Q:

Switch Temperature - How hot it too hot!

I've got a few network switches running rather hot. The switches have an average internal temperature of 63°C. I'm aware that this is too hot for a network switches and we are pushing upper management for air con. My question is this, what temperature would you expect to see a switch running at whilst running under load? What would you argue is best practice when it comes to internal switch temperatures? If it helps the switch models are Dell N4032. 
Thanks! 

A:

It depends on your device, if temperature is high, fans will spin faster and you reduce timelife of your switch.
I think 63°C is slightly high but I have switches working at this temperature (or greater) with no problems.
If you need a number, according N4000 manual, front led is triggered when "The thermal sensor’s system temperature threshold of 75°C has been exceeded." So, you are reaching limit but you still have a security margin.

