Storage of test equipment

[Squarewave]

Here's a little thing I've been wondering for a while, we probably all have test equipment we don't use all of the time or don't want to part with, so often we need find places to store items to keep the lab clear.

The temperatures of loft spaces can get cold in the winters, hot in the summers, almost the same with the garage, but what are the upper and lower limits you'd be happy with storing equipment? I'm thinking about what I could do just to clear a few little items up for the time being. I can't be the only one who's thought of this or come into storage issues! I guess we all have too much stuff!

[edavid]

Tektronix spec-ed a storage temperature range of -55 to +75C, so it's unlikely you would have any problem.

The only problems I've had are with rubber/soft plastic parts like cables.  Cold, dry storage causes them to dry out and crack.  Warm, humid storage leads to mildew.

[jonpaul]

Humidity and salt water  near sea/ocean/lake/rivers are the worst.

most electronic equi will corrode and age rapidly.

Use a dehumidifier, A/C, hermetic room

Besidses humidity caused corrosion, leaking lytics, dead backup batteries and water damage....

Over decades the plastic and rubber parts degas and age, eg the notoroius Tektronix plugin pull tabls or the nylon/delrin gears in HP 8640 RF generators.


Jon

[GLouie]

My feeling is that my gear needs to be kept in the same conditions that humans are "shirtsleeve" comfortable. Also, my policy is to plastic bag and/or box all items (loose, not airtight) to keep dust off. Some might then also insist on dessicant packs.

[lokin4areason]

do you have storage area that you store awkward item(s) that is dry and out of the way ?

besides in a box under a shelf or in a desk

[tggzzz]

Here's a little thing I've been wondering for a while, we probably all have test equipment we don't use all of the time or don't want to part with, so often we need find places to store items to keep the lab clear.

The temperatures of loft spaces can get cold in the winters, hot in the summers, almost the same with the garage, but what are the upper and lower limits you'd be happy with storing equipment? I'm thinking about what I could do just to clear a few little items up for the time being. I can't be the only one who's thought of this or come into storage issues! I guess we all have too much stuff!

Firstly, look at the manuals to see the allowable storage temperature and especially humidity.

Some components may be particularly susceptible to low/high temperatures, e.g. LCDs.

Much equipment is specified for 80% RH and/or non-condensing; water vapour condensing on metals/batteries/etc can cause interesting consequences. Hence you need to understand the relationships between temperature, absolute humidity (g/m³), and relative humidity (%), especially when the total amount of water vapour in the air does not change.

Consider sealing equipment in a plastic bag during summer, say 20C 50%RH. What will be the dewpoint as the temperature is lowered, say during autumn and winter? (Hint: it is well above 0C )