Looking after a copier in UAE heat, dust and humidity

Many paper jams, faint prints and early service calls in UAE offices come down to where the machine stands and where its paper and toner are kept. Air-conditioned offices help, but storerooms, warehouses, site offices and anything near an outside door are a different story. Here is what Ricoh's user guide says, and what we suggest on top.

Where to put the machine

Ricoh's user guide for the IM C range is direct about the vents: don't obstruct them. Blocking them can make internal components overheat and can result in fire. It also notes that after large print jobs the ventilation fan may keep running to cool the machine, which is normal.

Our practical advice for UAE offices:

• Leave clear space around the vents. Don't push the machine against a wall or box it in with cabinets.
• Keep it inside the air-conditioned space, out of direct sun from windows, and away from outside doors and loading areas where hot, dusty air comes in.
• Avoid placing it directly under an air-conditioning outlet, where it sees sudden temperature changes.
• Your machine's permitted temperature and humidity range is in the Safety Information booklet that came with it, and in the manuals on Ricoh's support site. Check it before you install a machine in a warehouse, site office or storeroom.

Paper: the most common cause of humidity problems

Ricoh's user guide warns that paper curled by humidity or drying can cause paper or staple jams. Its storage precautions:

• Don't store paper where it is exposed to direct sunlight.
• Store paper in a dry place, at 70% humidity or less.
• Store it flat, not standing on end.
• Once a ream is opened, keep the rest in a plastic bag.

For thick paper (106–300 g/m²), the guide gives tighter storage conditions of 20–25 °C and 30–65% humidity, and says not to mix paper stored in different conditions in the same job.

In practice: keep paper stock in the office, not in a hot storeroom or a vehicle, and bring cartons into the conditioned space well before you load them.

Toner: keep it cool and out of the sun

Ricoh's guide says to store toner in a dry environment, away from direct sunlight and generally below 35 °C, and to keep it horizontal. That rules out a car boot or an unconditioned storeroom in a UAE summer, so keep spare toner indoors with the paper.

The guide also says not to use toner of a different type, which can damage the machine. For a spill, it says don't use an ordinary vacuum cleaner, which can ignite or explode toner. Wipe it up with a wet cloth instead, or use a toner-compatible industrial vacuum.

For how toner yield and cost per page work, see toner yield explained, or order genuine Ricoh toner.

Prints that fade or stick

Ricoh's guide notes that prints fade if they are left in strong light, dampness or humidity for long periods, and recommends storing them in a binder in a dark, dry place. It also warns that toner may melt on prints left in extremely hot places, such as near a heater, or left for long periods on chlorinated plastic mats in high temperatures.

When to call an engineer

Clearing an occasional jam and replacing toner are user jobs, and the panel guides you through them. Call your service provider when jams keep happening with dry, correctly stored paper, when prints show lines or streaks that cleaning doesn't fix, or when the machine shows a service call message. Don't open covers other than those the guide tells you to.

Gtech FZE services Ricoh machines across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates. See Ricoh service and repair or contact us.

Sources

• Ricoh, User Guide for the IM C2010, IM C2510, IM C3010, IM C3510, IM C4510, IM C5510 and IM C6010 (component names and vents; replacing toner; paper storage; specifications for paper). Manuals for your model are on Ricoh's support site.

Storage and handling figures are from Ricoh's IM C series user guide, as read on 4 November 2026. Conditions and limits differ by model, so follow the Safety Information and user guide for your machine. Placement suggestions are general guidance from Gtech FZE, not a site survey. Work inside the machine beyond what the guide describes should be done by a trained technician, as incorrect servicing can affect safety and warranty. This article is general information and creates no obligation. Ricoh and Ricoh product names are trademarks of Ricoh Company, Ltd. To the extent permitted by UAE law, Gtech FZE accepts no liability for decisions taken on the basis of this article.