Knowledge centre

1. Which server, network or wall-mounted cabinet suits me?

The product name is only a starting point. A server cabinet is generally deeper and has more perforated area for heat-producing equipment; a network cabinet is often designed around patch panels, switches and lighter network hardware. The decisive factors are always rack height, usable depth, load, airflow and installation location.

2. What do 19 inch and rack units (U) mean?

“19 inch” describes the standard mounting width for rack equipment. A 19-inch front panel is 482.6 mm wide and fastens to the vertical mounting profiles. Available height is expressed in rack units: 1U equals 44.45 mm.

Record the U height of every item. Include shelves, horizontal PDUs, cable managers and blanking panels. Non-rack equipment normally requires a shelf; both the shelf and the clear height above it consume usable rack space.

3. Measure external and usable mounting depth correctly

The external depth is never fully usable. Doors, hinges, mounting profiles, airflow and cable space all consume depth. Always check the specified maximum usable mounting depth and the adjustment range of the front and rear mounting profiles.

1. Measure the deepest device from the front of its mounting ears to the furthest point of the chassis.
2. Include protruding handles, power connectors, SFP or network cables and the minimum cable bend radius.
3. Check whether the equipment needs four-post rails and whether those rails fit the profile adjustment range.
4. Keep additional service and ventilation clearance so cables do not press against the rear door.

4. Load capacity, weight distribution and supporting structure

Add the weight of all servers, UPS units, switches, shelves, PDUs, cabling and planned expansion. The stated cabinet rating applies under the manufacturer’s conditions and is usually a static, evenly distributed load. The permitted weight while moving a cabinet on castors may be lower.

• Install UPS units, battery modules and heavy servers as low as possible to keep the centre of gravity down.
• Distribute weight across suitable four-post rails or shelves, and do not exceed their individual ratings.
• For a wall cabinet, check the cabinet rating, wall construction, fixing points and chosen anchors.
• For a heavy floor installation, have the structural floor or raised floor checked for the resulting point load.
• Secure a tall or top-heavy cabinet against tipping, especially where equipment slides out on rails.

5. Cooling and cable management

Identify which devices generate heat and the direction in which their fans move air. Many servers and switches draw cool air at the front and exhaust warm air at the rear. The cabinet and room must therefore allow cool air to reach the front and warm air to escape behind or above the equipment.

• Doors: perforated doors support higher airflow. A glass door can be suitable for a low heat load when adequate inlet and exhaust paths are available.
• Fans: a fan only helps if air has a clear route. Extra fans without a proper inlet can add noise without solving the cause.
• Blanking panels: close unused U spaces and can reduce recirculation of hot exhaust air to the front.
• Cabling: separate mains and data where practical, respect bend radii and avoid bundles so tight that servicing becomes difficult.
• Management: label both ends, use horizontal and vertical guides, and keep a controlled service loop without obstructing airflow.

6. Positioning, access and anchoring

Measure the entire route to the final location, not only the room itself. Record the narrowest doorway, corridor, lift and turn, including thresholds and changes in level. Compare these measurements with the fully packaged cabinet and confirm that the pallet can be unloaded and moved safely.

7. Prepare for pallet delivery

Floor-standing cabinets are generally supplied assembled and secured to a pallet. The carrier arranges the delivery time in advance. Standard delivery is to the kerbside or the first accessible exterior door at ground-floor level; carrying inside, stairs and final positioning are not included.

1. Confirm that a lorry can reach the address and report access restrictions in advance.
2. Clear the unloading area and route, and arrange enough people or suitable handling equipment for internal movement.
3. Make sure someone is present to inspect and sign for the shipment.
4. Before unpacking, check the number of packages and their condition. Record visible damage on the delivery note and take photographs.
5. Keep the packaging and pallet until the cabinet and accessories have been checked completely.

For rates, destinations, site access and transport damage, see Shipping and delivery.

8. Power distribution, PDU and UPS

Create a power schedule for all equipment and record both typical and maximum consumption. Choose a PDU with the correct connector types, enough outlets and a current rating comfortably above the calculated load. Also consider the available circuit, protective devices and any redundant power supplies.

• PDU: choose horizontal or vertical mounting according to available U and cable routing; check plug type, cable length and maximum current.
• UPS: verify capacity in watts and VA, required runtime, battery expansion, depth, weight and ventilation.
• Redundancy: dual-supply equipment can be divided across separate PDUs or power paths where the electrical design supports it.
• Safety: fixed or modified electrical installations should be installed and assessed by a suitably qualified electrician.