SWM 16 switch getting hot

[kjsmith01993]

Directv installed a SWM 16 multiswitch today and I noticed it is sort of hot. Is this normal?

 

[raoul5788]

Yup. I don't know how hot is normal, but they do get hot.

 

[twizt3dsist3r]

"working as intended" I install about 4 a week if not more.

They are all warm to the touch, if it gets too hot to touch then you have a problem.

 

[kjsmith01993]

I thought the cooling fins on it were just for look but I guess not. Thanks!

 

[jcrandall]

They are definitely warm. I recommend adding a set of spacers (RG6 connectors work good) behind the SWM16 to aide in cooling, keeping it about an inch off the mounted surface.

 

[kjsmith01993]

I have 1/2 inch spacers. Will that be enough?

 

[texasbrit]

They can get extremely hot, particularly when like mine they are in the attic space, in Texas!

 

[twizt3dsist3r]

I have 1/2 inch spacers. Will that be enough?

I just drill mine straight into siding or onto a panel board with screw clip screws, no spacers. Not that that is a bad idea at all, but Ive never done it. The only defective swm16 Ive ever pulled out of the field was one of the first generations with clear ports instead of orange, and it was a communications related issue. Not sure if heat related or not.