Cautions and warnings General EPCOS thermistors are designed for specific applications and should not be used for purposes not identified in our specifications, application notes and data books unless otherwise agreed with EPCOS during the design-in-phase. Ensure suitability of thermistor through reliability testing during the design-in phase. The thermistors should be evaluated taking into consideration worst-case conditions. Storage Store thermistors only in original packaging. Do not open the package before storage. Storage conditions in original packaging: storage temperature 25 °C ... +45 °C, relative humidity ≤75% annual mean, maximum 95%, dew precipitation is inadmissible. Avoid contamination of thermistors surface during storage, handling and processing. Avoid storage of thermistor in harmful environment with effect on function on long-term operation (examples given under operation precautions). Use thermistor within the following period after delivery:  Through-hole devices (housed and leaded PTCs): 24 months  Motor protection sensors, glass-encapsulated sensors and probe assemblies: 24 months  Telecom pair and quattro protectors (TPP, TQP): 24 months  Leadless PTC thermistors for pressure contacting: 12 months  Leadless PTC thermistors for soldering: 6 months  SMDs in EIA sizes 3225 and 4032, and for PTCs with metal tags: 24 months  SMDs in EIA sizes 0402, 0603, 0805 and 1210: 12 months Handling PTCs must not be dropped. Chip-offs must not be caused during handling of PTCs. Components must not be touched with bare hands. Gloves are recommended. Avoid contamination of thermistor surface during handling. Soldering (where applicable) Use rosin-type flux or non-activated flux. Insufficient preheating may cause ceramic cracks. Rapid cooling by dipping in solvent is not recommended. Complete removal of flux is recommended. Standard PTC heaters are not suitable for soldering.