SPECIFICATIONS G.7GPrinter and Paper Storage EnvironmentPaper storage environmental conditions directly affect the feedoperation.Ideally, the printer and paper storage environment should be ator near room temperature, and not too dry or humid. Rememberthat paper is hygroscopic; it absorbs and loses moisture rapidly.Heat works with humidity to damage paper. Heat causes themoisture in paper to evaporate, while cold causes it to condenseon the sheets. Heating systems and air conditioners removemost of the humidity from a room. As paper is opened and used,it loses moisture, causing streaks and smudging. Humidweather or water coolers can cause the humidity to increase ina room. As paper is opened and used it absorbs any excessmoisture, causing light print and dropouts. Also, as paper losesand gains moisture it can become distorted. This can causepaper jams.Care should be taken not to purchase more paper than can beused in a short time (about 3 months). Paper stored for longperiods may experience heat and moisture extremes, which cancause damage. Planning is important to prevent damage tolarge supplies of paper.Unopened paper in sealed reams can remain stable for severalmonths before use. Opened packages of paper have morepotential for environment damage, especially if they are notwrapped with a moisture-proof barrier.The paper storage environment should be properly maintainedto ensure optimum printer performance. The required conditionis 20° to 24°C (68° to 75°F), with a relative humidity of 45% to55%. The following guidelines should be considered whenevaluating the paper’s storage environment:• Paper should be stored at or near room temperature.• The air should not be too dry or too humid.• The best way to store an opened ream of paper is to rewrap ittightly in its moisture-proof wrapping. If the printerenvironment is subject to extremes, unwrap only the amountof paper to be used during the day’s operation to preventunwanted moisture changes.