The operating temperature of the switch is 32 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (0 to 40 degrees Celsius) at sea level. For every 300 meters (1000 feet) above sea level, the maximum temperature is reduced by 1 degree Celsius. The non-operating temperature of the switch is -40 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 to 70 degrees Celsius).

High humidity can cause moisture to enter the switch. Moisture can cause corrosion of internal components and degradation of properties such as electrical resistance, thermal conductivity, physical strength, and size. The switch is rated to withstand from 5- to 95-percent (nonoperating) and 5- to 90-percent (operating) relative humidity.

Climate-controlled buldings usually maintain an acceptable level of humidity for the switch equipment. If the switch is located in an unusually humid location, use a dehumidifier to maintain the humidity within an acceptable range.

Altitude rating is 10,000 ft (3048 m). For China, it is 6,562 ft (2000 m).

Exhaust fans cool power supplies. System fans cool switches by drawing in air and exhausting air out through various openings in the chassis. Fans also introduce dust and other particles, causing contaminant buildup in the switch and increased internal chassis temperature. Dust and particles can act as insulators and interfere with the mechanical components in the switch. Keep a clean operating environment to reduce the negative effects of dust and other particles.

In addition to keeping your environment free of dust and particles, use these precautions to avoid contamination of your switch:

• Do not smoke near the switch.

• Do not eat or drink near the switch.

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) from the switch can adversely affect other devices, such as radio and television (TV) receivers. Radio frequencies that emanate from the switch can also interfere with cordless and low-power telephones. Conversely, RFI from high-power telephones can cause spurious characters to appear on the switch monitor.

RFI is defined as any EMI with a frequency above 10 kHz. This type of interference can travel from the switch to other devices through the power cable and power source or through the air as transmitted radio waves. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) publishes specific regulations to limit the amount of EMI and RFI that are emitted by computing equipment. Each switch meets these FCC regulations.

To reduce the possibility of EMI and RFI, use these guidelines:

• Cover all open expansion slots with a blank filler plate.

• Always use shielded cables with metal connector shells for attaching peripherals to the switch.

When wires are run for any significant distance in an electromagnetic field, interference can occur to the signals on the wires with these implications:

• Bad wiring can result in radio interference emanating from the plant wiring.

• Strong EMI, especially when it is caused by lightning or radio transmitters, can destroy the signal drivers and receivers in the chassis and even create an electrical hazard by conducting power surges through lines into equipment.

Note	To predict and prevent strong EMI, consult experts in radio frequency interference (RFI).

The wiring is unlikely to emit radio interference if you use a twisted-pair cable with a good distribution of grounding conductors. Copper cables should not be longer than maximum distances for the media type.

Caution

If the wires exceed the recommended distances, or if wires pass between buildings, give special consideration to the effect of a lightning strike in your vicinity. The electromagnetic pulse that is caused by lightning or other high-energy phenomena can easily couple enough energy into unshielded conductors to destroy electronic switches. Consult experts in electrical surge suppression and shielding if you have had similar problems in the past.

The switch has been shock- and vibration-tested for operating ranges, handling, and earthquake standards.

Many switch components can be damaged by static electricity. Not exercising the proper electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions can result in intermittent or complete component failures. To minimize the potential for ESD damage, always use an ESD-preventive anti-static wrist strap (or ankle strap) and ensure that it makes adequate skin contact.

Note	Check the resistance value of the ESD-preventive strap periodically. The measurement should be 1–10 megohms. Before you perform any of the procedures in this guide, attach an ESD-preventive strap to your wrist and connect the leash to the chassis.

The switch is sensitive to variations in voltage that is supplied by the power sources. Overvoltage, undervoltage, and transients (spikes) can erase data from memory or cause components to fail. To protect against these types of problems, ensure that there is an earth-ground connection for the switch.

Connect the grounding pad on the switch either directly to the earth-ground connection or to a fully bonded and grounded rack.

When the chassis is properly installed in a grounded rack, the switch is grounded because it has a metal-to-metal (no paint, stain, dirt, or anything else on it) contact to the rack. See Note to ensure proper conductivity between rack and switch is maintained.

Alternatively, ground the chassis by using a customer-supplied grounding cable that meets your local and national installation requirements. For U.S. installations, we recommend 6-AWG wire. Connect your grounding cable to the chassis with a grounding lug (provided in the switch accessory kit) and to the facility ground.

Note

Create an electrical conducting path between the product chassis and the metal surface of the enclosure, or rack in which it is mounted, or to a grounding conductor. Provide electrical continuity by using thread-forming type mounting screws that remove any paint or non-conductive coatings and establish a metal-to-metal contact. Remove any paint or other non-conductive coatings on the surfaces between the mounting hardware and the enclosure or rack. Clean the surfaces and apply an antioxidant before installation.

The switch is positioned with its ports in either the front or the rear of the rack, depending on your cabling and maintenance requirements. To identify the airflow options for your switch, see the user-replaceable components in the Overview section of this document. Position the fan and power supply modules to move the coolant air from the cold aisle to the hot aisle in one of these ways:

• Port-side exhaust airflow—Cool air enters the chassis through the fan and power supply modules in the cold aisle and exhausts through the port end of the chassis in the hot aisle.

• Port-side intake airflow—Cool air enters the chassis through the port end in the cold aisle and exhausts through the fan and power supply modules in the hot aisle.

• Single-direction airflow—The direction of the installed fan modules determines the airflow.

Identify the airflow direction of each fan and power supply module by its coloring.

• Blue coloring indicates port-side exhaust airflow.

Note	To prevent the switch from overheating and shutting down, position the air intake for the switch in a cold aisle. The fan and power supply modules must have the same direction of airflow. To change the airflow direction for the switch, shutdown the switch before changing the modules.

Install these types of racks or cabinets for your switch:

• Standard perforated cabinets

• Solid-walled cabinets with a roof fan tray (bottom-to-top cooling)

• Standard open four-post Telco racks

Work with your cabinet vendors to determine which of their cabinets meet these requirements or see the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) for recommendations:

• Use a standard 19-inch (48.3-cm), four-post Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) cabinet or rack with mounting rails that conform to English universal hole spacing per section 1 of the ANSI/EIA-310-D-1992 standard.

• The depth of a four-post rack must be 24 to 32 inches (61.0 to 81.3 cm) between the front and rear mounting rails (for proper mounting of the bottom-support brackets or other mounting hardware).

Also, you must have power receptacles that are located within reach of the power cords that are used with the switch.

Warning

Statement 1048—Rack Stabilization The rack stabilizing mechanism must be in place, or the rack must be bolted to the floor before installation or servicing. Failure to stabilize the rack can cause bodily injury.

Provide the chassis with adequate clearance between the chassis and any other rack, device, or structure so that you can properly install the switch. Provide the chassis with adequate clearance to route cables, provide airflow, and maintain the switch. For the clearances required for an installation of this chassis in a four-post rack, see the figure.

Note	Both the front and rear of the chassis must be open to both aisles for airflow.