempt to service the computer system yourself, except as explained in this guide and elsewhere in Dell documentation. Always follow installation and service instructions closely.

NOTICE: To help avoid possible damage to the system board, wait 5 seconds after turning off the system before removing a component from the system board or disconnecting a peripheral device from the computer.

  1. Turn off your computer and any peripherals.

  2. Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the chassis, such as the metal around the card-slot openings at the back of the computer, before touching anything inside your computer.

    While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis to dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal components.

  3. Disconnect your computer and peripherals from their power sources. Also, disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.

    Doing so reduces the potential for personal injury or shock.

In addition, take note of these safety guidelines when appropriate:

  • When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not on the cable itself. Some cables have a connector with locking tabs; if you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking tabs before disconnecting the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, make sure that both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.

  • Handle components and cards with care. Don’t touch the components or contacts on a card. Hold a card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket. Hold a component such as a microprocessor chip by its edges, not by its pins.
caution.gif (709 bytes) CAUTION: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge

Static electricity can harm delicate components inside your computer. To prevent static damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer’s electronic components, such as the microprocessor. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.

As you continue to work inside the computer, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to remove any static charge your body may have accumulated.

You can also take the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD):

  • When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not remove the component from the antistatic packing material until you are ready to install the component in your computer. Just before unwrapping the antistatic packaging, be sure to discharge static electricity from your body.

  • When transporting a sensitive component, first place it in an antistatic container or packaging.

  • Handle all sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use antistatic floor pads and workbench pads.

The following notice may appear throughout this document to remind you of these precautions:

NOTICE: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge."


Ergonomic Computing Habits

caution.gif (709 bytes) CAUTION: Improper or prolonged keyboard use may result in injury.

caution.gif (709 bytes) CAUTION: Viewing the monitor screen for extended periods of time may result in eye strain.

For comfort and efficiency, observe the following ergonomic guidelines when you set up and use your computer system:

  • Position your system so that the monitor and keyboard are directly in front of you as you work. Special shelves are available (from Dell and other sources) to help you correctly position your keyboard.

  • Set the monitor at a comfortable viewing distance (usually 510 to 610 millimeters [20 to 24 inches] from your eyes).

  • Make sure that the monitor screen is at eye level or slightly lower when you sit in front of the monitor.

  • Adjust the tilt of the monitor, its contrast and brightness settings, and the lighting around you (such as overhead lights, desk lamps, and the curtains or blinds on nearby windows) to minimize reflections and glare on the monitor screen.

  • Use a chair that provides good lower back support.

  • Keep your forearms horizontal with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position while you use the keyboard or mouse.

  • Always leave space to rest your hands while you use the keyboard or mouse.

  • Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides.

  • Sit erect, with your feet resting on the floor and your thighs level.

  • When sitting, make sure the weight of your legs is on your feet and not on the front of your chair seat. Adjust your chair’s height or use a footrest, if necessary, to maintain proper posture.

  • Vary your work activities. Try to organize your work so that you do not have to type for extended periods of time. When you stop typing, try to do things that use both hands.

 

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1 Monitor screen at or below eye level
2 Wrists relaxed and flat
3 Arms at desk level
4 Feet flat on the floor
5 Monitor and keyboard positioned directly in front of user

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