Open Frame Racks
Open frame server racks are an effective solution for many types of equipment mounting. They’re as great in the data center as they are in your back IT closet. These racks allow easy access for maintenance, they come in a variety of shapes and sizes and have many 2 post and 4 post options.
Common Open Frame Rack Questions
▼ What accessories are available for my open frame rack?
To save yourself from cable stress and equipment damage, here are some server rack accessories to optimize your build. With these additions, you can further protect your equipment, control airflow, manage cables, and maneuver your server rack.
Blanking Panels are compatible with our open frame racks to help manage airflow. If you leave open space in open frame racks, hot air can drift towards the front of the servers or linger creating hot spots.
Cable Management Bars fit on the back of our 2 post and 4 post open frame server racks. These dramatically improve organization and appearance of setups which use lots of networking cables, making it easier to find the ones you need to adjust.
Fans are available in horizontal and vertical arrangements. Both variants help direct exhaust and prohibit hot spots from developing.
Vertical Rackmount Powerstrips are installed at the rear of the server racks. These power strips are available with 8, 16, or 24 outlets. Additionally, Horizontal Rackmount Power Strips can be mounted on the back of your rack in a similar fashion to cable management bars.
For our non-threaded, square hole racks, Cage Nuts are required to mount shelves and rails. These are available with 10-32, 12-24 and M6 threads, depending on what your specific equipment requires.
▼ How much U space do I need?
Server racks feature square, round, or threaded holes on the front and back to secure equipment. A “rack unit” (or U space) equals 1.75" of vertical space and consists of three mounting holes. This standard measurement determines how much space your equipment will occupy and ensures standard sizing within the industry.
To choose the right server rack, it’s important to understand how much U space your equipment requires. Choosing the correct size helps avoid unnecessary costs and ensures everything fits properly. If you have excess space, blanking panels may be needed to maintain proper airflow. We provide server racks solutions for home, office, and data center environments.
▼ How much depth does my rack need?
Rack depth is just as important as U space. If your server rack isn’t deep enough, you may end up returning or replacing it. When determining the right depth, you need to consider not only your current hardware dimensions but also any future equipment to ensure everything fits properly. Without adequate depth, your equipment may extend beyond the back of the rack.
Our server racks range from 0 to 50" in depth, with the average around 36". In addition to ensuring proper fit for your equipment, make sure any rails or shelves you plan to use are compatible with your rack depth.
▼ What internal and external width do I need?
Most server chassis are designed to fit standard 19" or 23" mounting widths. On our website, you can filter racks by mountable width. For example, a 19" rack accommodates 19" wide equipment, but this measurement refers to the internal mounting width, not the total width of the rack. The external width refers to the space a rack occupies in a room. It can extend up to 32" to allow for cable management, power supplies, and other accessories.
To summarize, check your equipment width to determine the required internal mounting width, and consider your available floor space when selecting the appropriate external width.
▼ What is static and dynamic load weight?
When managing a server room or data center, knowing the weight capacity of your server racks is crucial. However, it’s not just about the total weight of your rack. You also need to consider the difference between static and dynamic load weight.
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.
On the other hand, 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.
▼ What are 2 Post Racks used for?
2-Post racks (telco rack or relay rack) are ideal for light-weight IT equipment such as patch panels and switches. This rack type features two vertical upright support beams. In some cases, a 2-post rack is bolted into the floor for more stability. Compared to 4-post racks, they are less expensive, smaller in size, and typically made from aluminum.
▼ What are 4 Post racks used for?
4-Post racks are great for supporting servers, networking equipment, and other hardware in data centers or IT environments. Designed for versatility and stability, this rack type maximizes space and streamlines cable management, making them an essential for efficient equipment setup.
▼ What are the benefits of Enclosed Racks?
Enclosed racks reduce the risk of data loss and prevent rack-mounted equipment from being tampered with. This is crucial if you’re storing equipment that holds valuable information. Rack enclosures are lockable, have front/back openings, and serve as a second level of protection.
With an enclosed rack, your network systems and cables are safe inside the enclosure. By securing your equipment, you can reduce the risk of downtime and achieve maximum uptime by keeping a strong barrier between your IT equipment and external damage.