2-3
Cisco ME 6500 Series Ethernet Switch Installation Guide
OL-8900-03
Chapter 2 Preparing for Installation
Site Requirements
Site Requirements
These sections describe the basic site requirements that you should be aware of before you install your
Cisco ME 6524 Ethernet switch. Environmental factors can adversely affect the performance and
longevity of your system.
The following environmental factors are described:
•
Temperature and Air Circulation, page 2-3
•
Humidity, page 2-4
•
Altitude, page 2-4
•
Dust and Contamination, page 2-5
•
Corrosion, page 2-5
•
Electromagnetic and Radio Frequency Interference, page 2-5
•
Shock and Vibration, page 2-6
Temperature and Air Circulation
Temperature extremes can cause a system to operate at reduced efficiency and cause a variety of
problems, including premature aging and failure of chips, and failure of mechanical devices. Extreme
temperature fluctuations can also cause chips to become loose in their sockets. Ensure that the system is
operating in an environment no colder than 50
°
F (10
°
C) or hotter than 104
°
F (40
°
C).
The Cisco ME 6524 Ethernet switch is designed to be installed in an environment where there is a
sufficient volume of air available to cool the electronics and the power supplies. Any constraints placed
on the free flow of air through the chassis or an elevated ambient air temperature can cause the switch
to overheat and shut down.
If you choose to install your Cisco ME 6524 Ethernet switch in an enclosed or partially enclosed rack,
we strongly recommend that you verify that your site meets the following guidelines:
•
Verify that there is a minimum of 6 inches (15 cm) of clearance between the sides of the rack and
both the chassis air intake grill and the chassis air exhaust grill.
•
Verify that the ambient air temperature within the enclosed or partially enclosed rack is within the
chassis operating temperature limits. After installing the chassis in the rack, power up the chassis
and allow the chassis temperature to stabilize (approximately 2 hours). Measure the ambient air
temperature at the chassis air intake grill and at the chassis air exhaust grill by positioning a
temperature probe approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) away from and in line with the center of the grill
as follows:
–
If the ambient intake air temperature is less than 104°F (40°C), the rack meets the intake air
temperature criterion.
–
If the ambient intake air temperature exceeds 104°F (40°C), the system might experience minor
temperature alarms and is in danger of overheating.
–
If the ambient intake air temperature equals or is greater than 131°F (55°C), the system will
experience a major temperature alarm and shut down.
