Server Rack Buying Guide
Organize and Secure Servers and Other Network Equipment
This buying guide will help you:
- Understand what a server rack is and its key features
- Know the key questions to ask before selecting a rack
- Compare the different types of server racks available
- Find the right type, size and weight support for your application
- Choose a server rack
Server Rack Basics
What is a server rack?
Server racks are open frames or cabinets designed for mounting, organizing and securing EIA-standard 19-inch width rack-mount IT and A/V equipment such as servers, routers, hubs, switches and audio/video components, regardless of the manufacturer. They also provide cable management and enable optimized airflow for increased operational efficiency and prolonged equipment life.
Where are server racks used?
- Data centers
- Server rooms
- Network closets
- Industrial/factory floors
- Edge of network locations
- Earthquake zone networks
- A/V & digital signage installations
- Quiet network locations
- Classrooms
Are server racks hard to install?
No. Most racks come fully assembled and ready to accept IT equipment. Compatible designs, toolless mounting and an extensive line of rack accessories mean easy planning, fast deployment and more efficient maintenance. As long as you have a level floor or surface that is capable of bearing the combined weight of a rack and the equipment inside of it, installing a cabinet is quite simple.
Top Server Rack Features
Provide organization and security for critical equipment
Server racks have sturdy steel frames and locking cabinets to secure and organize up to 3,000 lbs. of 19-inch rack equipment. They provide safe homes for servers, storage, network hardware and all the indispensable devices that keep your network efficient and productive.
Deliver efficient cooling
Most network racks feature front-to-rear airflow that supports efficient hot-aisle/cold-aisle configurations and exceed server manufacturer requirements to keep equipment operating reliably. Roof and panel fans are also available to optimize cooling efficiency.
Support diverse applications
Many server rack heights, widths, depths and other variations are available, with a wide range of configuration options so support any application.
Makes your job easier
Most server racks have been designed to optimize installation and maintenance, and that philosophy shows in the details that make routine tasks quicker and easier, adding up to big benefits over the workday.
Features like quick-adjust mounting rails, modular side panels and toolless mounting slots for vertical PDUs and cable managers facilitate installation and configuration. Seamless compatibility with all EIA-standard 19-inch rack equipment ensures trouble-free setup.
Types of Server Racks
Eaton's premium-grade floor and wall mount server racks and cabinets organize and secure IT equipment wherever it is located, from high-density data centers to the tightest of spaces at the edge of your network.
Compatible designs, tool-less mounting and an extensive line of rack accessories mean easier planning, faster deployments and more efficient maintenance.
Products Mentioned in this Article
Features |
For devices up to 13 in. deep |
For devices up to 20.5 in. deep |
For devices up to 32.5 in. deep |
For devices up to 36 in. deep |
| RACK HEIGHT | 12U - 18U |
2U - 26U |
12U - 18U |
2U - 16U |
| MAXIMUM LOAD CAPACITYUp to 250 lb [113 kg] | Up to 250 lb[113 kg] |
Up to 250 lb[113 kg] |
Up to 500 lb[227 kg] |
Up to 400 lb[181 kg] |
| HINGED BACK | Select Models |
Select Models |
Select Models |
No |
| DOORS | Lockable; Reversible |
Lockable; Reversible |
Lockable; Reversible |
Lockable; Reversible |
| MOUNTING RAILS | Square and round/threaded hole |
Square and round/threaded hole |
Square and 12-24 threaded hole |
Supports M6 and 12-24 mounting |
| AIRFLOW MANAGEMENT | Ventilated side panels and door |
Ventilated side panels and door |
Ventilated side panels and door |
Vented side panels (select) and door |
| BUILT-IN CABLE MANAGEMENT | Top and bottom routing ports; Side (select) |
Top and bottom routing ports |
Top and bottom routing ports |
Top and bottom routing ports |
|
View All |
View All |
View All |
View All |
Features |
For devices up to 13 in. deep |
For devices up to 24.5 in. deep |
For devices up to 32.5 in. deep |
For devices up to 36 in. deep |
| RACK HEIGHT | 12U - 18U |
12U - 26U |
12U - 18U |
2U - 16U |
| MAXIMUM LOAD CAPACITYUp to 250 lb [113 kg] | Up to 250 lb[113 kg] |
Up to 250 lb[113 kg] |
Up to 500 lb[227 kg] |
Up to 400 lb[181 kg] |
| HINGED BACK | Select Models |
Yes |
Select Models |
No |
| DOORS | Lockable; Reversible |
Lockable; Reversible |
Lockable; Reversible |
Lockable; Reversible |
| MOUNTING RAILS | Square and round/threaded hole |
Square and round/threaded hole |
Square and 12-24 threaded hole |
Supports M6 and 12-24 mounting |
| AIRFLOW MANAGEMENT | Ventilated side panels and door |
Ventilated side panels and door |
Ventilated side panels and door |
Vented side panels (select) and door |
| BUILT-IN CABLE MANAGEMENT | Top and bottom routing ports; Side (select) |
Top and bottom routing ports |
Top and bottom routing ports |
Top and bottom routing ports |
|
View All |
View All |
View All |
View All |
Airflow Management
Blanking panels, brush strips, etc. improve cooling efficiency by blocking unwanted airflow and preventing recirculation.
View More
Patch-Depth
Blanking panels, brush strips, etc. improve cooling efficiency by blocking unwanted airflow and preventing recirculation.
View More
Patch-Depth
Blanking panels, brush strips, etc. improve cooling efficiency by blocking unwanted airflow and preventing recirculation.
View More
Mounting Accessories
Hardware and other accessories for mounting rack equipment or managing cabling in your data center.
View More
Rack Shelves
Shelves and locking draws for convenient storage of laptops, towers, tools, cables, etc.
View More
Airflow Management
Blanking panels, brush strips, etc. improve cooling efficiency by blocking unwanted airflow and preventing recirculation.
View More
Patch-Depth
Blanking panels, brush strips, etc. improve cooling efficiency by blocking unwanted airflow and preventing recirculation.
View More
Patch-Depth
Blanking panels, brush strips, etc. improve cooling efficiency by blocking unwanted airflow and preventing recirculation.
View More
Mounting Accessories
Hardware and other accessories for mounting rack equipment or managing cabling in your data center.
View More
Rack Shelves
Shelves and locking draws for convenient storage of laptops, towers, tools, cables, etc.
View More
How to Choose a Server Rack: Key Questions to Ask
When selecting a server rack, there are some key questions that need to be answered.
What size of rack do you need?
The height of a rack and the height of equipment in it is expressed in "rack units" (a rack unit is 1.75 inches, or 44.45mm). The actual height of a 42U rack is therefore 42 x 1.75 = 73.5 inches. A 2U server would occupy two of the available 42 rack units.
Some racks cabinets come pre-assembled and can be rolled through standard 7-ft. (2.13m) commercial doorways. This allows network equipment to be racked, cabled and rolled into place in a server room for easy installation.
Wall-mount racks offer secure organization for standard 19-inch rack equipment and can support depths up to 36 inches in locations with limited floor space. Most include clear acrylic windows that allow you to monitor equipment without unlocking rack doors.
Open-frame, low-profile and vertical-mount racks are also available to accommodate unique network equipment sizes in locations where security is not a priority and space is limited.
Be sure to make an accurate assessment of the amount of rack space you currently need, and allow for future growth as your network expands.
What is the maximum rack depth required?
Rack depth is dictated by the deepest device you want to install. Determine the maximum rack depth required to mount your equipment in a floor-standing or wall-mount rack enclosure cabinet.
Floor-Standing Rack Depth Designations
Shallow
27
A/V equipment, limited space
Mid-depth
31
Limited space
Standard
37
Servers
Deep
42
Extra cables, improved airflow
Wall-Mount Rack Depth Designations
Patch-depth
< 16
Patch panels
Switch-depth
16 - 23.99
Switches
UPS-depth
24 - 31.99
UPS systems
Server-depth
> 32
Servers
See this convenient Rack Advisor Tool to find a rack that can accommodate the depth and weight of a UPS system, servers and switches it powers.
Can the rack handle the weight of your equipment?
A fully populated rack can weigh upwards of 3,000 lbs. Make sure that the capacity of the rack is greater than the total weight of the equipment being mounted.
Other Features to Consider
Shock pallet packaging
Shock pallet racks feature additional reinforcement and shock-absorbing material for safely re-shipping loaded racks to remote sites.
Expansion
Expansion models can be attached or “bayed” together easily to form rows, which is ideal for hot-aisle/cold-aisle cooling techniques.
Disassembled shipping
Racks ship fully assembled for easy installation. However, sometimes doorways or tight spaces cannot accommodate fully assembled racks, so knockdown models ship disassembled for easier transportation.
Heat removal
Thermal Duct Rack Enclosures directly connect to a facility's exhaust system to remove hot air not only from the rack but from the entire room.
Co-location
Some data center sites host multiple users in a single Rack Cabinet. Co-location models have two separate compartments to allow secure access to the correct users.
TAA-compliance
GSA schedule purchases and other government contracts require products that comply with the Trade Agreement Act (TAA).
PCI-compliance
The Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standard requires that all companies that process, store or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment.
Extra width
In addition to extended-depth racks, extra-wide models provide extra space for cables and improved airflow.
Seismic protection
Seismic enclosures have a rugged welded construction and are tested to Seismic Zone 4 standards, making them ideal for sites that are earthquake-prone or are subject to regular vibration, such as an airport or factory. Most seismic racks are designed and tested to meet Telcordia GR-63-CORE Network Equipment & Building Systems (NEBS) requirements for Zone 4 seismic earthquake environments.
Sound Suppression
Quiet server racks are also available to muffle loud network equipment for a less stressful work environment. These acoustic server racks are specifically designed to minimize external acoustic levels caused by network equipment. Less noise makes for a calmer work environment that encourages productivity.
Cable management and accessories
Shelves, mounting rails, stabilization, cooling, patch panels, hardware kits, casters, cable ducts and troughs enable custom installations to accommodate any space limitation or expansion requirement.
Hinged back
Select rack cabinets swing away from the wall on a sturdy hinge, allowing easy access to equipment and cabling during installation and maintenance.
Products Mentioned in this Article
Why Buy from Eaton?
We know you have many brands to choose from. On the surface, they may all seem alike. It's what you don't see that makes the difference. With Eaton, you get solid engineering, proven reliability and exceptional customer service. All our products undergo rigorous quality control before they are offered for sale, and independent testing agencies verify our products meet or exceed the latest safety and performance standards. Our commitment to quality allows us to back our products with industry-leading warranties and responsive customer service. It's the Eaton difference.
Server Rack Glossary of Terms
A
All-Metal Frame
Server racks constructed from heavy-duty, all-metal steel frames with a durable black powder-coated finish that are virtually indestructible.
C
Cable Management
Shelves, mounting rails, stabilization, cooling, patch panels, hardware kits, casters, cable ducts and troughs enable custom installations to accommodate any space limitation or expansion requirement.
Cable Routing
Convenient ports with removable covers allow cable routing through top and bottom of rack units.
Clear Acrylic Window
Acrylic windows allow you to monitor equipment without unlocking rack doors.
Co-Location
Some data center sites host multiple users in a single rack cabinet. Co-location racks have two separate compartments to allow secure access to the correct users.
E
Expansion Rack
Expansion racks can be attached or “bayed” together easily to form rows, which is ideal for hot-aisle/cold-aisle cooling techniques.
Extra Width Rack
Extra wide racks provide extra width space for additional cables and improved airflow.
F
Front-to-Rear Airflow
Most racks feature front-to-rear airflow that supports efficient hot-aisle/cold-aisle configurations and exceed server manufacturer requirements to keep equipment operating reliably.
H
Heat Removal
Thermal duct rack enclosures directly connect to a facility's exhaust system to remove hot air not only from the rack but from the entire room.
Hinged Back
Select rack cabinets swing away from the wall on a sturdy hinge, allowing easy access to equipment and cabling during installation and maintenance.
K
Knockdown Rack
Racks ship fully assembled for easy installation. However, sometimes doorways or tight spaces cannot accommodate fully assembled racks, so knockdown models ship disassembled for easier transportation.
L
Locking Cabinet
Rack locking cabinets secure and organize standard 19 in. rack equipment. They provide security for servers, routers, hubs, UPS systems and other essential network equipment.
N
Network Equipment-Building System (NEBS)
NEBS (Network Equipment-Building System) describes the environment of a typical United States RBOC Central Office. NEBS is the most common set of safety, spatial and environmental design guidelines applied to telecommunications equipment in the United States. It is an industry requirement, but not a legal requirement.
O
Open-Frame Rack
Expandable open-frame racks store 8U, 12U or 22U of 19-inch rack equipment up to 18 inches deep in locations with limited floor space where a locked enclosure is not required. Allows easy access to equipment and cabling.
P
Patch-Depth
Racks specifically designed to accommodate patch panel depths up to 13 inches.
PCI and PCI DSS-Compliant
The Payment Card Industry (PCI) data security standard requires that all companies that process, store or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment. PCI-compliant racks provide physical equipment and media security required for PCI DSS compliance.
Q
Quiet Rack
Racks specifically designed to minimize external acoustic levels caused by network equipment. Special foam sound-dampening baffles built into doors and side panels reduce acoustic levels by as much as 28 decibels.
R
Rack Depth
Rack depth is dictated by the deepest device you want to install. Determine the maximum rack depth required to mount your equipment in a floor-standing or wall-mount rack enclosure cabinet.
Reversible Front Door
Rotate rack cabinets 180° before mounting to open reversible front door left or right.
Roll-Through Capability
Some rack cabinets come pre-assembled and can be rolled through standard 7-ft. (2.13m) commercial doorways. This allows network equipment to be racked, cabled and rolled into place in a server room for easy installation.
S
Seismic Protection
Seismic server racks have a rugged welded construction and are tested to Seismic Zone 4 standards, making them ideal for sites that are earthquake-prone or are subject to regular vibration, such as an airport or factory.
Shock Pallet Packaging
Shock pallet racks feature additional reinforcement and shock-absorbing material for safely re-shipping loaded racks to remote sites.
T
TAA-Compliant
GSA scheduled purchases and other government contracts require products that comply with the Trade Agreement Act (TAA).
V
Vented Rack Panel
Vented rack panels allow generous airflow that keeps equipment cool.
Vertical-Mount Rack
Vertical-mount racks extend less than 12 inches from the wall while housing equipment up to 36 inches deep, including 1U servers, UPS systems, battery packs and switches.
Vertical Mounting Rail
Vertical mounting rails adjust in 7/8-inch increments to accommodate equipment up to 16.5 in. deep, such as network switches and patch panels.
W
Wall-Mount Rack
Wall-mount racks offer secure organization for standard 19-in. rack equipment and can support depths up to 36 in. in locations with limited floor space.
