PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-616

PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly

ISSUE 616

MARCH 2004
PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-616 - Page 23 of 33
PS 616
MAR 04
42
Shelters…
Moisture
is
a commo gear
killer.
Whether it comes
from rain or humidity,
moisture in your
shelter corrodes
gear and KOs
communications.
Staying
dry takes
regular
PM.
Airing It Out
Closing the door to your commo shelter makes it
practically airtight. If the outside temperature changes,
condensation forms in the closed shelter.
Keep things dry by opening the door’s vent cover.
Also turn on the ventilating fan and open the fan vent
covers. That’ll get fresh air flowing through the shelter
and across the gear. The airflow helps keep your commo
dry. When the weather permits, open the shelter’s door
for an hour or so each day to get rid of moist air.
Dry Receptacles
Cable receptacles, like those used
with 26-pair cables, are easy prey for
moisture and the corrosion it brings.
When you’re not using the recepta-
cles, keep the covers on them. If the
receptacle gets wet, dry it immediately
with a clean cloth. Corrosion on the
contacts? Clean it off with isopropyl
alcohol,
Apply a light coat of silicone, NSN
6850-00-880-7616, on the receptacle’s
gasket. The silicone helps preserve the
gasket, which makes for a tight, water-
proof connection.
Save Your Skin
Punctures in the shelter’s skin are an
open invitation to leaks. Look for punc-
tures and tears during operator PMCS. If
you find any, have your unit repairman
patch them right away.
TB 43-0124,
Maintenance and Repair
Procedure for Shelters,
tells what unit
maintenance can repair, as well as the
tools and materials needed. You’ll also
want to check out TM 10-5411-205-13
for the S-250 shelter and TM 10-5411-
207-14 for the S-280 shelter. They’ll give
you additional tips on saving your skin.
Mats Matter
If your shelter has rubber floor mats,
take a peek underneath. Moisture has a
way of collecting under them and
forming mold and mildew. If you find
moisture, pull up the mats and hang
them out to dry. Wipe the shelter floor
dry with a mop or rag.
I think you’ll find
that this puncture
will make a great
little starter
home!
you shouldn’t
wait so long
to get rid of
moisture!
616. 42-43 (C)
1/25/04
11:40 AM
Page 1
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