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Operative Conditions

Power ratings are specified on standard operating conditions: installation below 1,500 m altitude, free-air convection without enclosures, vertical heat sink orientation, and non-adjacent channel combination. At altitudes above 1,500 m, thermal derating applies according to a defined scale to ensure safe and reliable performance.
Environmental compliance follows ETSI standards for operation, transport, and storage. 

Power Ratings Conditions

The power ratings specified in the product datasheets are valid under the following standard operating conditions:

  • Altitude: Below 1,500 meters (4,900 feet). Refer to Altitude Thermal Derating (below) for adjustments at higher elevations
  • Airflow: Free air circulation, without enclosures (e.g., racks) or obstructions to natural convection.
  • Heat Sinks: Fins oriented vertically, with unobstructed airflow
  • Environmental Conditions: As defined in the Environmental Conditions section (below)
  • Body Temperature: Below the maximum operating value specified in the product datasheet
  • Combiners: Non-Adjacent Combination

If one or more of these conditions are not met, COM-TECH can perform specific calculations to determine the effective power rating and ensure compliance with thermal and electrical safety margins.

Altitude Thermal Derating

Power ratings reported on the Product Datasheet are based on a maximum installation altitude of 1,500 meters (4,900 feet). At higher altitudes, reduced air density affects thermal dissipation, requiring power derating as shown below:

Altitude Relative Power
0 – 1.500 m (4.900 ft.) 100%
2.000 m (6.500 ft.) 96.7%
2.500 m (8.200 ft.) 93.5%
3.000 m (9.800 ft.) 90.2%
3.500 m (11.400 ft.) 86.9%
4.000 m (13.000 ft.) 83.7%
4.500 m (14.700 ft.) 80.4%
5.000 m (16.400 ft.) 78.3%

The derating above is due to the reduced thermal dissipation capacity of thinner air at higher altitudes. In addition to thermal limitations, filters and combiners may require further power reduction to meet voltage safety margins. The extent of this additional derating depends on the specific product design and the cooling method employed—typically forced air cooling or liquid cooling.

Environmental Conditions

COM-TECH products are designed to operate under the following conditions:
Operational Conditions:

  • ETSI EN 300 019-1-3 V.2.4.1 (2014-04), Class 3.1, Normal Conditions
  • Maximum Operating Temperature: see Product Datasheet

Transport Conditions:

  • ETSI EN 300 019-1-2 V.2.2.1 (2014-04), Class 2.2

Storage Conditions:

  • ETSI EN 300 019-1-1 V.2.2.1 (2014-04), Class 1.1

COM-TECH products are intended for indoor use only and are not waterproof. Special care must be taken to prevent contact with water, especially during transportation and installation.

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