The maintenance of telecommunication equipment and in general electronic equipment often requires the use of special devices. This is especially true for server rooms, technical rooms and control rooms, the functional purpose of which involves the installation of IT devices. The mounting rack, provided with reliable supporting and fixing fittings, helps in solving this problem.
Technical device
This design looks like a cabinet or a multifunctional set of compact shelving. For example, server cabinets perform the same tasks, but their device provides for the inclusion of doors and windows. In turn, the stand is an open structure without sheathing and locking panels. This is a frame assembled from metal (usually steel) elements, brought together by hardware. Such a structure can reach 2200 mm in height, 500 mm in width, and about 1000 mm in depth. Moreover, there are non-standard form factors designed to service specific equipment - air conditioners, uninterruptible power supplies, mini-stations, etc. All profile elements from which the mounting rack is assembled have perforations, as well as sockets and outputs for connecting to third-party equipment or power sources.
Equipment
The rack structure itself is quite simple, but thanks to the basic set or additional accessories, it can be very functional. The basic set usually includes supporting elements (legs, castors or platform support base), directly frames with profiles, fixing parts and a cover. Separately, as an option, slides and shelves are purchased in accordance with a given standard size. The elements of the shelves themselves can have a different operating principle - from manual to automatic with guide rails and electric drive. It is important to consider the possibility of transformation of the case. An extended rack mounting kit may include adjustments and adapter modules, which allow the user to connect the cabinet to other similar installations.
Varieties of racks
In the simplest models, the design is performed with a single frame. This is an optimized version, which implements minimal physical support of the equipment on the one hand. Moreover, in the lower part of the fixation, it is possible to move the profiles. That is, the owner can customize the design according to the depth of placement of the target equipment. A more common two-frame mounting stand, in which there are two locking sides. This design increases the ability to withstand heavy loads and expands functionality. Unlike single-frame models, such versions allow you to place intermediate shelves and niches, providing fixation on four sides. Also with regard to the stiffness of the material, two-frame structures show higher rates. Often used hardened steel, additionally treated with anticorrosion and antistatic coatings.
Operational features
Racks for telecommunication equipment have many advantages over server cabinets and storage racks.
First of all, it is a small mass and a minimum of structural elements. Even in assembled form with a complete set, such an installation can be easily transported to one person - the average weight is 10-15 kg. In this case, the carrying capacity varies from 300 to 800 kg.
The second feature due to structural minimalism is the unification and flexibility of use in solving a wide range of problems. The standard mounting rack, provided that appropriate shelves and fasteners are used, is equally suitable for large server hardware enclosures, and for compact devices like routers, distributors, and electrical fittings.
Also, in comparison with industrial furniture for storage, racks of this type are specially oriented for the operation of electronics. This is manifested in the smallest details - from channels for wiring of various sizes to plastic jumpers that allow you to safely fix the contours, providing grounding.
Mounting Rack Installation
At the first stage, metal frames are assembled. By means of complete clamps, clamps and fasteners, a basic body is constructed. The bottom panel is connected to the corner posts, and the cover is mounted at the top. As a rule, butt assemblies are reduced with screws, brackets and bolts of a suitable size. Installation is carried out in an originally thought-out place, and it does not have to be stationary use of equipment. The same versions with wheels can be moved, temporarily fixing the frame with clamps. The next step is the placement of the target equipment. First, the mounting cabinets and racks are adjusted for the equipment enclosures, and then fixing is performed.
Additional profiles with bolt holes are practically not used - the main perforation provides enough opportunities for an exact fit of the equipment cases. In the integrated latches, you can install square nuts M6, which fix the main body. From the back, it is envisaged to fasten the edges of the equipment and install the retractable rails.
Conclusion
The use of special devices for electrical equipment facilitates the processes of its operation, maintenance and storage. Also, the use of mounting racks increases the level of security. The same server rooms and data centers are subject to high requirements for fire safety standards. Even the mid-rack infrastructure provides an optimal level of electrical protection to prevent the risks of short circuits and network overloads. And this is not to mention the possibilities of convenient integration into the same working compartments of the protection units and automatic load balancers.