Mounting a QFX3500 Device in a Rack or Cabinet

You can mount a QFX3500 device on four posts in a 19-in. rack or cabinet by using the mounting brackets and installation blades provided with the device. (The remainder of this topic uses “rack” to mean “rack or cabinet.”) The front and rear rack rails must be spaced between 28 in. (71.1 cm) and 36 in. (91.4 cm) front to back.

The holes in the mounting brackets and installation blades are placed at 1 U (1.75 in., or 4.45 cm.) apart so that the device can be mounted in any rack that provides holes spaced at that distance.

Before you begin mounting a QFX3500 device on the rack or cabinet:

• Ensure that you understand how to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage. See Prevention of Electrostatic Discharge Damage.
• Verify that the site meets the requirements described in Site Preparation Checklist for a QFX3500 Device.
• Place the rack in its permanent location, allowing adequate clearance for airflow and maintenance, and secure it to the building structure.
• Read General Site Guidelines, with particular attention to Chassis Lifting Guidelines for a QFX3500 Device.
• Remove the device from the shipping carton (see Unpacking a QFX3500 Device).

Ensure that you have the following parts and tools available to mount the device on four posts in a rack:

• ESD grounding strap (provided).
• One pair of rear installation blades. These installation blades support the rear of the chassis, and must be installed (provided).
• Eight screws to secure the chassis and rear installation blades to the rack (not provided).
• Appropriate screwdriver for the mounting screws (not provided).

Warning: The QFX3500 device must be supported at all four corners. Mounting the chassis using only the front brackets will damage the chassis and can result in serious bodily injury.

Caution: If you are installing the QFX3500 device above 60 in. (152.4 cm) from the floor, you must remove the power supplies, fan trays, and management board before attempting to install the device, or ask someone to assist you during the installation.

Caution: If you are mounting multiple devices on a rack, mount the device in the lowest position of the rack first and proceed to mount the rest of the devices from bottom to top.

To mount the device on four posts in a rack:

1. Attach the ESD grounding strap to your bare wrist and to a site ESD point.
2. With two mounting screws—and cage nuts and washers if your rack requires them—attach one of the rear installation blades to the rear of the rack at the point where you want to mount the device. Tighten the screws. The blade helps support the rear of the chassis. You install the second rear installation blade after securing both front mounting brackets. See Figure 1.

   Figure 1: Installing an Installation Blade in a Rack

   
3. Grasp both sides of the device, lift it, and position it in the rack so that the blade receptacle at the rear of the chassis catches and slides onto the installation blade. See Figure 2.

   Tip: If someone is assisting you, have one person stand at the rear of the rack where the installation blade is installed, to help guide the device onto the installation blade.

   Figure 2: Mounting the QFX3500 Device on Four Posts in a Rack

   
4. Align the holes in the front brackets on the chassis with the holes in the rack. Ensure that the chassis is level.
5. With four mounting screws—and cage nuts and washers if your rack requires them—secure the front of the device to the rack. Insert the first screw on the opposite corner from the rear installation blade you installed. Tighten the screws.
6. Ensure that the device chassis is level by verifying that all the screws on the front of the rack are aligned with the screws at the back of the rack.
7. With two mounting screws—and cage nuts and washers if your rack requires them—slide the second rear installation blade into the blade receptacle on the chassis, and secure it to the rear of the rack by tightening the screws. You might need to loosen and adjust the first installation blade to install the second blade.