Industrial rack mount enclosures can provide a secure and dust-free environment for expensive electronic equipment that must be protected on a daily basis. Whether protecting servers, routers, UPS's, or other rack equipment, enclosures are a must in an industrial setting, especially one that might be dusty, dirty, or consist of corrosive and hazardous chemicals. By choosing the right enclosure, one can feel confident that they will avoid costly downtime and achieve the maximum life cycle of their investment.
5 tips to consider when selecting a Rack Mount Enclosure:
1. Rack Mount Space
Many rack mount enclosures are simply described by the amount of rack mount space, also known as a “U”. (1U = 1.75”) The amount of U’s indicate how much interior space is available for mounting a large array of equipment.
2. Rail Width
Most common rail widths are either 19" or 24”. Be sure to check the specifications and requirements for the server and network equipment prior to selecting the proper enclosure.
3. 
Type of Rails
Rack mount enclosures are offered with square punched or tapped rails. When racking electronics, always be sure that the preferred type of rails are available to the installer. Knowing the type of rails installed in the enclosure will ensure the installer has the right mounting hardware available on site. Plus, determine if the rails are adjustable to provide flexibility with the desired equipment that will be housed inside of the enclosure.
4. Level of Protection
Enclosures can be used in clean, office environments and/or dirty, manufacturing environments. A ventilated enclosure is the perfect choice for a clean room. For harsh manufacturing environments, determine the appropriate NEMA rating required for the desired application. (NEMA 12: dust, dirt, oil, and splashing fluids; NEMA 4: dust, dirt, oil and hose directed water; NEMA 4X: dust, dirt, oil, host directed fluids, and corrosive materials)
5. Thermal Management
When deploying a NEMA rated enclosure, cooling options should also be considered in order to keep equipment running smoothly. Many installers are inclined to pack the enclosure with various electronics to make the most of the available space. It is absolutely vital to account for the amount of heat that will be produced inside the enclosure, as well as the ambient temperatures outside of the enclosure.
For helpful tips on choosing the right heating and cooling solution, please reference:
Once the essential bases are covered, consider the additional accessories that will be most useful for the enclosure.
- Tamper proof locking front and rear doors
- Removable side panels to gang the enclosures together
- Adjustable shelving
- Cable management
- Power strips/power supply
Always keep a list of must-haves when choosing a rack mount enclosure. It is important to protect sensitive technology investments day in and day out. The right enclosure will ensure that the life cycle of the equipment is extended beyond expectations.
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