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Tuesday, 05 April 2022 13:22

My Server Rack Mount Cabinet Notes

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This is my research into Server Cabinets

My Kit

  • Cabinet: Excel Environ CR600 - 600mm Wide Comms Rack (542-2468-GSBN-BK) (24U 600w x 800d)
    • 24U allows me to have:
      • a shelf for my UPS
      • a shelf for 2 x Desktop PCS
      • a shelf for Low profile PC that I will use for my router
      • a rack mount KVM switch
      • a rack mount switch
      • a rack mount patch panel
      • Some cable tidies
    • Not too tall so I can put a monitor on the top and a Wifi keyboard attached to my KVM for occasional use.
    • Max Load: 800KG
  • 3 x StarTech 1U 19 inch Adjustable Vented Rack Mount Shelf Heavy Duty Fixed Server Rack Cabinet Shelf (ADJSHELFHDV)
    • They fill the full depth of my cabinet (from post to post)
    • Strong
    • Can be used for whatever I want
    • Vented to keep air flowing and I can use these vents to secure equipment with
  • Penn Elcom Delux Cage Nut Tool CN01 | PennElcomOnline.com
    • Good for removing nuts easily and can be used for putting them in when plenty of space.
  • Penn Elcom Economy Cage nut tool SX1100 | PennElcomOnline.com
    • Easy for putting tools in. can be done from the front so not much space in the rack is needed.

Cabinets / Racks

  • 4 posts
    • Cabinets which have 4 posts can usually have their posts moved closer together if required (i.e. they are adjustable)
    • 21inch (53.34cm) is the distance between the forward and rear facing parts of the posts (usually)
  • 2 post
    • This configuration is usually found in the smaller cabinets.
  • Half
  • Different widths and heights
  • Most 19" cabinets are 600mm wide. This allows some space either side of the racks.
  • Rack Unit Calculator from Penn Elcom Online
    • A rack unit (or U) is the standard terminology for describing sizes associated with 19 inch racking. Knowing how much rack unit space you require is incredibly important when installing 19 inch rack cabinets and enclosures. The unit calculator below can convert rack U's into cm, inches and feet, which makes it a very useful tool for any installer or musician who needs to know exactly what equipment to buy when building a 19 inch rack. Scroll down for a complete table of rack U-to-inch/feet/cm values.
  • Server Rack Buying Guide | Server Rack Ordering Info
  • How to Plan A Server Rack Installation | Cabinet Layout Guide | Home Network Rack
  • Before You Buy - Server Racks | StarTech
    • This video covers things you need to know before you purchase a server rack, including what a rack unit is, the difference between 2 and 4 post racks, open and closed racks, and minimum and maxmimum mounting depths, as well as to consider mounting devices on both sides of a rack, whether you need casters, want to bolt your rack to the ground, or leave it free standing.

Shelves / Drawers

There are different Types of Shelves

  • Cantilever
    • This are fixed by 2 posts. A front or rear pair.
    • When describing the size of these shelves i.e. 350mm/450mm/500mm this refers to the depth of the shelf.
    • They are all the same width because they are for 19" racks.
  • Clamping
    • This is similar to a cantilever shelf except the sides are level all the way to the back.
    • These level sides allow clamps to be attached to the sides to help attach things.
  • Fixed
    • These require a 4 post cabinet and are fixed at both ends.
    • Tend to have higher load capacities
    • When describing the size it refers to the overall depth of the cabinet usually. So a 800mm deep cabinet would require a 550mm (21inch/53.34cm + the M6 bolts) so it would fit inside the cabinet. Double check this before purchase as sometimes sellers get mixed up.
    • They are all the same width because they are for 19" racks.
  • Fixed (Adjustable)
    • Same properties as a Fixed shelf but with the ability to configure for a range of cabinet depths.
  • Sliding
    • These are used for things like keyboards or light equipment you need to pull out easily.
  • Drawers
    • These are just like your normal clothes drawers except made out of metal.
    • Usually have locks on them

They can come with Different options

  • Vented
    • Holes are milled into the metal to provide better air circulation.
  • Heavy Duty
    • Thicker or better quality metal that can take more weight.
    • These units are usually heavier that normal shelves.
  • Different colours
    • Personal choice, but I always will pick black.

Where to Buy

Cabinets

Shelves

Read 707 times Last modified on Wednesday, 06 April 2022 11:49
Published in Networks
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