Clearance Requirements for Airflow and Hardware Maintenance for an EX8216 Switch

When planning the site for installing an EX8216 switch, you must allow sufficient clearance around the switch.

Note: To manage airflow in a hot-aisle--cold-aisle data center setup, you might want to use the customized rack solution for EX8200 switches offered by Chatsworth Products, Inc.

Follow these clearance requirements:

• Allow at least 6 in. (15.2 cm) of clearance on each side of the chassis. For the cooling system to function properly, the airflow around the chassis must be unrestricted. See Figure 1 and Figure 2.

  Note: Do not block the air intake below the power supply slots.

  Figure 1: Airflow Through the EX8216 Switch Chassis

  

  Figure 2: Airflow for the EX8216 Switch Chassis Rear

  
• If you are mounting the switch on a rack or cabinet along with 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. Allow at least 6 in. (15.2 cm) of clearance on each side of the chassis. Leave adequate space at the front of the switch for service personnel to remove and install hardware components. 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. See Figure 3.

  Figure 3: Clearance Requirements for Airflow and Hardware Maintenance for an EX8216 Switch Chassis