Installation Guide

Rack Specifications and Recommendations
Racks should conform to conventional standards.
In the United States, use EIA Standard RS-310C: Racks, Panels, and Associated Equipment. In countries
other than the United States, use IEC Standard 297. In addition, verify that your rack meets the basic
mechanical, space, and earthquake requirements that are described in this section.
Mechanical Recommendations for the Rack
Use equipment racks that meet the following mechanical recommendations:
• Use an open style, 19-inch rack to facilitate easy maintenance and to provide proper ventilation.
• Use a rack made of steel or aluminum.
• The rack should use the universal mounting rail hole pattern that is identified in IEC Standard 297.
• The rack should have designated earth grounding connections (typically on the base).
• The rack must meet earthquake safety requirements equal to that of the installed chassis.
• The mounting holes should be flush with the rails to accommodate the chassis.
• The rack should support approximately 270 kg (600 lb).
Grounding the Rack
The rack must be properly grounded.
Use a rack grounding kit and a ground conductor that is carried back to earth or to another suitable
building ground.
At a minimum, follow these guidelines to ground equipment racks to the earth ground:
• CAD weld appropriate wire terminals to building I-beams or earth ground rods.
• For a DC-powered switch, use a minimum 14 AWG stranded copper wire for grounding.
AC-powered switches do not need separate chassis grounding.
• Position the earth ground as close to the equipment rack as possible to maintain the shortest wiring
distance possible.
• Use a ground impedance tester or micro-ohm meter to test the quality of earth ground connection
at the chassis. This will ensure good grounding between the chassis, rack, and earth ground.
Note
Because building codes vary worldwide, consult an electrical contractor to ensure proper
equipment grounding for your specific installation.
Providing Adequate Space for the Rack
Provide enough space in front of and behind the switch so that you can service it easily.
Rack
Specifications and Recommendations Site Preparation
40 ExtremeSwitching 5520 Series Hardware Installation Guide