Cleaning And Replacing The Air Filter; Tools Required; Accessing And Cleaning Or Replacing The Filter - Cisco 7000 Hardware Installation And Maintenance

Cleaning and Replacing the Air Filter

The air filter removes dust from the air drawn in by the blower. The edges of the air filter fit into the
lower frame of the top front chassis panel. (See Figure 5-28.) Use the following guidelines for air
filter maintenance:
•
Remove and vacuum the air filter at least once every two weeks, or more often in unusually dusty
environments.
•
If vacuuming is not possible, you can remove the filter and wash it, but ensure that it is
completely dry before replacing it in the chassis. Have spares on hand in case the filter tears or
becomes worn. A dirty filter can prohibit the flow of cooling air into the chassis and may cause
an overtemperature condition.
•
You do not need to shut down the system if you can remove, clean, and replace the filter within
five minutes. Do not operate the system for more than five minutes without a filter installed.
•
Do not vacuum the air filter while it is installed in the chassis.
Caution
equipment.

Tools Required

You will need a small hand vacuum to clean the air filter. Have a spare filter on hand so that you can
replace it if necessary without leaving the system operating without a filter or bottom front panel.

Accessing and Cleaning or Replacing the Filter

Perform the following steps to check the filter and clean or replace it if necessary:
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7
Step 8
Never place a wet filter in the chassis; the moisture drawn into the chassis can damage the
Remove the bottom front panel. (Refer to the section "Removing the Panels" earlier in this
chapter.) The edges of the air filter fit into the lower frame of the top front panel.
Remove the filter by grasping it in the center and pulling the edges out of the frame.
Check the condition of the filter. If the filter is extremely dusty, or if it appears worn or torn,
discard it after you ensure that you have a replacement available. Proceed to Step 7 to install
the new filter.
Move the filter away from the chassis and vacuum it thoroughly. Do not vacuum the filter
when it is installed or near the chassis opening; doing so can dislodge substantial amounts
of dust and allow loose particles to enter the chassis.
If the filter needs washing, refer to Step 7 to install a temporary replacement filter. If a
replacement is not available, shut down the system until the filter dries and you can safely
replace it. Do not operate the system for more than five minutes without a filter installed.
Wash the filter in running water, or discard it and replace it with a new filter. The filter must
be thoroughly dry before you replace it in the chassis.
Place the new or clean, dry filter over the frame and push the edges into it with your fingers.
Ensure that all edges are tucked into the frame.
To replace the bottom front panel, align the bottom of the panel with the holes on the front
of the chassis, then push the edges in until the ball studs snap into place.
Cleaning and Replacing the Air Filter
Maintenance 5-237