Cisco Catalyst 6000 Series Switches

October 25, 2000

Products Affected

Problem Description

When a Catalyst 6xxx line module is inserted, it must compress its own electromagnetic interference (EMI) gasket and the EMI gasket of the module below it. Some force is required to compress each EMI gasket. When the slots in any Catalyst 6xxx chassis are filled, the combined pressure forces the modules toward empty slots, making insertion of the last line module difficult.

Background

Each Catalyst 6xxx chassis has an EMI gasket above the power supply frame member. There is also an EMI gasket on top of each Catalyst 6xxx line module faceplate. These EMI gaskets must make contact with the adjacent line module to be effective. EMI gaskets are made from a flat spring material, folded and cut so that they look like many parallel metal strips across the top of the faceplate.

Problem Symptoms

The Catalyst 6xxx line module faceplate can get caught on the EMI gasket of the line card directly above it, making module insertion difficult.

Workaround/Solution

When assembling a new system, use Solution 1 below.

When replacing a line module on an active system, use Solution 2 below.

Note:?Always use proper electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection when handling Catalyst 6xxx line modules.

Solution 1 (assembling new systems):

Follow the steps below:

1. Insert line modules from the top of the chassis and work toward the bottom.

2. Press the faceplate down about 1 mm (~.040") if interference is encountered when inserting the last line module.

3. Tighten all thumb screws after the last line module is inserted.

Solution 2 (replacing a module):

Follow the steps below:

1. Before removing any Catalyst 6xxx line module, make certain the thumbscrews on all modules in the chassis are tight.

   If the thumbscrews are not tightened, EMI gaskets on the remaining line modules will push them toward the open space created by removing a module, reducing the size of the space available for a replacement board.

2. Loosen the thumbscrews on the line module being removed.

3. Use line module extractors to unseat its connectors from the chassis.

4. Remove the line module, and place it in an antistatic bag.

5. Open extractors on the replacement line module and insert the module using a slight downward force against the top edge of the faceplate, deflecting it about 1 mm (~.040") when it engages the adjacent module.

6. Once extractors begin to close, use them to fully engage the line module chassis connectors.

7. Tighten thumbscrews.

For More Information

If you require further assistance, or if you have any further questions regarding this field notice, please contact the Cisco Systems Technical Assistance Center (TAC) by one of the following methods:

• Open a service request on Cisco.com
• By email
• By telephone

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