Dell PowerVault 50F Guide







____________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2000 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer Corpo-
ration is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL E COM logo, PowerVault, PowerEdge, and DellWare
are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are regis-
tered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; IBM is a registered trademark of International Business
Machines Corporation; UNIX is a registered trademark of the Open Group in the United States
and other countries.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities
claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Computer Corporation disclaims any propri-
etary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
May 2000 P/N 49GJK Rev. A00

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
Use the following safety guidelines to ensure your own personal safety and to help
protect your computer or storage system from potential damage.

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.


  !"
"#
$%&$%&!"
"#

Observe the following caution and warnings while servicing this system:
 '
%()
*
+
$%&
!"
!

*,-*,./0


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$%&
11")

 !"#$% &'()
*+,+% -* ,.'%*+%/!*.0#.1 &2%'/*+$+%
!30!*"04*+..0!#+'2$ !"#% &'(
*.%02*1314
1113"311
131"3
.% 055#5#5511#05)
1615116
111##5#5

 !"#$%&$'
(#) $#* "
"$)'
5657+89+:#+7#0% &', +' + (;&
,+#,8*,%!* 7+ !*<01!*,0 !* 9<'.&%*9 #<.
9,%+% &', +' + !9+&80=<,!*,,!*,,%'>$+% 
&=.>+(
*.%027*83
9311913)
339
.%&*151611
91516611
6116

To reduce the risk of bodily injury, electrical shock, fire, and damage to the equipment,
observe the following 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.

vii
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 power 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 devices are electrically rated to oper-
ate 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

viii
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 un-
interruptible 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 discon-
necting 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 ser-
vice batteries; replace batteries only with batteries designated for the product.
Turn down the volume before using headphones or other audio devices.

Observe the following 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, installa-
tion 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 capa-
ble 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 sys-
tem by unplugging all power cables from the power supplies.

ix
Move products with care; ensure that all casters and/or stabilizers are firmly con-
nected to the computer or storage system. Avoid sudden stops and uneven
surfaces.

Observe the following precautions for rack stability and safety. Also refer to the rack
installation documentation accompanying the system and the rack for specific warn-
ing and/or caution statements and procedures.
$%&**1
!1")
#"
!1
1"
1
'1
#
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 agen-
cies. 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 certi-
fied safety agency.
System rack kits are intended to be installed in a Dell rack by trained service tech-
nicians. 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 com-
ponent 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.

x
Ensure that proper airflow is provided to components in the rack.
Do not step on or stand on any system/component when servicing other sys-
tems/components in a rack.

 !"#$%
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.
 &
Observe the following precautions for laser devices:
Do not open any panels, operate controls, make adjustments, or perform proce-
dures on a laser device other than those specified in the product’s
documentation.
Only authorized service technicians should repair laser devices.

Before you remove the computer covers, perform the following steps in the sequence
indicated.
0*)
!*
"''
*


xi
":)


1. Turn off your computer and any devices.
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 devices from their power sources. Also, discon-
nect 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 dis-
connecting 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 bend-
ing 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 con-
tacts 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.
 '
%()
*
+

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.

xii
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:
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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.