Key Factors To Consider When Choosing a Rack Size
To choose the right rack size, key factors to consider are height, depth, width, and load capacity. Understanding these dimensions ensures your equipment fits properly and is fully compatible with the rack.
- Height (U units): To choose the correct server rack size, you need to consider the height of your equipment. The height is measured in “U” units, which is the term for a rack unit. A rack unit is a standard EIA term for measuring the overall height in a server rack. The hole spacing for EIA 19” standard racks on the mounting flange is spaced in groups of three holes.
By calculating the rack units, you can make sure that the dimensions of your network equipment will fit inside a server rack. For reference, you can use the Rack Unit Converter to view the different measurements for rack units between 1U-48U.
- Depth: Server rack depth is distance between the front rail to the back rail of the rack.. The depth is commonly measured in inches and has less variation than height. Racks can range from 0-50”deep, with 24” and 48” being the most common. A 24” rack depth is suitable for network equipment, AV equipment, and patch panels. A 29” rack depth, standard for open frames, is compatible with many servers from Dell, HP, and IBM/Lenovo.
Any depth greater than 29” can house larger equipment or provide extra space for cable management and other additional accessories. Even if you have a high depth rack, server rack rails with adjustable mounting depths can help a shorter server fit perfectly.
- Width: The common standard rack width is 19”. Most rack-mounted equipment, such as servers, have a mounting width of 19” measured from one hole to another. This means that a server rack must be 19” across in order to fit your network equipment.
Most racks come with an exterior width of 24”, which works well in the data center industry because of the standard 48” floor panel. Data center floor panels are typically 24” x 24”, so a standard rack depth of 48” and a width of 24” is easier to match up your racks with your available floor space. Plus, a rack with a 24” depth will keep things simple because it takes up exactly one panel.
- Load Capacity: It is crucial to check the rack's weight capacity to ensure it can handle the combined weight of your equipment. However, it’s not just about the total weight of your server rack. You will also need to consider the difference between static and dynamic load weight. By selecting the correct load capacity for your equipment, you can prevent equipment damage and collapse.
- Static Load - Static load weight refers to the maximum weight that a server rack can hold when the equipment is stationary and not being moved. It represents the weight-bearing capacity under non-moving and stable conditions. Static load also includes the weight of the equipment itself, along with any additional weight from rack accessories or cables.
- Dynamic Load - Dynamic load weight refers to the maximum weight that a server rack can hold when the equipment is being rolled on casters or adjusted. This includes situations where equipment is being installed, removed, or repositioned within the structure. Dynamic load also includes the weight of the equipment itself, as well as any additional weight from accessories or cables. Since dynamic loads can cause additional stress and strain on the structure due to motion or vibration involved, the dynamic load capacity is generally lower than the static load capacity.
Selecting Your Server Rack
Once you have these factors considered, there are a variety of racks you can select from depending on your business requirements. Whether you need a rack for your home, office or data center, you can select from the following racks: open frame rack, enclosed rack, wall mount rack, 2-post rack, colocation rack, and portable rack.
- Open Frame Rack: Budget-friendly solution for organizing and monitoring network equipment. With no sides or doors, they offer easy access and come in 2-post or 4-post designs. While 2-post racks save space, 4-post racks support more weight. These racks are ideal for network closets and high-density cabling setups, providing ample accessibility for cable management.
- Enclosed Rack: Reduces the risk of data loss and prevents rack-mounted equipment from being tampered with. With lockable front and back openings, they offer an extra layer of protection, keeping network systems and cables safe. By securing equipment, enclosed racks help minimize downtime and ensure maximum uptime.
- Wall Mount Rack: Space-saving and affordable solution for keeping network equipment off the floor in offices or homes. Ideal for switches, patch panels, and servers. They come in open-frame or cabinet styles and are easier to install than other rack options.
- 2-Post Rack (Telco Rack): Features two vertical upright support beams, ideal for light-weight IT equipment such as patch panels and switches. In comparison to 4-post racks, 2-post racks are less expensive, smaller in size, and are generally made from aluminum.
- Colocation Rack: Provides a secure, self-contained means for 2-4 tenants to share a single rack enclosure. Primarily used by businesses that rely on data center colocation services for hosting and maintaining their IT equipment
- Portable Rack: Ideal for home offices or small workspaces. Any operation that doesn’t need a full sized rack can benefit from using portable racks.
Additional Factors To Consider
- Space Limitations: Measure the available space to ensure a proper fit for installation.
- Future Expansion: If you have scalability in mind, you need to choose a rack with enough capacity for potential equipment upgrades.
- Cooling Needs: The rack should support adequate airflow for optimal performance of your equipment.
- Ease of Access: Ensure convenient access for cable management and maintenance.
How To Locate Product Specifications (Height, Width, Depth, Weight)
To find product specifications, check the Details and Instructions and Downloads section on the product page. The product measurements are available in the Dimensional Drawings PDF.