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From: Don Y <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid>
Newsgroups: sci.electronics.design
Subject: Re: Experiences with rack mounted kit mounted *vertically*
Date: Wed, 5 Feb 2025 12:14:51 -0700
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On 2/5/2025 11:21 AM, John R Walliker wrote:
> Some fanless 24-port network switches from HP specify that they can
> be mounted with the connectors up or down but not sideways.

Hmmm... I have three such beasts in the office and had never noticed
the holes in the sides.  I had just assumed they dissipated heat
through the skin.

[Not a problem for the office switches, though, as they are mounted
horizontally]

> Sideways mounting would give the best airflow, so there must be some
> other explanation.  My best guess is that the relatively large
> "side" ventilation holes would not allow the product to pass regulatory
> safety testing in that orientation.  (Holes must be small enough that
> burning molten plastic cannot fall through the holes and ignite
> flammable materials below.  Similarly, holes in the top must prevent
> flames from escaping and they must protect against foreign objects from
> dropping in and causing damage.

My reason for mounting the switches vertically, front-down was to
minimize the chances of "stuff" (detris) getting into the ports.
I figure I could more easily "protect" the fans (being on top) with
just another layer of filtration.

I don't see any prohibitions against particular mounting configurations
on most of the switches I've (casually) examined.  So, I suspect
it's not an issue in the *general* case.

Lots of ambiguous chatter, however, in folks describing their preferences
and concerns for these types of mounts.  As expected, an equal number
advocating/warning for/against each!  <frown>

Thankfully, this won't be something homeowners/businessmen will likely
install by themselves.  So, there's a chance that some care will be
exercised, there!