Compaq ProLiant CL380 Compaq ProLiant CL380 User Guide - Page 59

3-6 Compaq ProLiant CL380 User Guide Space Requirements Consider the following spatial needs when deciding where to install your rack: Clearance in front of the rack should be a minimum of 25 inches for the front door to open completely and for adequate airflow. Clearance behind the rack should be a minimum of 30 inches to allow for servicing of the unit and adequate airflow. Airflow Requirements Compaq ProLiant rack-mountable systems draw cool air in through the front door and exhaust warm air out the rear. Therefore, the front door of the rack must be adequately ventilated to allow ambient room air to enter the cabinet, and the rear door must be adequately ventilated to allow warm air to escape the cabinet. Do not block the ventilation apertures. CAUTION: If a third-party rack is used, the following minimum requirements should be observed to ensure adequate airflow and to prevent damage to the equipment: Front: The front must have a minimum of 25 inches of unrestricted ventilation. Side: The clearance between the installed module and the side panels of the rack should be a minimum of 2.75 inches. Rear: The clearance between the back of the rack and the wall should be a minimum of 30 inches and the equipment should be operating without a rear door. Blanking Panels If all of the vertical space in the rack is not filled by components, the gaps that are left cause a change in airflow through the rack and across the components. These gaps should be covered with rack blanking panels.