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.

Rack type and mounting bracket hole spacing

Use a four-post rack. You can mount the switch on any four-post rack that provides bracket holes or hole patterns spaced at 1 U (1.75 in./4.44 cm) increments and that meets the size and strength requirements specified in this table.

A U is the standard rack unit defined in Cabinets, Racks, Panels, and Associated Equipment (document number EIA-310–D) published by the Electronics Industry Association (http://www.eia.org).

You can stack two EX8216 switches in a four-post rack that has at least 42 U; if you install the optional power cord tray, a minimum of 44 U are required. In all cases, the rack must meet the strength requirements to support the weight of the switch.

Rack size and strength

• Ensure that the rack is a 19-in. rack as defined in Cabinets, Racks, Panels, and Associated Equipment (document number EIA-310–D) published by the Electronics Industry Association (http://www.eia.org).
• Ensure that the rack is one of the following standard lengths:
  • 23.62 in. (600 mm)
  • 30.0 in. (762 mm)
  • 21.5 in. (546 mm)
• Ensure that the rack rails are spaced widely enough to accommodate the EX8216 switch chassis' external dimensions of 36.5 in. (92.7 cm) height, 17.3 in. (43.9 cm) width, 26.5 in. (67.3 cm) depth. The outer edges of the front-mounting brackets extend the width to 19 in. (48.3 cm).
• The EX8216 switch chassis height of 36.5 in. (92.7 cm) is approximately 21 U. If you install the power cord tray (optional), the chassis and power cord tray consume 22 U.
• The rack must be strong enough to support the weight of the fully configured switch. A fully configured EX8216 switch weighs up to 486 lb (220 kg). If you stack two fully configured EX8216 switches in one rack, that rack must support up to 972 lb (440 kg).
• Ensure that the spacing of rails and adjacent racks allows for the proper clearance around the switch and rack as specified in Clearance Requirements for Airflow and Hardware Maintenance for an EX8216 Switch.

Rack connection to the building structure

• Secure the rack to the building structure.
• If earthquakes are a possibility in your geographical area, secure the rack to the floor.
• Secure the rack to the ceiling brackets as well as wall or floor brackets for maximum stability.