Safety Information

 

Safety precautions should be observed during all phases of operation of this instrument. The instrument has been designed to ensure safe operation; however, please observe all safety markings and instructions. Do not operate the instrument in the presence of flammable gases or fumes or any other combustible environment. VeEX Inc. assumes no liability for the customer's failure to comply with safety precautions and requirements.

 

Lithium-ion Battery Precautions

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery packs are compact and offer high capacity and autonomy, which make them ideal for demanding applications, like providing long lasting power to portable test equipment. For safety reasons, due to their high energy concentration, these batteries packs and products containing them must be used, charged, handled, and stored properly, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Li-ion battery packs contain individual Li-ion cells as well as battery monitoring and protection circuitry, sealed in its plastic container that shall not be disassembled or serviced.

The test set unit's battery pack is also fitted with a safety connector to prevent accidental short circuits and reverse polarity.

  • Always charge the unit's battery pack inside the test platform battery bay using the AC/DC adapter supplied by VeEX.
  • Do not charge or use the battery pack if any mechanical damage is suspected (shock, impact, puncture, crack, etc).
  • Do not continue charging the battery if it does not recharge within the expected charging time.
  • Storage: For long term storage, the battery pack should be stored at 20°C/68°F (room temperature), charged to about 30 to 50% of its capacity. Spare battery packs should be charged and used at least once a year to prevent over-discharge (rotate them regularly).
  • It is recommended to charge and use battery packs at least every three months. Battery packs shall not go without recharging (reconditioning) for more than six months.
  • After extended storage, battery packs may reach a deep discharge state or enter into sleep mode. For safety reasons, Li-ion batteries in deep discharge state may limit the initial charging current (pre-recharge) before starting their regular fast charging cycle. The pre-charging state may take several hours.
  • Air transportation of Li-ion batteries is regulated by United Nations' International Air Transportation Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations and by country-specific regulations. Please check local regulations and with common carriers before shipping Li-ion battery packs or products containing relatively large Li-ion battery packs.

 

Optical Connectors

The test sets display a laser warning icon when the laser source is active to alert the user about a potentially dangerous situation. It is recommended to:

  1. Deactivate the laser before connecting or disconnecting optical cables or patchcords.

  2. Never look directly into an optical patchcord or an optical connector interface (SFP+) while the laser is enabled. Even though optical transceivers are typically fitted with Class 1 or 2 lasers, which are considered eye safe, optical radiation for an extended period can cause irreparable damage to the eyes.

  3. Never use a fiber microscope to check the optical connectors when the laser source is active.

 

Safe Module Handling

While replacing test modules, all work on the open panel must be performed only by suitably qualified personnel who is familiar with the dangers both to people and to the instrument itself.

Modules are not hot swappable. The platform must be turned off and unplugged from VAC mains when removing or inserting test modules.

For safety and EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility), empty module slots must be properly covered with blank panel covers.

Prevent foreign objects from entering the chassis, before, during and after module exchange or re-configuration process. They could create short circuits or damage internal fans.

Always store test modules by themselves in individual ESD protected packaging (with no loose elements, like screws or tools).

 

Electrical Connectors

Telephone lines may carry dangerous voltage. Always connect the electrical test ports to known test interfaces which carry low level signals.

 

ESD: Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive Equipment

Test modules could be affected by electrostatic discharge. To minimize the risk of damage when replacing or handling test modules, make sure to follow proper ESD procedures and dissipate any electrostatic charge from your body and tools and the use proper grounding gear.

  • Perform all work at a workplace that is protected against electrostatic build-up and discharging.

  • Never touch any exposed contacts, printed circuit boards or electronic components.

  • Always store test modules in ESD protected packaging.

  • Wear ESD protection and grounding gear when:

    • Inserting, extracting, or handling test modules.

    • Inserting or removing SFPs, XFPs, QSFPs, or CFPs from the platform.

    • Connecting or disconnecting cables from modules or platform.