Seagate BarraCuda Product Manual, Rev. A

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Drive Specifications

2.15

Corrosive environment

Seagate electronic drive components pass accelerated corrosion testing equivalent to 10 years exposure to light industrial

environments containing sulfurous gases, chlorine and nitric oxide, classes G and H per ASTM B845. However, this

accelerated testing cannot duplicate every potential application environment. Users should use caution exposing any

electronic components to uncontrolled chemical pollutants and corrosive chemicals as electronic drive component

reliability can be affected by the installation environment. The silver, copper, nickel and gold films used in Seagate

products are especially sensitive to the presence of sulfide, chloride, and nitrate contaminants. Sulfur is found to be the

most damaging. In addition, electronic components should never be exposed to condensing water on the surface of the

printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) or exposed to an ambient relative humidity greater than 95%. Materials used in

cabinet fabrication, such as vulcanized rubber, that can outgas corrosive compounds should be minimized or eliminated.

The useful life of any electronic equipment may be extended by replacing materials near circuitry with sulfide-free

alternatives.