Building new Comms Racks / Rooms (Access)

[is.infrastructure1]

Hello

Just looking at the data sheets and can see many access switches can operate between -5 and 40C however when designing a new comms room would you typically specify air conditioning to just keep the room between these ranges of temperatures or more aim at a temperature like 20C such as the datacenter? The reason I ask Is i am unclear if access switching really need to the same levels cooling as the DC?

Thanks

[balaji.bandi]

For the switches to work as expected, they need to operate in a good temperature range(that is where most of the vendors tested and certified). DC is a different case since it has Servers and other equipment which generate a Lot of heat.

Some switches function in various environments, such as industrial settings, where they operate at higher temperatures than usual, as it is not possible to maintain an atmosphere as cool as it would be.

[Joseph W. Doherty]

I believe a general rule is heat tends to shorten the life of electronics, so if a comm room can be maintained at 20 rather than 40, it's like better for the electronics.  Even cooler, is probably better too.

However, how much "better" is probably harder to quantity, plus cooling raises its own costs.  I.e., in theory, there's probably an optional temperature to balance out cooling costs to device life, but I don't know the formula, if one 

Then there's the minor consideration would you want to work in a comm room that's -5 or 40 degrees?  20 degrees, or somewhat close to that, at least would be comfortable to most folk.

[Leo Laohoo]

That depends on multiple factors: 

1.  Is the comms room well-ventilated? 

2.  Does the room get hot during daytime? 

3.  How much electronic equipment is in the comms room?