Machine and service clearance areas

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Machine area is the actual floor space covered by the system. Service clearance area includes the machine area, plus additional space required to open the doors for service access to the system.

Table 1. Machine area and service clearance area
Model Number of
frames		 Machine area  
M2 (ft2)
w/o doors and side covers		 Machine area  
M2 (ft2)
w/ doors and side covers		 Service clearance area  
M2 (ft2)		 Height clearance from floor  
mm (in)
ME2 or ML2 1 frame 0.642 M2 (6.91 ft2) 0.757 M2 (8.15 ft2) front = 0.804 M2 (8.65 ft2)
rear = 0.571 M2 (6.15 ft2)		 2472 mm (97.3 in)
Notes:
  1. Machine area includes installed covers.
  2. Service clearance area must be free of all obstacles. Units must be placed in a way that all service areas are accessible. The weight distribution clearance area extending beyond the service clearance area, such as the area at the outside corners of the units, may contain support walls and columns.
  3. A minimum vertical service clearance of 457.2 mm (18 in) above the frame top is required for:
    • Using the Lift Tool to service Support Elements at the frame top
    • Providing clearance for IBM System Service Representatives (SSRs) using the Service Ladder
    • Accommodating the Top Exit Enclosure (if ordered)
Figure 1. Minimum service clearance area (single frame)
This graphic shows the minimum required service clearance front, side, and rear dimensions. It shows an overhead view.

The front and rear doors access all of the serviceable area in the 9176. The system requires specific service clearances to ensure the fastest possible repair in the unlikely event that a part may need to be replaced. Failure to provide enough clearance to open the front and rear covers will result in extended service time.

The following describes some service clearance conditions that must be followed. (See Figure 2.)

  • The left side cover of the frame cannot be placed adjacent to a wall because of the front and back doors (Example A), but can be positioned next to obstacles such as poles or columns (Example B).
  • The front cover on frame opens 58.3 mm (2.3 in) wider than the width of the frame plus side cover. However, for service repairs, the left side of the front of the machine should be positioned at least 457.2 mm (18 in) from the wall (Example C). The right side of the front of the machine should be positioned at least 58.3 mm (2.3 in) from the wall (Example D).
Figure 2. Detailed service clearances
This graphics shows the service clearance area when the server is near a wall, column, or pole.