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Installation Methods of FS Industrial Switches

SheldonUpdated at Sep 24th 20241 min read

Industrial environments introduce challenges like extreme temperatures, dust, moisture, and vibration, making it essential to use specialized networking equipment like industrial switches. The installation method is just as important as the industrial switches durability, influencing its performance, lifespan, and ease of maintenance. In this article, we'll focus on various FS industrial switch installation methods, including DIN rail, rack, and wall mounted. We'll also cover key considerations and best practices for installing switches in harsh industrial settings.
FS Industrial Switch Mounting Options
FS industrial switches offer multiple mounting options like DIN rail mounted, rack mounted, and wall mounted to meet different installation requirements. With various installation options, our client can flexibly choose suitable industrial switches adapted for various industrial applications, maximizing the flexibility and scalability of network infrastructure. Below is an introduction to various FS industrial switch installation options for your reference.
DIN Rail Mounted Industrial Switches
DIN rail mounting is a widely used method for securing industrial switches, consisting of a metal rail typically installed in electrical cabinets. DIN rail mounted industrial switches enable efficient organization of critical components in compact spaces, reducing downtime and making equipment swaps seamless. This is especially beneficial in factory automation, where quick responses to shifting production demands are essential for maintaining high efficiency and reliability. Additionally, the DIN rail mounted installation method can simplify maintenance and upgrades, enhancing both operational performance and user convenience.
Take FS IES3100 series industrial switch as an example. It is one of FS's most popular DIN rail mounted industrial switch product lines, specifically designed for harsh environments like distribution centers, warehouses, and outdoor locations with extreme temperatures. These layer 2 industrial switches support enhanced L2+ functions such as 802.1Q VLAN and port-based VLAN, QoS, IGMP Snooping, LACP link aggregation, meeting the requirements of many scenarios in industrial environments.
FS also offers other DIN rail mounted options like the IES3110 series, featuring IP-rated protection against dust and moisture, ensuring reliability in harsh conditions.
Rack Mounted Industrial Switches
Rack mounted is ideal for centralized data centers or industrial environments where large-scale networking equipment needs to be installed together. The typical rack width is 19 inches, making it easy to organize switches and other network devices in one location.
Rack Mounted industrial switches, such as IES5120 series, are designed for harsh high-density server rooms and large industrial plants. Rack mounted setups provide excellent scalability since additional switches can be added simply by occupying another slot in the rack. Moreover, rack mounting ensures better airflow, preventing the high-performance switches from overheating.
FS also provides other rack mounted options like the IES5100 series, which are equipped with high processing power and redundant power supplies, perfect for environments demanding high reliability and performance.
Wall Mounted Industrial Switches
When neither DIN rail nor rack mounted is feasible, wall-mounted installations could be the best choice. Wall-mounted switches are mounted directly to vertical surfaces, such as walls or cabinet sides. This is particularly beneficial in irregular or limited-space environments like warehouses, outdoor facilities, or transportation hubs.
The FS IES3110-8TFP-R, is an excellent example of a wall mounted industrial switch, offering IP-rated protection, ensuring reliability in outdoor or humid environments. Wall mounted switches can also be installed closer to the devices they manage, reducing the length of Ethernet cables, minimizing signal degradation, and boosting network reliability.
FS offers additional wall mounted options like the IES3110-16TF and IES3110-8M12, designed to be compact and easy to deploy, making them suitable for a variety of industrial scenarios.
Installation Considerations and Best Practices
When it comes to installing industrial switches, there are several important factors to consider:
Environmental Conditions: Ensure the switch and mounting method can withstand the ambient temperature, humidity, and potential exposure to dust or chemicals. Choose a switch with appropriate IP ratings for moisture and dust resistance. FS industrial switches are designed to operate in extreme conditions, with an operating temperature range of -40 to 85°C and IP 41 protection against moisture and dust, making them ideal for harsh industrial environments.
Space and Accessibility: Consider the physical layout of the installation site. If space is limited, DIN rail mounting or wall mounted options may be preferable. In larger environments with server rooms, rack mounted installations can offer easier scalability.
Power Supply: In industrial settings, consider using PoE(Power over Ethernet) industrial switches to reduce the need for separate power lines for each device. This can simplify the network setup and reduce installation costs. A DIN rail PoE industrial switch can be especially beneficial in automation settings, where multiple devices are powered and networked simultaneously.
Cable Management: Proper cable routing is essential to ensure reliable connections and easy maintenance. Using cable trays or other management solutions can help avoid tangled or damaged cables in all installation types, whether rack mounted, wall mounted, or DIN rail mounted.
Maintenance and Upgrades: Modular installations, especially DIN rail mounted ones, offer the advantage of easy access for future upgrades or repairs. It's essential to leave enough room for technicians to access and replace components without causing disruptions to other equipment.
Conclusion
Choosing the right mounting method for industrial switches is crucial for maintaining network performance and reliability. Whether using DIN rail mounted in automation systems, rack mounted in data centers, or wall mounted setups in tight spaces, each option has its advantages depending on the environment. FS industrial switches provide flexible mounting solutions to meet the demands of diverse industrial settings. By considering space, conditions, and scalability, you can build a resilient, efficient network with proper planning and installation for long-term success.