Installing switch in harsh environment

meadIT · February 2009

I need to install a switch in an outdoor area, although it is under roof. The area is very dusty (sawmill), so I'll need some type of enclosure. How much ventilation is needed for just one switch. Has anyone every installed equipment is such an area? How did you handle the ventilation issue?

drainey · February 2009

I've installed several in manufacturing enviroments, including welding areas which have lots of welding dust as well as the standard dust, particle issues. We use a metal enclosure that opens to the front with 80mm fans on both sides. One fan set for intake, the other for exhaust. We also use HEPA filters on the intake fan to help eliminate particles from getting into the box. In a couple of cases we've had to modify it to use two intake fans.

Good luck.

aordal · February 2009

Just make sure you check your filters regularly

Mrock4 · February 2009

I handled a number of installs in the middle east with all sorts of Cisco gear. Dust/heat was at an extreme and these units held up extremely well. A case would be ideal, but be sure it has if possible, an intake/exhaust fan as said previously. Shockingly, in 15 months we only had a couple of units give in to the heat/dust..overall they performed well with very little reliability issues.

benbuiltpc · February 2009

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mamono · February 2009

Good idea to have more HEPA filtered intake than exhaust, this will allow the enclosure to be pressurized thus reducing the introduction of particles via small gaps and pinhole openings. Then again, I'm speaking from a clean room perspective.

Poor switches...

Installing switch in harsh environment

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