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Cisco 170 Series Hardware Installation Guide
OL-28365-01
Chapter
General Site Requirements
The topics in this section describe the requirements your site must meet for safe installation and
operation of your Cisco 170 series system. Ensure that your site is properly prepared before beginning
installation.
This section includes the following topics:
• Site Environment, page 2-4
• Preventive Site Configuration, page 2-4
• Power Supply Considerations, page 2-5
• Configuring Equipment Racks, page 2-7

Site Environment

Place the appliance on a desktop or mount it on a rack. The location of the appliance and the layout of
the equipment rack or wiring room are extremely important for proper system operation. Placing
equipment too close together with inadequate ventilation and inaccessible panels can cause system
malfunctions and shutdowns. Improper placement can also make it difficult for you to access the
appliance for maintenance.
For information about physical specifications, see the “Hardware and Technical Specifications” section
on page 1-9.
When planning the site layout and equipment locations, keep in mind the precautions described in the
next section “Preventive Site Configuration, page 2-4,” to help avoid equipment failures and reduce the
possibility of environmentally caused shutdowns. If you are currently experiencing shutdowns or
unusually high error rates with your existing equipment, these precautions may help you isolate the
cause of failures and prevent future problems.

Preventive Site Configuration

The following precautions will help plan an acceptable operating environment for the appliance and
avoid environmentally caused equipment failures:
• Electrical equipment generates heat. Ambient air temperature might not be adequate to cool
equipment to acceptable operating temperatures without adequate circulation. Ensure that the room
in which you operate your system has adequate air circulation.
• Always follow the ESD-prevention procedures described previously to avoid damage to equipment.
Damage from static discharge can cause immediate or intermittent equipment failure.
• Ensure that the appliance cover is secure. The appliance is designed to allow cooling air to flow
effectively within it. An open appliance allows air leaks, which may interrupt and redirect the flow
of cooling air from the internal components.