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- Sun Proprietary/Confidential: Internal Use Only -
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                            FIELD INFORMATION NOTICE
                  (For Authorized Distribution by SunService)

FIN #: I0614-1

Create Date: Sep/19/00

Keywords: 

New guidelines have been introduced for air filter maintenance on E10000 systems.

Top FIN/FCO Report: No

Products Reference: E10000 Air Filter Maintenance

Product Category: Server / Service

Product Affected: 

Mkt_ID   Platform   Model   Description   	   Serial Number
------   --------   -----   -----------  	   -------------
Systems Affected
----------------
  -	  E10000     ALL    Ultra Enterprise 10000	 -

X-Options Affected: 
-------------------
  -         -         -           -                      -

Parts Affected: 

Part Number   Description         Model
-----------   -----------         -----
555-1897-01   8-Pack Air Filter     -

References: 

BugId:  4358610: A better procedure for replacing Air Filters in E10000
DOC:    806-5118-13: BEST PRACTICES GUIDE
MANUAL: 805-2917-15: Sun Enterprise 10000 System Service Manual
URL:    http://bestpractices.central

Issue Description: 

There is a current misperception that E10000 air filters must
be replaced every 3 months and that the E10000 must be powered
down prior to air filter service.  Consequently, it is likely 
that both of these actions are occurring more often than is required.
    
The E10000 service manual describes how to replace a filter, but is 
written in a way that causes confusion about the service life of an
air filter.  The service manual states that the air filters should
be cleaned or replaced every 3 months.  This is incorrect.

It has now been determined that cleaning the air filters is NOT
recommended, since the air filters deteriorate with time and become
easily damaged by the cleaning (vacuuming) process.  In addition, 
the replacement interval for filters depends upon their condition
and not upon a fixed time period.

Another area of confusion concerns whether the E10000 should be
powered off to change the air filters.  The E10000 has been
designed to be left ON while changing air filters in order to provide
maximum system availability.  However, some risk is introduced when
the system is left running during replacement.  Judgment must be
used when deciding whether to leave the system running or not.
See the Corrective Action section below for guidelines.

Implementation: 

---
        |   |   MANDATORY (Fully Pro-Active)
         ---    
         
  
         ---
        |   |   CONTROLLED PRO-ACTIVE (per Sun Geo Plan) 
         --- 
         
                                
         ---
        | X |   REACTIVE (As Required)
         ---

Corrective Action: 

An Authorized Enterprise Field Service Representatives may avoid the
above mentioned problems by use the following guidelines for servicing
the air filters on E10000 systems.  The Service Manual and the Best
Practices Guide (Section 1.7.0) will be updated with this new
information.
 
1. Guideline:

The E10000 has been designed for maximum availability such that the air
filters can be changed without the need to power down the system.
However, this does introduce some risk to the integrity of the I/O
cables, etc. as the cables must be moved in order to access the air
filters.  In systems heavily configured with many I/O lines, more risk
is introduced.  As such, the decision to power down the system is left
to the discretion of the customer/system service engineer [SSE].

The E10000 system has four front and four rear air filters that require
periodic inspection and replacement.  To prevent restricted airflow and
possible equipment failure, the E10000 air filters should be inspected
for debris and trapped particles every three months of operation.
Filters should be inspected with a mirror prior to removal.  The level
of debris found on the filters and surrounding area should be
considered in the decision of whether to power the machine down for air
filter service. 
 
The actual service life of the air filter is dependent on many
variables including: the cleanliness of the supply air, location within
the data center, etc. The decision about when to change filters is left to
the judgment of the SSE; when the level of debris is found to be
substantial, the filters should be replaced with new filters.  Note that
it is no longer recommended to clean the old filters as they
deteriorate with time and are easily damaged.

If the machine is left running during an air filter change, do not
insert any air blocking panel in its place, even for a few seconds.
Instead, clean the area around the air filters as best as possible
prior to removal, then make the replacement quickly and carefully. It
is considered less risky to pass unfiltered air for a few seconds than
it is to stop air flow on an operational system, as individual
components can overheat in as little as 10 seconds.

If the air filters are found to collect a substantial amount of debris
in less than three months, it is recommended that the air supply system
be investigated for sources of contamination and corrective action
taken.  In addition, account management should be notified and updated
as required.  

It is advisable to have a spare set of filters on-site, so that
replacements are available when needed.

        
2. Procedure:  
     
   a. Determine if the E10000 is to be power off for air filter service
      (not mandatory, but recommended for mission critical operations
      and heavy I/O configurations).

   b. Open the access door.

   c. Remove as much debris as possible from area under E10000 and
      around air filters as possible prior to removing air filter (if
      machine is left running).

   d. Remove the face plate by removing four screws.

   e. With one hand, reach under the cabinet and slide the filter toward
      you.

   f. Remove the filter and place on a flat surface away from air vents
      that may dislodge the dust particles and cause them to become
      airborne.  Inspect air filter.  If it has substantial amount of
      trapped debris, replace with a new air filter.  Do not attempt to
      clean the air filter with a vacuum, brush, etc. If level of
      debris is minimal, note this and replace the air filter.
 
   g. Repeat for the remaining air filters.

   h. Reinstall the face plate.

   i. Close the access door.

Comments: 

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Implementation Footnote: 

i)   In case of MANDATORY FINs, Enterprise Services will attempt to    
     contact all affected customers to recommend implementation of 
     the FIN. 
   
ii)  For CONTROLLED PROACTIVE FINs, Enterprise Services mission critical    
     support teams will recommend implementation of the FIN  (to their  
     respective accounts), at the convenience of the customer. 

iii) For REACTIVE FINs, Enterprise Services will implement the FIN as the   
     need arises.
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