Cisco MDS 9700 Series

CHAPTER 3
Preparing the Site
This chapter includes the following sections:
• Humidity Requirements, on page 61
• Altitude Requirements, on page 61
• Dust and Particulate Requirements, on page 62
• Minimizing Electromagnetic and Radio Frequency Interference, on page 62
• Shock and Vibration Requirements, on page 63
• Grounding Requirements, on page 63
• Planning for Power Requirements, on page 63
• Power Modes Overview, on page 64
• Rack and Cabinet Requirements, on page 66
• Clearance Requirements for Cisco MDS 9700 Series Directors, on page 68
• Rack-Mounting Guidelines, on page 70
• Installing and Removing the Brackets, on page 71
• Installing the Cisco MDS 9700 Series Shelf Bracket Kit into a Rack, on page 71
• Installing the Switch on the Brackets, on page 72
• Removing the Shelf Bracket Kit, on page 74
Humidity Requirements
High humidity can cause moisture to seep into the switch. Moisture can cause corrosion of internal components
and degradation of properties such as electrical resistance, thermal conductivity, physical strength, and size.
The switch is rated to operate at 8 to 80 percent relative humidity, with a humidity gradation of 10 percent
per hour.
The switch can withstand from 5 to 90 percent relative humidity. Buildings in which the 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 the switch equipment. However, if the switch is located in an unusually humid location,
you should use a dehumidifier to maintain the humidity within an acceptable range.
Altitude Requirements
If you operate a switch at a high altitude (low pressure), the efficiency of forced and convection cooling is
reduced and can result in electrical problems that are related to arcing and corona effects. This condition can
Cisco MDS 9700 Series Switches Hardware Installation Guide
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