Many companies utilize a server room to house important network equipment.

There are a number of rack mount enclosures available on the market. However, finding the right solution for your company does require some thorough research. Identifying and understanding the following 3 considerations will help you make a well informed decision on the best rack enclosure for the job.

3 Helpful Tips for the Perfect Rack Enclosure

Space

Is the room - that the enclosure(s) will live - physically large enough to install the intended rack enclosure? Make sure the room has sufficient clearance to install the rack. As a general rule of thumb, you want to have at least 2-3 feet of clearance in the front and back of the rack, so that equipment can easily be accessed and the doors have enough space to swing open. Most racks are approximately 38” deep, so you will need to account for approximately 8 feet of depth in the desired installation location. Failing to properly plan can result in the rack enclosure being pushed against a wall. You also need to account for the space above the enclosure. Ample space from the top of the cabinet to the ceiling is necessary for proper air flow and routing cables overhead.

Environment

Is it a clean room or dirty/dusty environment? Many server rooms are often coined as “clean” rooms that are secluded from the factory floor. Clean rooms are generally air conditioned (more information about thermal management is below) and maintained at a reasonable cool temperature. According to the website, WhatIs.com, “A clean room (or cleanroom) is an enclosed space in which airborne particulates, contaminants, and pollutants are kept within strict limits. In industry, clean rooms are used in the manufacture and servicing of hardware such as integrated circuits (ICs) and hard drives… In addition, the temperature and humidity may be controlled.” These type of applications are best suited for a vented rack enclosure (see image). However, not all rooms are created equal! Some installations will require a NEMA 12 enclosure to keep particulate dust and debris away from electronics. In certain instances, specifiers may require a NEMA 4 rack to protect against sprinkler systems as water can quickly destroy vital equipment.

Cooling

When contained in an enclosure, there is no doubt that electronics will produce a large amount of heat. It is critical to specify and configure the correct cooling system prior to making any purchasing decisions. Filtered fans, re-circulating fans, heat exchangers, and air conditioners are all possible cooling solutions available for installation on server racks. And, we cannot stress enough, change and/or clean the filter (if the cooling system has a filter)! According to the Energy Star website, “At a minimum, change the filter every 3 months. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder … wasting energy. A clean filter will also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system — leading to expensive maintenance and/or early system failure.” Also, if you are tight on space, inquire if the room permits ducted cool air to be directed to the enclosure. If using this method, make sure you clearly locate air intakes and exhausts near the equipment.

To ensure project success, perform the proper (and necessary) homework. Before making any purchasing decisions, make sure that important elements, like thermal management, are reviewed. You do not want to purchase expensive electronics and have them fail, because the chosen enclosure did not properly protect them. Also – make sure that all of your equipment will fit properly inside of the enclosure and that the proper NEMA rating is met!

For More Information:

7 Steps in Selecting the Proper Network & Server Enclosures

5 Tips For Choosing a Rack Mount Enclosure

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