Temperature; Humidity; Altitude - Cisco 6509 - Catalyst Chassis Switch Installation Manual

Chapter 2 Preparing for Installation
6-2

Temperature

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 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 95°F (35°C). Ensure that the
chassis has adequate ventilation. Do not place the chassis within a closed-in wall unit or on top of cloth,
which can act as insulation. Do not place it where it will receive direct sunlight, particularly in the
afternoon. Do not place it next to a heat source of any kind, including heating vents during winter.
Adequate ventilation is particularly important at high altitudes. Make sure that all slots and openings on
the system remain unobstructed, especially the fan vent on the chassis. Clean the installation site at
regular intervals to avoid buildup of dust and debris, which can cause a system to overheat. If the system
has been exposed to abnormally cold temperatures, allow a 2-hour warm-up period to bring it up to
normal operating temperature before turning it on. Failure to do so can damage internal components.
The Catalyst 6500 series switches are equipped with internal air temperature sensors that are triggered
Note
at 40°C (104°F) generating a minor alarm and at 55°C (131°F) generating a major alarm.
6-3

Humidity

High-humidity conditions can cause moisture migration and penetration into the system. This moisture
can cause corrosion of internal components and degradation of properties such as electrical resistance,
thermal conductivity, physical strength, and size. Extreme moisture buildup inside the system can result
in electrical shorts, which can cause serious damage to the system. Each system is rated to operate at 8
to 80 percent relative humidity, with a humidity gradation of 10 percent per hour. In storage, a system
can withstand from 5 to 95 percent relative humidity. Buildings in which climate is controlled by
air-conditioning in the warmer months and by heat during the colder months usually maintain an
acceptable level of humidity for system equipment. However, if a system is located in an unusually
humid location, a dehumidifier can be used to maintain the humidity within an acceptable range.

Altitude

Operating a system at high altitude (low pressure) reduces the efficiency of forced and convection
cooling and can result in electrical problems related to arcing and corona effects. This condition can also
cause sealed components with internal pressure, such as electrolytic capacitors, to fail or perform at
reduced efficiency. Each system is rated to operate at altitudes from –50 to 6500 feet (–16 to
1981 meters) and can be stored at altitudes of –50 to 35,000 feet (–16 to 10,668 meters).
OL-5781-04
Catalyst 6500 Series Switches Installation Guide
Site Requirements
2-3