Clearance Requirements for Airflow and Hardware Maintenance for EX3200 Switches

When planning the site for installing an EX3200 switch, you must allow sufficient clearance around the installed switch (see Figure 1).

For the cooling system to function properly, the airflow around the chassis must be unrestricted. Figure 2 shows the airflow through the EX3200 switch chassis .

Figure 1: Clearance Requirements for Airflow and Hardware Maintenance for EX3200 Switches

Figure 2: Airflow Through the EX3200 Switch Chassis

• Allow at least 6 in. (15.2 cm) of clearance on the side between devices that have fans or blowers installed. Allow 2.8 in. (7 cm) between the side of the chassis and any non-heat-producing surface such as a wall.
• If you are mounting the switch on a rack or cabinet with other equipment, or if you are placing it on the desktop or floor near other equipment, ensure that the exhaust from other equipment does not blow into the intake vents of the chassis.
• Leave at least 24 in. (61 cm) both in front of and behind the switch. For service personnel to remove and install hardware components, you must leave adequate space at the front and back of the switch. NEBS GR-63 recommends that you allow at least 30 in. (76.2 cm) in front of the rack or cabinet and 24 in. (61 cm) behind the rack or cabinet.