19" Rack Enclosures

Enclosures for smaller installations come in many forms but almost all are of the 19" rack style. All manufacturers of cabling products make this type of equipment. These enclosures may be small wall mounted units to larger full sized 19" rack cabinets. When choosing an enclosure please consider the following in your design specification.

Aesthetics
Many enclosures are black on the outside but a lighter colour on the inside will make your job easier when working with cable pairs and termination blocking as light in confined spaces is limited.

Site Access and Floor Loading
If you have to get larger 19" rack cabinets into a building then how will you gain access? Will the cabinet fit into a lift or will you have to use the stairs? Is the floor where the cabinet is to be placed suitable for the proposed weight when equipped?

Cable Access
Is there access for cables to enter the cabinet from the top or bottom?
Is there ceiling or below floor access for cable tray or other pathways?

Work Area Placement
Is it possible to create a zone and place the cabinet centrally for cable distribution?

Cabinet Options

Doors
Do you need doors or sides.
Doors may be solid or clear glass/perspex/Plexiglass.

Shelves
How many shelves are needed to hold active equipment.
Shelving may be solid or slotted, slotted is superior for air flow, cooling.
Shelves do not have to be the full depth of the cabinet, free up some space.

Rack Units (RU or U) How many Rack Units do you need?
Do you need rack unit verticals in the front and back?

Power and Earthing
Do you need power outlet strips fitted?
Does the cabinet require earthing?

Ventilation
Will you need fans in the bottom and or the top or even in the side panels?
You must keep air flow through the cabinet if active equipment is installed.

Castors or Plinth
If the cabinet is to move in the future or if the business moves should you consider castors on the base of the cabinet.
Does the cabinet need a plinth or not?

Note the how all components are earthed.


Castors may be needed on the base.


What sort of top plate is needed?


Is power required?


Ventilation units are necessary to keep equipment cool.


What sort of plinth do you need?


Don't forget to order your mounting nuts and bolts.


If you don't need a full depth shelf use shorter shelves.


B&R Ausrack Network Cabinets (Australia)


B&R Ausrack Wall Mount Cabinets (Australia)