Cold/Hot storage of computers -- OK? - test-drb@ccmp.vtda.org

4 Oct 2001

Most halfway modern things have environmental criteria for when it's running 
and when it's off. For humidity, I've seen the storage range be from 5%-95% 
noncondensing and temp range from 0F-110F when not running. I'm running out 
of space as well finally, but will not store things in the roof. 

In a message dated 10/4/2001 10:18:11 AM Central Daylight Time, 
menadeau(a)mediaone.net writes:

<< Extreme cold will damage LCDs--I live in NH, and lost an IXO handheld
 terminal that way. At my previous home, my storage was similar to what you
 describe. Also, the heat of an attic will warp some plastics, and I suspect
 that it accelerates the yellowing process. I didn't have a problem with
 circuit boards, however. Hot and cold extremes will not be kind to software
 or to some types of paper. Temperatures aren't the only thing you have to
 worry about with the type of storage you describe. Vermin (insects, spiders,
 mice, bats) will also be a problem. I kept my stuff covered with old
 blankets and tarps to cut down on damage from dust and droppings. The
 coverings will also help with certain weather conditions common to New
 England. In springtime when the humidity is high and the temperature rises,
 moisture will form on metal and plastic surfaces.

 --Mike

 Michael Nadeau
 Editorial Services
 603-893-2379
 ----- Original Message -----
 From: "Rich Beaudry" &lt;r_beaudry(a)hotmail.com&gt;
 To: &lt;classiccmp(a)classiccmp.org&gt;
 Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2001 10:06 AM
 Subject: Cold/Hot storage of computers -- OK?

...
  Hello all,

 Since I am rapidly exhausting all space in my basement workshop, I need to
 move some of my computers to the loft above our garage.  The problem is,  the
...
  garage is completely UNinsulated, and has only a metal
roof (i.e., thin,  and
...
  NO resistance to temperature -- hot or cold).

 My concern is that the cold of winter or the heat of summer might get to
 them.  I live in Massachusetts, so winter is not -40 degrees F, but we  are
...
  talking below freezing, and possibly below zero for
short stretches.  In  the
...
  summer, it must easily hit 100 degrees F in the loft,
due to the hot metal
 roof, and the trapped air (no windows!).

 I'm not so worried about the circuit boards, but I am worried about floppy
 drives, hard drives, and CRTs.  Does anyone know if such temperatures will
 kill these things?  Obviously I would let the computer acclimate for about
 24 hours after I move it back into my house, to avoid sudden temperature
 swings, or condensation.  I'm more worried about the storage affecting
 them....

 Thanks!

 Rich B. >> 