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2-2
Cisco Nexus 7000 System Site Preparation Guide
OL-15846-01
Chapter 2 Preparing the Site
Temperature
Temperature
When you install the Nexus 7000 Series, make sure that the system has adequate airflow from front to
back and do not block the air inlet or the air exhaust.
Temperature extremes can cause the Nexus 7000 Series devices to operate at reduced efficiency and
cause a variety of problems, including premature aging and failure of chips, and failu re of devices.
Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause chips to become loose in their sockets. The Nexus 7000
Series devices should be operating in an environment that is not colder than 41°F (5°C) or hotter than
104°F (40°C).
Make sure that the chassis has adequate ventilation; do not place the chassis next to a heat source of any
kind, including heating vents during winter.
Adequate ventilation is particularly important at high altitudes. Make sure that all slots and openings on
the system remain unobstructed, especially the fan vents on the chassis. Clean the installation site at
regular intervals to avoid buildup of dust and debris, which can cause a system to overheat. If the Nexus
7000 series was exposed to abnormally cold temperatures, allow a 2-hour warm-up period t o bring it up
to a normal operating temperature before you turn the sy stem on. Otherwise, you can damage the interna l
components.
Note The Nexus 7000 Series devices is equipped with internal air temperature sensors that trigger a minor
alarm at 104°F (40°C) and a major alarm at 131°F (55°C).
Humidity
High humidity conditions can cause moisture to seep into the Nexus 7000 Series devices. Moisture can
cause corrosion of internal components and degradation of properties such as electrical resistance,
thermal conductivity, physical strength, and size. The Nexus 7000 Series is rated t o operate at 8 to 80
percent relative humidity, with a humidity gradation of 10 percent per hour.
The Nexus 7000 Series devices can withstand from 5 to 90 percent relative humidit y when you store it.
Buildings in which 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 system equipment. However, if
a Nexus 7000 Series device is located in an unusually humid loca tion, you can use a dehumidifier to
maintain the humidity within an acceptable range.
Altitude
If you operate a Nexus 7000 Series device 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 arci ng and corona
effects. This condition can also cause sealed components with internal pressure, such as electrolytic
capacitors, to fail or to perform at a reduced efficiency. The Nexus 7000 Series is rated to operate at
altitudes from –500 to 13,123 feet (–152 to 4,000 meters). You can store the system at altitudes of –1,000
to 30,000 feet (–305 to 9,144 meters).