Configuring Equipment Racks - Cisco PIX 501 Hardware Installation Manual

Chapter 1 Preparing for Installation
Observe the following considerations:
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Configuring Equipment Racks

The following tips help you plan an acceptable equipment rack configuration:
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Check the power at your site before installing the PIX Firewall to ensure that you are receiving
"clean" power (free of spikes and noise). Install a power conditioner if necessary, to ensure proper
voltages and power levels in the source voltage for the system.
Install proper grounding for the site to avoid damage from lightning and power surges.
In units equipped with AC-input power supplies, use the following guidelines:
– The PIX Firewall and PIX10000 models automatically select operating ranges of a low range of
90 to 135 volts or a high range of 180 to 270 volts.
– The PIX 510 and PIX 520 models operate with a source voltage ranging from 100 to 240 VAC;
the input power supply requires a 20 amp service minimum for North America and 10 amp or
16 amp for the international area.
– The PIX 515/PIX 515E, PIX 525, and PIX 535 do not have a selectable operating range. Refer
to the label on each model for the correct AC-input power requirement.
Several styles of AC-input power supply cords are available; make sure you have the correct
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style for your site.
Install an uninterruptible power source for your site, if possible.
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Install proper site grounding facilities to guard against damage from lightning or power surges.
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In a unit equipped with DC-input power supplies, use the following guidelines:
– Each DC-input power supply requires dedicated 15 amp service.
– For DC power cables, we recommend that you use a minimum of 18 AWG wire cable.
PIX 515/515E, PIX 520, PIX 525, and PIX 535 units require you to first attach rack mounting
brackets to the unit.
Enclosed racks must have adequate ventilation. Ensure that the rack is not overly congested because
each unit generates heat. An enclosed rack should have louvered sides and a fan to provide cooling
air.
When mounting a chassis in an open rack, ensure that the rack frame does not block the intake or
exhaust ports. If the chassis is installed on slides, check the position of the chassis when it is seated
all the way into the rack.
In an enclosed rack with a ventilation fan in the top, excessive heat generated by equipment near the
bottom of the rack can be drawn upward and into the intake ports of the equipment above it in the
rack. Ensure that you provide adequate ventilation for equipment at the bottom of the rack.
Baffles can help to isolate exhaust air from intake air, which also helps to draw cooling air through
the chassis. The best placement of the baffles depends on the airflow patterns in the rack.
Experiment with different arrangements to position the baffles effectively.
General Site Requirements
Cisco PIX Firewall Hardware Installation Guide
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